IDOL WOSHIP IN VEDAS
Every religion in the world has originated with the idea of the
"Supreme Being" and it will remain so in the future as well. Worship is the
only way a human being can stay connected to the Supreme Being And this
closeness of human being with the Supreme Being, this unison and this
proportion is called religion. This is the basis of every religion of the
world. Even the atheists, with the only difference that instead of Supreme
Being; they have been seen worshipping their Bodhisattva, Tirthankar. In
whatever the Rishis of Vedas felt the presence of supreme Being; they
started worshipping all those things such as Sun, Wind, Lord Indra because
he could comprehend the strength behind light, water and rain. Human
worshipped Lord Indra as the transparent strength until the first three
ages. Till the third age (Dwapar) the idea of Supreme Being had been formed
in peoples’ minds. Besides human study, human beings had started learning
other things which Lord Krishna had told Arjuna, and Lord Krishna had
stopped the trend of Lord Indra worship in his childhood and started a
trend of worshipping himself in the name of Gowardhana worship. This is
like coming out of the nature’s womb and realizing more transparent forms
of the Supreme Being. But Vedas already had these changing of forms of
Supreme Being.
Avatars and Idolatry
In his world-famous book, Shri Nagsharan Sing says – the story of Vishnu’s
Vaman Avatar is found in many hymns of Rig-Veda. It is mentioned here that
Vishnu had done a circumambulation of this world. He put his feet in three
ways and the part occupied by the dust of his foot is called "Earth". It is
further said that in Vaman Avatar, Vishnu had covered all three worlds. He
had covered the universe in three steps. Vishnu alone had covered the whole
universe in three steps (1.154.1.3). In Trivikramavatara, Vishnu had
covered the whole world only in one step (2.54.24). In Vaman Avatar, Vishnu
had covered three worlds in three steps.
In Aitareya Brahmin of Rigveda, we find some description about this – when
the distribution of the world between Gods and demons took place, that time
Lord Indra said that the area covered by Vishnu in his three steps will go
to the Gods and the rest will go to the demons. Demons also agreed to this.
And Vishnu covered the whole universe in three steps. Shatpath Brahmin
(1.2.5) says, demons said that the area which Vishnu (Vaman Avatar) will
occupy in his sleep will be given to the Gods and the rest will go to the
demons. And Gods agreed to this. Vishnu occupied the entire world, which in
turn went to Gods.
We find the same story in Puranas. Therefore, Puranas are also called as
Veda-Bhashya. Thus the basics of the roots of the stories of Dadhichi,
Pruthavan, Ven, Naahun, Urvashi, Pururava, Yadu, Manu, Mandhata,
Pruthrusharva, Studas, Chyavan are found in Vedas and they are also found
in Mahabharata, Valmikeya Ramayana, and Puranas. It is said that with the
help of history and Puranas, Vedas should be expanded.
People having half or no knowledge and selfish people are trying to exploit
Hindu culture. It is hard for the people having zero knowledge to
understand the Vedas.
Roots of idolatry are also found in Rig-Veda. It says that previously idols
used to be made of wood. Wood decays fast. This is the reason ancient idols
are not found these days and these people with no knowledge comment on
idolatry. It becomes clear from Rigveda (4.32.23) that idols were
worshipped. Thus this hymn mentions the idolatry which is further described
in Puranas.
Review
Except for the above-mentioned investigations, no learned in Vedas says
that Vedas do have or present idolatry, but that idolatry is not allowed by
Vedas. The name of Swami Dayanand comes first in people with such thoughts.
Acharya Priyavratha Vedvachaspati gives the same opinion about this. In
Ekadash Samullas of Satyarthaprakash, Swami Dayanand says that Vedas do not
mention a word about idolatry or rendition of the idols.
Saparayagachchikramakayam (Yaju 40.8) calls Supreme Being as incorporeal
and having no form. A hymn of Yajurveda (32.3) clearly says that there is
no image of the Supreme Being with this logic, two classes – one of
orthodox Hundus who believe in idolatry and the other class is of Aryan
Hundus who do not believe in idolatry.
Another example is – one fifth-fifth hymn of 10th mandal of Rigveda,
composed by a woman called Vaganmruni who says, I am the lord of the
universe, I make a creature able to experience the fruits of their deeds,
wealth is also given by me, I am the soul and life, I am omniscient being
only one I am present in different forms and aspects. I am conversant with
everything. Nobody can rule over me. The entire universe is my excellence.
Don’t we worship this Goddess of Rigveda now?
Vedas are God’s won words. Will God ever ask himself to worship him?
When Vedas treat Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra equally, will they
treat women partially? If not, then why a woman is not allowed to read
Vedas? Swami Vivekanand insisted that Shudras learn Sanskrit and Vedas and
be Brahmins. Does birth decide the race? Caste is decided by ones’ deeds.
Taittiriya Brahmins have always insisted that the one who does not know
Vedas can never know the Supreme Being.
Some hymns of Rigvedas, 10th mandal, 22nd Sukta repeatedly mention Vaman
Avatar, but the people will say that God does not have any form because
there is no such hymn mentioning forms of God in Vedas.
Vedas are not understood only by words. The content is also very,
important. 16th hymn of the Sukta tells about Vishnu covering the whole
universe in three steps, which is to protect the world from demons, in
which Vishnu covered seven worlds including earth.
A question can also arise that why Vishnu covered the entire universe only
in three steps. Couldn’t he do that in one step? Dayan Bhashya says,
covering the universe in three steps limits the power of Supreme Being? Why
Supreme Being has to cover any area when the whole universe is his?
The meaning of the hymn is not automotive but human. Hymns are explained
with human emotions and can not be explained with computer.
In brief, the hymn says that universe is made of three basic elements. And
making these elements standards, God has measured the world. Science is in
designing of the world, in how much proportion these elements come or
depending upon their characteristics, the world had been designed. This is
the importance of number no. 3, that means Vishnu’s three steps.
Hymn no. 4 and 5 say from the element earth, seven units were arranged in a
specific order.
This hymn also raises a question and the following hymn answers it.
Vishnu was very brave. Mahabharata Arvind says that even in ancient days
people used to get knowledge of religion, culture and the Supreme Being
from Rishis and this was not wrong because Vedas had basics of all the
things to take place or to be developed are present in Vedas.
Everything has been developed. Hymn was previously called Brahma. Then
Brahma was the one who was close to Vedas, and then Brahma is an expression
of development of nature.
Today son of Shiva, Ganesh, is called authentic. They should read this hymn
of Yajurveda.
Perhaps some people say that Krishna Mandir of Dwarikapuri used to be Surya
Mandir in ancient times. Being a writer, I always hear this thing.
Truth is worshipping of some form of incorporeal, self-oriented being
selfless, worship of Supreme Being, Trimurti (Durga, Ganesh, ten forms of
Vishnu), believing in creditability of Vedas, importance of disinterested
deed, the other world, consequences of the deeds, pilgrimage and devotion,
temples and idols, knowledge, worship, and religion all are parts of
Hinduism, which formed together and have been together, the thought of
change then is also considered as a sin and it is said to consider the
Vedas ideal, belief in different ways of doing one thing and worship are
the elements of any religion.
In worship that incorporeal creator of Vedas in the form of image of Veda,
I imagine him in human form for worshipping. This is the way I worship. Is
it against Vedas?
Even if idolatry and Avatar are not mentioned in Vedas, still the idea of
Avatar came from Vedas and Vedas have their own literature from Vishnu to
Vaman. Even the other world, Devyan and Pitruyaan are also mentioned in
Vedas. Rebirth of soul is also found in Vedas. In 1232/3 it is clearly
mentioned that one part of human is intact. Other hymn says that all the
creatures are survivors of their deeds.
There is not any mention of heaven and hell in Vedas; however, in Shatpath
Brahmin in Yajurveda Rishis pray that "Oh Lord Agni, give me the power that
my prayer reaches its destination. I want to achieve truth and want to go
away, from lie and fake. Thus it is clear that this indication is not for
heaven but for some place higher or holier than heaven.
Vayu Puranas say Purana was made first and then Vedas. Shatpath Brahmin
that Avtaras before Vaman (Meen, Kurma, Varah, Narshimha) were of Brahma
and after supremacy of Vishnu they were called Vishnu Avatars.
Our destitute of quality also is superior to other religion. The one who
accepts other’s convenient business is outcaste.
Everything has been developed. Hymn was previously called Brahma. Then
Brahma was the one who was close to Vedas, and then Brahma is an expression
of development of nature.
Today son of Shiva, Ganesh, is called authentic. They should read this hymn
of Yajurveda.
Perhaps some people say that Krishna Mandir of Dwarikapuri used to be Surya
Mandir in ancient times. Being a writer, I always hear this thing.
Truth is worshipping of some form of incorporeal, self-oriented being
selfless, worship of Supreme Being, Trimurti (Durga, Ganesh, ten forms of
Vishnu), believing in creditability of Vedas, importance of disinterested
deed, the other world, consequences of the deeds, pilgrimage and devotion,
temples and idols, knowledge, worship, and religion all are parts of
Hinduism, which formed together and have been together, the thought of
change then is also considered as a sin and it is said to consider the
Vedas ideal, belief in different ways of doing one thing and worship are
the elements of any religion.
In worship that incorporeal creator of Vedas in the form of image of Veda,
I imagine him in human form for worshipping. This is the way I worship. Is
it against Vedas?
Even if idolatry and Avatar are not mentioned in Vedas, still the idea of
Avatar came from Vedas and Vedas have their own literature from Vishnu to
Vaman. Even the other world, Devyan and Pitruyaan are also mentioned in
Vedas. Rebirth of soul is also found in Vedas. In 1232/3 it is clearly
mentioned that one part of human is intact. Other hymn says that all the
creatures are survivors of their deeds.
There is not any mention of heaven and hell in Vedas; however, in Shatpath
Brahmin in Yajurveda Rishis pray that "Oh Lord Agni, give me the power that
my prayer reaches its destination. I want to achieve truth and want to go
away, from lie and fake. Thus it is clear that this indication is not for
heaven but for some place higher or holier than heaven.
Vayu Puranas say Purana was made first and then Vedas. Shatpath Brahmin
that Avtaras before Vaman (Meen, Kurma, Varah, Narshimha) were of Brahma
and after supremacy of Vishnu they were called Vishnu Avatars.
Our destitute of quality also is superior to other religion. The one who
accepts other’s convenient business is outcaste.
K Rajaram IRS 17225
On Sun, 16 Feb 2025 at 20:06, Jambunathan Iyer <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Significance of Idols & Idol worship in Hinduism
>
> Idols hold profound significance within Hindu belief systems, serving
> multiple purposes that enhance the spiritual experience of devotees.
>
> Idols play a central role in Hindu worship, serving as vital links between
> the divine and the devotee. The historical evolution, cultural
> significance, and ongoing debates surrounding idol worship highlight its
> enduring relevance in modern society. In Hinduism, idols are considered
> more as a Divine one than mere sculptures; they are believed to embody the
> divine presence of the deities they represent and representation of divine
> presence.
>
> This concept, known as ‘Pratima,’ signifies that the idol is a living
> entity and inviting the divine to dwell within it during rituals.
>
> In Hinduism we have many Idols worshiped and all symbolism of various
> deities and their attributes. There are Mainly Three Male Gods are
> worshiped and they are:-
>
> 1. Lord Brahma is considered as the creator and often depicted with four
> faces representing the four Vedas.
>
> 2. Lord Vishnu is the preserver, typically shown with blue skin and
> holding a conch, discus (Chakra).
>
> 3. Lord Shiva is the destroyer of Evil forces and represented with a
> trident and often in a meditating pose.
>
> Female Goddesses Adi Para Sakthi have Various forms like Durga, Lakshmi,
> Kali, Parvathi, Saraswathi etc. and each one of the goddesses symbolizing
> different aspects of life & spirituality.
>
> Further additionally the role of idols is in connecting the physical and
> spiritual realms and serve as focal points for meditation and devotion,
> helping devotees bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds.
> They provide a tangible form for abstract concepts, allowing worshippers to
> express their reverence and seek divine blessings.
>
> Having understood the Significance and concept of Various God and worship
> now let us know the Basic belief and the Concept of Darshan. Darshan, a
> fundamental aspect of Hindu worship, encapsulates the interaction between
> devotees and deities through idols.
>
> Definition and significance of Darshan in Hindu worship
>
> Darshan refers to the auspicious sight of the deity’s idol. It is
> considered a blessing to be able to see the divine form, reinforcing the
> connection between the worshipper and the deity. During Darshan, devotees
> often engage in physical gestures of respect, such as bowing or prostrating
> before the idol, as a sign of reverence and humility.
>
> Experiencing Darshan is believed to bring spiritual upliftment, peace, and
> fulfillment, a sense of divine presence, personal connection during these
> Prayer Ing moments.
>
> By appreciating and understanding the cultural importance of Idol worship
> it is Believed as per spiritual practices one can gain deeper insights into
> the rich tapestry of Hindu spirituality.
>
>
>
>
> N Jambunathan Rengarajapuram-Kodambakkam-Chennai-Mob:9176159004
>
> *" What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you
> become by achieving your goals. If you want to live a happy life, tie it to
> a goal, not to people or things "*
>
>
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