Many people have a question in their minds, Why Hindus Do Murti Puja or Image Worship? However, we cannot find out the real truth by considering it only from a religious perspective. Let’s find out why Hindus worship idols.
- Spiritual basis
In Hinduism, it is believed that—
- Almighty God is formless, which cannot be seen or understood with the ordinary eye.
- But ordinary people cannot imagine an invisible or formless entity.
👉 Therefore, devotees imagine God in the form of a form and make idols and worship them centered on that form.
- Importance of symbols
In Hinduism, the idol of every god and goddess is actually a symbol.
- For example, Durga idol means not just an idol of clay, but a symbol of strength, courage and destruction of evil forces.
- Ganesh idol is a symbol of knowledge, learning and auspicious beginnings.
👉 Therefore, idol worship means remembering and expressing devotion to God through symbols.
- Bhakti Yoga and Mind Concentration
Bhakti Yoga is an important method in Hindu philosophy.
- An idol or statue concentrates the mind of a person.
- Just as we remember a loved one when we see a picture, devotees remember God when they see an idol.
- Influence of ancient Vedic and Puranic texts
In the ancient Vedic period, there was no idol worship, then Yajna (sacrifice in fire) was the main form of worship.
- But later in the Puranic period (especially after the 4th century BC), idol worship became popular.
- Because then idols were used to make religion easier for the common people.
- Philosophical explanation
In Advaita Vedanta it is said—
- Brahman is one, formless, infinite.
- But people imagine him in different forms to understand him easily and show devotion.
👉 Therefore, idol worship is not the worship of a stone or a piece of clay, but a way to experience God inside that stone.
- Social and Cultural Aspects
In Hindu society, Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, etc. are not only religious rituals, but also social festivals.
- Idol worship brings people together and creates unity in society through festivals.
That is, idols are a means, but the ultimate goal is the connection of devotion with God.
Hindu idol worship is not actually worshiping any stone, wood or clay idol as a god. It is a special means of drawing God closer. It is not possible for humans to easily imagine a formless and invisible entity. Therefore, an embodiment of God is imagined through idols, so that devotees can focus, concentrate and express devotion. There is a deep symbolic meaning behind each idol, such as Durga symbolizing power, Ganesh symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, Lakshmi symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, and Saraswati symbolizing knowledge and art.
Idol worship takes people closer to God and creates an easy path to spiritual pursuit. When a devotee stands in front of an idol and prays, he does not just have in mind a clay idol, but rather a feeling of an infinite power awakened in his consciousness. Through this feeling, people express their devotion, respect and faith.
Moreover, idol worship is not only a spiritual pursuit, it is also a cultural and social festival. Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja or Ganesh Puja bring people together, creating an atmosphere of joy, unity and brotherhood in society. Therefore, if idol worship is viewed only as a religious ritual, it will be incomplete. It is a part of the faith, culture, tradition and social bonds of Hindu society.
Therefore, it can be said that Hindus worship idols mainly to remember God, deepen devotion and strengthen the bond of unity in society. Idol worship is an external manifestation of devotion, but hidden within it is the infinite consciousness of God in the heart of man.
