Bhagavan is the Self

One must keep one's attention on the Self if one wants to make progress on the spiritual path. But since Bhagavan is also the Self, you can also make progress by thinking of Him. It is good to feel love and devotion towards Bhagavan. The more we love Him, the more His grace flows to us in return.

When I used to look at Bhagavan's picture He seemed to say to be saying to me, 'I went beyond this body and established myself as consciousness. Now you try and do the same.'

Bhagavan is the Self. If you concentrate on His image, He will call you towards Him. He will try to pull you towards the real Self.

It is always good to worship the Guru, but abiding in the Guru's teachings is far better. ...
You should not jump to the conclusion that you are not making progress with self-enquiry because you find it hard to do. And you should not think that you will make more progress as a bhakta simply because you find it easy to generate joyful states of mind.

There is nothing wrong with looking at Bhagavan's picture. It is a very good practice. But you should not get sidetracked from you main objective which is establishing yourself as consciousness. Don't get attached to states of bliss or give them priority over the quest for the Self.
-- Annamalai Swami