Why idol worship?

Why idol worship?

God is present everywhere. There is no doubt that he exists in idols as well. But this concept of God is not enough for the progress and spiritual practice of man. At such times, an idol or picture is required to concentrate the mind and eyes. Due to the idol or picture, faith and devotion towards the deity remain constantly awakened. On seeing that idol or picture, the feeling of doing Japa etc. becomes strong in the mind. For this work lifeless idol is sufficient. But if the idol becomes alive, then it can prove to be more useful for the seeker. By the Prana Pratishtha of the idol, consciousness is felt in the inanimate object, due to which the idol becomes alive and becomes a medium to receive special types of vibrations and oscillations.

Agniuttaran, Jaladhivas, Dhanya Rashikaran, Prana Pratishtha and Homa etc. are its important parts. On the small idol of the house, only Agniuttaran and Prana Pratishtha have to be done, which is a representative form. Even the idol installed only with Samantrak Sthapana attains divinity after a few days. If the scriptural method of Prana Pratishtha is not known, then by performing Samantrak or Amantrak Shodashopachar or Panchopachar Puja of that idol, divinity also comes in it.

It is easy to prove divinity in the idol once, but it is very difficult to maintain it.  Therefore, it is necessary to worship the idol with proper rituals using mantras, perform Udgharjan during the festival and do Pran-Pratishtha again if the worship is interrupted. Apart from this, if any part of the idol gets damaged or broken or worn out, take care of it. Along with this, it is also necessary to maintain cleanliness in the environment.