Among the doubts entertained by sceptics about Hindu religious tradition,one relates to the significance of idols worshipped in temples and homes.Does God reside in them is their question.The categorical answer is "Yes" by those who believe in the power of the Almighty.In earlier eras,God presented Himself even physically before His devotees or made them experience His greatness indirectly.But in the present age,he answers the sincere prayer of man through images.saints and divine messengers have sung in praise of the consecrated idols and have proved how he responds to the submissions made by them.These God-men have solemnly declared that God has innumerable auspicious qualities,is blemishless and is easily accessible to devotees.
In this age when problems,ignorance,falsehood and other evil forces abound,ready to confront a person, God alone can provide relief through the worship of idols.These images have been duly consecrated and are worshipped through qualified priests.saints who had visited these shrines have sung hymns adoring the beauty of the idols which have been made strictly according to the scriptural texts on Sculpture.
In his discourse,the Jeeyar Swami of Vanamamalai math illustrated the role of Idols in providing peace to worshippers through an episode in Swami Vivekananda's life.Even Vivekananda was initially a rationalist but at the crucial turning point he became aware of the glorious Indian Spiritual tradition and become a Divine messenger.
Once he visited a wealthy chieftain who was foreign educated and who did not have much respect for Indian heritage.He used to decry image worship.Vivekananda was given prior information about his host's attitude.While being led to a hall in the host's mansions,the Swami found several portraits of his forbears.
The ruler showed reverence to one among them and said it was his father's.Vivekananda did an unexpected act of suddenly spitting at it, which naturally angered the former.Vivekananda asked him whether his father lived in that portrait and what was the sanctity in it.The wealthy man, who was told that idols were equally sacred for devotees changed his view.
In case of expediency there can be slight adjustments in the procedure for private worship because God has declared that He will accept any genuine gesture.Whereas in temples, the procedure should be strictly adhered to.In construction,installation, as well as worship the scriptural guidelines should never be violated the priests should also maintain discipline and purity,conduct the worship in accordance with the directives in the Agamas whether Pancharatra or Vaikhanasa.
In this age when problems,ignorance,falsehood and other evil forces abound,ready to confront a person, God alone can provide relief through the worship of idols.These images have been duly consecrated and are worshipped through qualified priests.saints who had visited these shrines have sung hymns adoring the beauty of the idols which have been made strictly according to the scriptural texts on Sculpture.
In his discourse,the Jeeyar Swami of Vanamamalai math illustrated the role of Idols in providing peace to worshippers through an episode in Swami Vivekananda's life.Even Vivekananda was initially a rationalist but at the crucial turning point he became aware of the glorious Indian Spiritual tradition and become a Divine messenger.
Once he visited a wealthy chieftain who was foreign educated and who did not have much respect for Indian heritage.He used to decry image worship.Vivekananda was given prior information about his host's attitude.While being led to a hall in the host's mansions,the Swami found several portraits of his forbears.
The ruler showed reverence to one among them and said it was his father's.Vivekananda did an unexpected act of suddenly spitting at it, which naturally angered the former.Vivekananda asked him whether his father lived in that portrait and what was the sanctity in it.The wealthy man, who was told that idols were equally sacred for devotees changed his view.
In case of expediency there can be slight adjustments in the procedure for private worship because God has declared that He will accept any genuine gesture.Whereas in temples, the procedure should be strictly adhered to.In construction,installation, as well as worship the scriptural guidelines should never be violated the priests should also maintain discipline and purity,conduct the worship in accordance with the directives in the Agamas whether Pancharatra or Vaikhanasa.
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