Bageshwar Dham Sarkar
Why is serving the Guru counted as bhakti, and where does it fall among the steps of devotion?
Guru's feet seva is the third bhakti
The Ramayan lists serving the Guru's feet as the third bhakti, after the company of saints and love for Bhagwan's katha. The verse calls this bhakti amaan, meaning free of pride.
Serving the lotus feet of the Guru is the third bhakti, free of pride; the fourth is singing the Lord's praises without deceit. The Ramayan says the third bhakti is service at the Guru's feet.