Idol Worship: An Important Part of Hinduism

India is one of the places in the world with a lot of idols, mainly because of Hinduism. Its idol worship is an elaborate system. In Hinduism, idol worship is a practice that refers to worshiping forms (murti) and names. To outsiders, idol worship may seem peculiar or absurd, but worshiping gods in a lot of forms and ways is an important part of the religion. In Hinduism, the entire creation is among God's forms. Hence, every aspect of it has a specific and distinguishable form, which reflects His glory, too. This is because it is believed that God is hidden in those forms, and therefore, worthy of being worshiped.

Other religions view idol worship as being superstitious, but Hinduism treats the practice as a simple expression of faith. When a person stands and bows in submission before an idol, he or she is displaying childlike qualities of purity and innocence, both of which are difficult to achieve by adults whose world is centered on materialism—but can be achieved through a path of devotion. Devout Hindus are not ashamed to go to the temple, bow before an idol, and speak with the idol as if it were an individual.

Devout Hindus from all walks of life practice idol worship, whether he or she is seeking something or merely praying to be blessed or to praise the idol. The absence of response from the idol does not shake a devout Hindu's faith or confidence; Hindus are content with the fact that their idols have heard and accepted their prayers.

But not all Hindus worship their idols in vain. The idol itself is a representation or a form on which your mind can concentrate or connect with. The ultimate reality is found beyond maya or the known field of illusion or the senses. Human activities—including those that cover their negative and positive aspects—are part of the maya from which man cannot escape until he obtains true knowledge.