Krishna’s love for His devotees is unconditional. He is so blinded by love for His devotees that even if a devotee engages in improper activities (durācāra), Krishna still considers him a sādhu (BG 9.31). For a devotee, there is no permanent fall down because Krishna protects him. In contrast, a jnānī who neglects Krishna’s lotus feet has no hope of deliverance (SB 10.2.32).

The Power of Māyā

Even the most intelligent people can get bewildered by māyā. The Bhagavad Gītā states:
yatato hy api kaunteya
puruṣasya vipaścitaḥ
indriyāṇi pramāthīni
haranti prasabhaṁ manaḥ
The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavoring to control them. (BG 2.60)
How powerful the agents of illusion are!

Even sages who recognize this world as temporary and full of suffering can fall prey to illusion.
vadanti viśvaṁ kavayaḥ sma naśvaraṁ
paśyanti cādhyātmavido vipaścitaḥ
tathāpi muhyanti tavāja māyayā
su-vismitaṁ kṛtyam ajaṁ nato ‘smi tam
O unborn one, learned Vedic scholars who are advanced in spiritual knowledge certainly know that this material world is perishable, as do other logicians and philosophers. In trance, they realize the factual position of this world, and they preach the truth as well. Yet even they are sometimes bewildered by Your illusory energy. This is Your own wonderful pastime. Therefore, I can understand that Your illusory energy is very wonderful, and I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. (SB 5.18.4)

Māyā is merciless, and anyone without Krishna’s shelter can be easily vanquished by her.

Can a Devotee Get Bewildered?

Yes, a devotee can get bewildered, but there is a huge difference between a devotee’s apparent falldown and a jnānī’s downfall. A jnānī has no support or shelter upon falling, whereas a devotee, even if bewildered, is ultimately drawn closer to Krishna’s lotus feet.

Causes of Bewilderment

1. Bewilderment Due to Carelessness

Negligence in spiritual practice makes a devotee susceptible to māyā’s influence. Scriptures repeatedly emphasize the need for attentiveness in devotional service. Carelessness may manifest in two ways—negligence or overconfidence.
Bharata Mahārāja’s carelessness led him to get distracted by māyā.
Jaimini Rishi’s overconfidence led him to get tempted by māyā.
Priyavrata placed himself in an environment full of distractions and got seduced by māyā.

2. Bewilderment Due to Past Conditioning

A devotee’s previous material conditionings can reappear, causing temporary setbacks. A striking example is Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura, who got bewildered due to his past conditionings, but later went on to become a great devotee of the Supreme Lord.

3. Bewilderment as the Lord’s Will

Sometimes, a devotee may get bewildered due to Krishna’s supreme will. Arjuna was bewildered at the start of the Kurukṣetra battle simply so that we could receive the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gītā.

Bewildered, Yet Protected

For a devotee, Krishna’s role as taranti (BG 7.14 – one who delivers) is far more significant than māyā’s role as haranti (BG 2.60 – one who takes away). Even if a devotee stumbles, Krishna ensures his protection.

One of my favorite verses from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam that is spoken by the demigods states:
tathā na te mādhava tāvakāḥ kvacid
bhraśyanti mārgāt tvayi baddha-sauhṛdāḥ
tvayābhiguptā vicaranti nirbhayā
vināyakānīka-pa-mūrdhasu prabho
O Mādhava, Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord of the goddess of fortune, if devotees completely in love with You sometimes fall from the path of devotion, they do not fall like non-devotees, for You still protect them. Thus, they fearlessly traverse the heads of their opponents and continue to progress in devotional service. (SB 10.2.33)

Unlike a jnānī, who is devoid of Krishna’s support, a devotee is always under Krishna’s care. Nowhere in the Bhāgavatam do we see a devotee being permanently lost due to māyā’s influence. They always return to Krishna some time or the other. Purūrava was madly enchanted by Urvashi, but later he regained his senses and sang the Aila Gītā, which Krishna later narrated to Uddhava.

Crossing Over

As a devotee matures in Krishna consciousness, māyā loses her grip on him. Deep absorption in Krishna acts as the ultimate protective shield against māyā. Over time, a devotee overcomes all kinds of gross and subtle obstacles that once hindered their spiritual progress.

Regarding King Rantideva, it is mentioned:
īśvarālambanaṁ cittaṁ
kurvato ‘nanya-rādhasaḥ
māyā guṇa-mayī rājan
svapnavat pratyalīyata
O Mahārāja Parīkṣit, because King Rantideva was a pure devotee, always Krishna conscious and free from all material desires, the Lord’s illusory energy, māyā, could not exhibit herself before him. On the contrary, for him, māyā entirely vanished, exactly like a dream. (SB 9.21.17)

A rare or occasional slip in consciousness does not tarnish one’s identity as a devotee. Śrīla Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa compares this to the rabbit-like marks on the moon. These spots do not hinder the moon’s ability to shine. Similarly, a devotee’s imperfections cannot obstruct their spiritual progress.

Taking shelter of Krishna means developing unalloyed faith in His grace and protection – taranti. He delivers and protects His devotees, ensuring they are never lost – haranti – in the whirlpool of māyā. For a devotee, there is endless hope. And for a non-devotee, even if he may be a jnani, there is no recourse.

daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī
mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante
māyām etāṁ taranti te
This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it. (BG 7.14)