Murthi-Puja : Idol Worship

In ancient times, the Indian rishis worshiped the forces of nature like Varundev (sea-god), Indradev (rain-god), Suryadev (sun-god), Agnidev (fire-god), Vayudev (wind-god), etc. They appreciated and appeased them for their contributions to human existence and happiness by chanting various prayers in the form of mantras and performance of yagnas. Later, they deified and personified the devas and the supreme God to offer elaborate rituals of devotional worship. Since it is not possible to focus upon God merely in thought or name, the rishis made pratimas (images or murthis) of clay, stone, metal or wood. With elaborate rituals the supreme God was invoked (pran-pratishta) into the murtis. The rishis regarded the murtis as God himself and they became the focus of worship. The murtis enables the aspirant to draw his or her mind and senses away from the material objects and concentrate on God. A point arrives when the aspirant realizes God, and he or she sees, speaks and touches him. The Shrimad Bhagavatam describes eight types of God's murtis " A murthi is made of one of eight materials: Stone, wood, metal, sandalwood paste or clay (or other material that can be moulded), sand, precious stone, conceived by mind and through paintin or etching." The murti is the soul of a temple. Devotees come for darshan and to offer prayer and worship to him. The ancient tradition of murti-puja imbues diving peace and joy in devotees. Hari Om.