This verse appears in Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.5.32). When the great sage Narada was giving instructions to Maharaja Yudhisthira, he narrated the activities of Prahlada Maharaja. This verse was spoken by Prahlada Maharaja to his father, Hiranyakasipu, the king of demons. Prahlada Maharaja informed his father of the nine basic processes of bhakti-yoga. Whoever takes to these processes is to be considered a highly learned scholar. Hiranyakasipu, however, did not like his son to talk about devotional service; therefore he immediately called his teacher, Sandamarka. The teacher explained that he did not teach devotional service to Prahlada but that the boy was naturally inclined that way. At that time Hiranyakasipu became very angry and asked Prahlada why he had become a Vaisnava. In answer to this question, Prahlada Maharaja recited this verse to the effect that one cannot become the Lord's devotee without receiving the mercy and blessings of another devotee.