(Continued from “Why do Hindus worship idols?”)
In the previous
posts we saw how Hinduism considered the God to be not only formless but also
imperceptible. The interesting question is “why do most Hindus worship idols
which restrict the God to a specific form?” The answer lies partly in the well
known Hindu scripture namely the Bhagavad Geetha. There it is said
“For people who are conscious of their bodies (i.e.
dominated by their body), it is difficult to meditate on a formless God” (Bhagavad
Geetha 12.5)
The same sentiment
is expressed in the following mantra that is uttered while installing an idol
in a typical Hindu temple
“I welcome you, Oh God of all Gods, who is the creator
of the worlds, who is the father of all beings, who pervades the entire
universe.
As an ordinary mortal with limited wisdom, I have
created this form for my convenience in worshiping you. Please have mercy and
make your presence felt in this image."
(Idol installation mantra in Kashyapa Silpa
Sästra)
There is a
difference between worshiping an idol as God, and using the idol as a medium
to perceive God. This point has to be noted by both Hindus as well as others
who shun idol worship.
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