The Spiritual Master should be treated as good as God

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami: When Locana Dasa began making murtis of Srila Prabhupada, Karandhara sent pictures to Prabhupada and asked for his instructions. Prabhupada replied that "the spiritual master should be treated as good as the Deity - as good as God" Like the appearance of Krishna in the Deity form, the appearance of Srila Prabhupada in his murti is a special dispensation of mercy, allowing the devotees to engage in direct personal service to his transcendental form. And for one who has devotion for this deity, Srila Prabhupada reveals himself. The sastras recommend worship of the guru by arati and kirtana.