Swami Sivananda - The Philosophy and Significance of Idol Worship

THE PHILOSOPHY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF IDOL WORSHIP

By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

Sri Swami Sivananda Founder of The Divine Life Society

SERVE, LOVE, GIVE, PURIFY, MEDITATE, REALIZE

So Says

Sri Swami Sivananda A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION

First Edition: 1960

Second Edition: 1975

Third Edition: 1993 (3,000 Copies)

World Wide Web (WWW) Edition: 2001

WWW site: http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/

This WWW reprint is for free distribution

© The Divine Life Trust Society Published

WORSHIP OF THE IMAGE

WorshipistheeffortonthepartoftheUpasaka(hewhodoesUpasanaorworshiptoreach theproximityorpresenceofGodortheSupremeSelf.Upasanaliterallymeans‘sittingnear’God. Upasanaisapproachingthechosenidealorobjectofworshipbymeditatingonitinaccordance withtheteachingsoftheSastrasandtheGuruanddwellingsteadilyinthecurrentofthatone thought,likeathreadofoilpouredfromonevesseltoanother(Tailadharavat).Itconsistsofall thoseobservancesandpractices—physicalandmental—bywhichtheaspirantorJijnasumakesa steadyprogressintherealmofspiritualityandeventuallyrealisesinhimself,inhisownheart,the presence of Godhead.

Benefits of Upasana

UpasanahelpsthedevoteetositneartheLordortocommunewithHim.Itpurifiestheheart andsteadiesthemind.ItfillsthemindwithSuddhaBhavaandPremaorpurelovefortheLord.It gradually transmutes man into a divine being.

Upasanachangesthementalsubstance,destroysRajasandTamasandfillsthemindwith Sattvaorpurity.UpasanadestroysVasanas,Trishnas,egoism,lust,hatred,anger,etc.Upasana turnsthemindinwardandinducesAntarmukhaVritti,eventuallybringsthedevoteefacetoface withtheLord,freesthedevoteefromthewheelofbirthsanddeathsandconfersonhimimmortality and freedom.

Themindbecomesthatonwhichitmeditatesinaccordancewiththeanalogyofthewasp andthecaterpillar(Bhramara-KeetaNyaya).Justasyouthink,soyoubecome.Thisisthe immutablepsychologicallaw.Thereisamysteriousorinscrutablepower(AchintyaSakti)in Upasana which makes the meditator and the meditated identical.

YouwillfindintheGita(XI-54):“ButbydevotiontoMealone,Imaythusbeperceived, Arjuna, and known and seen in essence and entered, O Parantapa.”

PatanjaliMaharshiemphasisesinvariousplacesinhisRajaYogaSutrasontheimportance ofUpasana.ForevenaRajaYogi,Upasanaisnecessary.HehashisownIshtamorguiding Deity—YogesvaraKrishnaorLordSiva.Self-surrendertoGodisanAnga(limb)ofRajaNiyama and Kriya Yoga. Patanjali says, “One can enter into Samadhi through Upasana.”

Ofallthosethingswhichareconducivetospiritualadvancement,Adhyatmicupliftandthe acquisitionofDharma,Upasanaisonewhichisnotonlyindispensablyrequisite,buteminently beneficial to all classes and grades of people. It is easy too.

Eating,drinking,sleeping,fearandcopulation,etc.,arecommoninbrutesandhuman beings;butthatwhichmakesonearealmanoraGod-manisUpasana.Hewholeadsamere outwardsensuallifewithoutdoinganyUpasanaisananimalonlythoughhewearsoutwardlythe form of a human being.

Saguna Upasana and Nirguna Upasana

Upasanaisoftwokinds,viz.,PratikaUpasanaandAhamgrahaUpasana.‘Pratika’meansa symbol.PratikaUpasanaisSagunaUpasana.AhamgrahaUpasanaisNirgunaUpasanaor meditationontheformlessandattributelessAksharaortranscendentalBrahman.Meditationon idols,Saligram,picturesofLordRama,LordKrishna,LordSiva,GayatriDeviisPratikaUpasana. Theblueexpansivesky,all-pervadingether,all-pervadinglightofthesunetc.,arealso‘Pratikas’ forabstractmeditation.SagunaUpasanaisconcretemeditation.NirgunaUpasanaisabstract meditation.

HearingoftheLilasoftheLord,KirtanorsingingHisNames,constantremembranceofthe Lord(Smarana),serviceofHisfeet,offeringflowers,prostration,prayer,chantingofMantra, self-surrender,serviceofBhagavatas,serviceofhumanityandcountrywithNarayanaBhava,etc., constitute Saguna Upasana.

ChantingofOmwithAtmaBhava,serviceofhumanityandcountrywithAtmaBhava, mentalJapaofOmwithAtmaorBrahmaBhava,meditationonSohamorSivohamoronthe Mahavakyassuchas‘AhamBrahmaAsmi’or‘TatTvamAsi’aftersublatingtheillusoryvehicles through ‘Neti, Neti’ doctrine, constitute Ahamgraha Upasana or Nirguna Upasana.

SagunaUpasanaisBhaktiYogaortheYogaofDevotion.NirgunaUpasanaisJnanaYoga ortheYogaofKnowledge.WorshippersofSaguna(thequalified)andNirguna(theunqualified) Brahmanreachthesamegoal.But,thelatterpathisveryhard,becausetheaspiranthastogiveup attachmenttothebody(Dehabhimana)fromtheverybeginningofhisspiritualpractice.The AksharaortheImperishableisveryhardforthosewhoareattachedtotheirbodiestoreach.Further, itisextremelydifficulttofixthemindontheformlessandattributelessBrahman.Contemplation on the Akshara or Nirguna Brahman demands a very sharp, one-pointed and subtle intellect.

The Bhavas in Bhakti Yoga

TheYogaofDevotionismucheasierthanJnanaYoga.InBhaktiYoga,thedevotee establishesanearanddearrelationshipwiththeLord.Hecultivatesslowlyanyoneofthesix Bhavas according to his temperament, taste and capacity.

SantaBhava,DasyaBhava,SakhyaBhava,VatsalyaBhava,KantaBhavaandMadhurya BhavaarethesixkindsofattributesofdevoteesorBhavastowardsGod.TheBhavasdifferintype andintensityoffeeling.ThedifferentBhavasarearrangedinorderoftheirintensity.Dhruvaand Prahladahadthefeelingofachildtoitsparents.ThisisSantaBhava.InDasyaBhavathedevotee behaveslikeaservant.HisLordishisMaster.HanumanisanidealservantofGod.InSakhya Bhava,thereisasenseofequality.ArjunaandKuchelahadthisBhava.InVatsalyaBhava,the devoteelooksupontheLordashisownchild.YasodahadthisBhavaforSriKrishna.Kausalyahad thisBhavaforSriRama.KantaBhavaistheloveofthewifetothehusband.SitaandRukminihad thisBhava.TheculminationisreachedinMadhuryaBhava.TheloverandtheBelovedbecomeone through the intensity of love. Radha and Mira had this type of love.

ThelastBhavaisthehighestculminationofBhakti.ItismergingorabsorptionintheLord. ThedevoteeadorestheLord.HeconstantlyremembersHim.HesingsHisName(Kirtan).He speaksofHisglories.HerepeatsHisName.HechantsHisMantra.Hepraysandprostrates.He hearsHisLilas.Hedoestotal,ungrudging,unconditionalsurrender,obtainsHisgrace,holds communion with Him and gets absorbed in Him eventually.

InMadhuryaBhava,thereistheclosestrelationshipbetweenthedevoteeandtheLord. ThereisnosensualityinKantaandMadhuryaBhavas.Thereisnotingeofcarnalityinthem. PassionatepeoplecannotunderstandthesetwoBhavasastheirmindsaresaturatedwithpassion andlowersexualappetite.SufisticsaintsalsohavetheBhavaofloverandtheBeloved,Madhurya Bhava.GitaGovindawrittenbyJayaDevaisfullofMadhuryaRasa.Thelanguageoflovewhich themysticusescannotbecomprehendedbyworldlypersons.OnlyGopis,Radha,Mira,Tukaram, Narada, Hafiz, can understand this language.

Puja And Ishta Devata

Pujaisthecommontermforritualworshipofwhichtherearenumeroussynonymssuchas Archana,Vandana,Bhajana,etc.,thoughsomeofthesestresscertainaspectsofit.Theobjectof worshipistheIshtaDevataorguidingDeityortheparticularformoftheDeitywhomthedevotee worships,e.g.,VishnuassuchorHisformsasRamaandKrishnainthecaseofVaishnavites,Siva in the eight forms in the case of Saivites, Devi in the case of Saktas.

ThedevoteeselectssometimeshisKuladevaorKuladevi,familyDevaorDevi,forhis worship.SometimestheDevataischosenforhimbyhisGuruorSpiritualPreceptor.Sometimeshe himself chooses that Devata which most appeals to him. This form is his Ishta Devata.

AnobjectisusedintheouterPujasuchasanimage(Pratima),apictureoranemblemsuch as Saligram in the case of Vishnu worship or Linga in the case of worship of Siva.

Whilstallthingsmaybetheobjectsofworship,choiceisnaturallymadeoftheseobjects which,byreasonoftheireffectonthemind,aremorefittedforit.Animageoroneoftheuseful emblemsislikelytoraiseinthemindoftheworshipperthethoughtofaDevata.Saligramstone induceseasilyconcentrationofmind.Everybodyhasgotpredilectionforasymbol,emblemor image.IdolorMurti(Vigraha),sun,fire,water,Ganga,Saligram,LingaareallsymbolsorPratikas ofGodwhichhelptheaspirantstoattainone-pointednessofmindandpurityofheart.Theseare personalinclinationsintheworshipperduetohisbeliefintheirspecialefficacyforhim. Psychologically,allthismeansthataparticularmindfindsthatitworksbestinthedirectiondesired by means of particular instruments or emblems or images.

Thevastbulkofhumanityareeitherofimpureorweakmind.Therefore,theobjectof worshipmustbepureforthesepeople.Theobjectsthatarecapableofexcitinglustanddislikemust beavoided.But,ahigheradvancedSadhakawhohasapuremindandwhoseesthedivinepresence everywhere and in everything, can worship any kind of object.

InPuja,animageorpicturerepresentingsomedivineformisusedastheobjectofworship. Theimageisadored.Animage,aSilaoraVigrahaorMurtirepresentstheformoftheparticular

Lordwhoisinvokedinit.ALingarepresentsSiva.Itrepresentsthesecondless,formlessBrahman. TheSrutisays, “EkamevadvitiyamBrahma—theBrahmanisonewithoutasecond”.Thereisno dualityhere.ALingamisshiningandattractivetotheeyes.Ithelpsconcentration.Ravana propitiated Siva and obtained boons by worshipping the Linga.

ASaligramisanidolofVishnu.SaligramisthesymbolofVishnu.ThereareimagesofSri Rama,SriKrishna,Karttikeya,Ganesha,Hanuman,Dattatreya,Sita,Lakshmi,Parvati,Durga, Kali, Sarasvati, etc., according to the taste of the particular devotee.

TheimageofVishnuandofhisAvataras,andtheimagesofSaktiandSivaarethepopular idolsthatareworshippedbothintemplesandinthehouses.TheidolsinthetemplesofTirupati, Pandharpur,Palani,Kathirgama,etc.,arepowerfulDeities.TheyarePratyakshaDevatas.They grantboonstothedevotees,curetheirailmentsandgiveDarshan.WonderfulLilasareassociated withtheseDeities.ThereisnopolytheisminHinduism.Siva,Vishnu,Brahma,Saktiaredifferent aspects of the one Lord.

GodrevealsHimselftoHisdevoteesinavarietyofways.Heassumestheveryformwhich thedevoteehaschosenforhisworship.IfyouworshipHimasLordHariwithfourhands,Hewill cometoyouasHari.IfyouadoreHimasSiva,HewillgiveyouDarsanasSiva.IfyouworshipHim asMotherDurgaorKali,HewillcometoyouasDurgaorKali.IfyouworshipHimasLordRama, LordKrishnaorLordDattatreya,HewillcometoyouasRama,KrishnaorDattatreya.Ifyou worship Him as Christ or Allah, He will come to you as Christ or Allah.

YoumayworshipLordSivaorLordHari,LordGaneshaorLordSubramanyaorLord Dattatreya,oranyoneoftheAvataras,LordRamaorLordKrishna,SarasvatiorLakshmi,Gayatri orKali,DurgaorChandi.AllareaspectsofoneIsvaraorLord.Underwhatevernameandform,itis Isvarawhoisadored.WorshipgoestotheIndweller,theLordintheform.Itisignorancetothink thatoneformissuperiortoanother.Allformsareoneandthesame.Siva,Vishnu,Gayatri,Rama, Krishna,Devi,Brahmanareone.AllareadoringthesameIsvara.Thedifferencesareonly differencesofnamesduetodifferencesintheworshippers,butnotintheobjectofadoration.Itis onlyoutofignorancethatdifferentreligionistsanddifferentsectsfightandquarrelamongst themselves.

The Idol—A Prop For The Spiritual Neophyte

Idolisasupportfortheneophyte.Itisapropofhisspiritualchildhood.Aformorimageis necessaryforworshipinthebeginning.ItisanexternalsymbolofGodforworship.Itisareminder ofGod.Thematerialimagecallsupthementalidea.Steadinessofmindisobtainedbyimage worship.Theworshipperwillhavetoassociatetheideasofinfinity,omnipotence,omniscience, purity,perfection,freedom,holiness,truth,omnipresence.Itisnotpossibleforalltofixthemindon theAbsoluteortheInfinite.Aconcreteformisnecessaryforthevastmajorityforpractising concentration.TobeholdGodeverywhereandtopractisethepresenceofGodisnotpossibleforthe ordinary man. Idol worship is the easiest form of worship for the modern man.

Asymbolisabsolutelyindispensableforfixingthemind.Themindwantsaproptolean upon.ItcannothaveaconceptionoftheAbsoluteintheinitialstages.Withoutthehelpofsome

externalaid,intheinitialstages,themindcannotbecentralised.Inthebeginning,concentrationor meditation is not possible without a symbol.

Everyone an Idol-Worshipper

ThereisnoreferencetoworshipofidolsintheVedas.ThePuranasandtheAgamasgive descriptionsofidol-worshipbothinthehousesandinthetemples.Idol-worshipisnotpeculiarto Hinduism.ChristiansworshiptheCross.TheyhavetheimageoftheCrossintheirmind.The MohammedanskeeptheimageofKaabastonewhentheykneelanddoprayers.Thepeopleofthe wholeworld,saveafewYogisandVedantins,areallworshippersofidols.Theykeepsomeimage or the other in the mind.

Thementalimagealsoisaformofidol.Thedifferenceisnotoneofkind,butonlyoneof degree.Allworshippers,howeverintellectualtheymaybe,generateaforminthemindandmake the mind dwell on that image.

Everyoneisanidol-worshipper.Pictures,drawing,etc.,areonlyformsofPratima.Agross mindneedsaconcretesymbolasaproporAlambana;asubtlemindrequiresanabstractsymbol. EvenaVedantinhasthesymbolOMforfixingthewanderingmind.Itisnotonlythepicturesor imagesinstoneandwoodthatareidols.Dialecticsandleadersalsobecomeidols.So,whycondemn idolatry?

A Medium For Establishing Communion With God

Idolsarenottheidlefanciesofsculptors,butshiningchannelsthroughwhichtheheartof thedevoteeisattractedtoandflowstowardsGod.Thoughtheimageisworshipped,thedevotee feelsthepresenceoftheLordinitandpoursouthisdevotionuntoit.Itistheappallingignoranceof themodernsensualmanthatcloudshisvisionandpreventshimfromseeingDivinityinlovelyand enchantingidolsofHisform.Theveryscientificadvancesofthiscenturyoughttoconvinceyouof thegloryofidolworship.Howarethesongstersandoratorsconfinedtoasmallbox-likethingtobe calledaradio?Itisamerepieceofamechanicallifelessstructurewhichbreaksintoathousand piecesifyouthrowitawayviolently;andyet,ifyouknowhowtohandleit,youcanhearthroughit, themusicthatisbeingplayedseveralthousandsofmilesaway,thediscoursethatisbeingdelivered intheremotestpartoftheglobe.Evenasyoucancatchthesoundwavesofpeopleallovertheworld throughtheradioreceivingset,itispossibletocommunewiththeall-pervadingLordthroughthe mediumofanidol.Thedivinityoftheall-pervading‘Godisvibrantineveryatomofcreation. There is not a speck of space where He is not. Why do you then say that He is not in the idols?

Thereareotherswhowouldgliblysay,“Oh,Godisall-pervadingformlessbeing.Howcan Hebeconfinedtothisidol?”ArethesepeopleeverconsciousofHisomnipresence?Dotheyalways seeHimandHimaloneineverything?No.Itistheiregothatpreventsthemfrombowingtothe idols of God and with that motive puts this lame excuse forward!

Emptyvesselsonlymakemuchsound.Apracticalmanwhodoesmeditationandworship, whoisfullofknowledgeandrealdevotionkeepsalwayssilence.Heinfluencesandteachesothers

throughsilence.HeonlyknowswhetheraMurtiisnecessaryinthebeginningforconcentrationor not.

Howeverintellectualonemaybe,hecannotconcentratewithoutthehelpofsomesymbolin thebeginning.Anintellectualandlearnedperson,onaccountofhisprideandvanityonlysays,“I donotlikeaMurti.Idonotwishtoconcentrateonaform.”Hecannotconcentrateontheformless one.Hethinksthatpeoplewilllaughathimwhentheycometoknowthatheismeditatingona form.Heneverdoesanymeditationontheformlessone.Hesimplytalksandarguesandposes.He wasteshislifeinunnecessarydiscussionsonly.Anounceofhispracticeisbetterthantonsof theories.Intellectisahindranceinthevastmajorityofintellectualpersons.Theysaythatthe existenceofBrahmanisaguesswork,SamadhiisabluffofthemindandSelf-realisationisan imaginationoftheVedantins.Deludedsouls!Theyaresteepedinignorance.Theyarecarriedaway bytheirsecularknowledgewhichismerehuskwhencomparedtotheKnowledgeoftheSelf.There isnohopeofsalvationforsuchpeople.FirsttheirwrongSamskarasshouldbeflushedbygood SamskarasthroughSatsanga.Thenonlytheywillrealisetheirmistakes.MaytheLordbestowon them clear understanding and thirsting for real knowledge!

A Symbol of God

Pratima(idol)isasubstituteorsymbol.Theimageinatemple,thoughitismadeofstone, woodormetal,ispreciousforadevoteeasitbearsthemarkofhisLord,asitstandsforsomething whichheholdsholyandeternal.Aflagisonlyasmallpieceofpaintedcloth,butitstandsfora soldierforsomethingthatheholdsverydear.Heispreparedtogiveuphislifeindefendinghisflag. Similarlytheimageisverydeartoadevotee.Itspeakstohiminitsownlanguageofdevotion.Just astheflagarousesmartialvalourinthesoldier,soalsotheimagearousesdevotioninthedevotee. TheLordissuperimposedontheimageandtheimagegeneratesdivinethoughtsintheworshipper.

Apieceofordinarywhitepaperorcolouredpaperhasnovalue.Youthrowitaway.But,if thereisthestamporpictureoftheKingorEmperoronthepaper(currencynotes),youkeepitsafe inyourmoneypurseortrunk.Evenso,anordinarypieceofstonehasnovalueforyou.Youthrowit away.But,ifyoubeholdthestoneMurtiofLordKrishnaatPandharpuroranyotherMurtiin shrines,youbowyourheadwithfoldedhands,becausethereisthestampoftheLordonthestone. The devotee superimposes on the stone Murti his own Beloved and all the attributes of the Lord.

Whenyouworshipanimage,youdonotsay,“ThisimagehascomefromJaipur.Itwas broughtbyPrabhuSingh.Itsweightis50lbs.Itismadeofwhitemarble.IthascostmeRs,500/-.” YousuperimposealltheattributesoftheLordontheimageandpray,“OAntaryamin(InnerRuler)! Youareall-pervading;youareomnipotent,omniscient,all-merciful.Youarethesourcefor everything.Youareself-existent.YouareSat-Chit-Ananda.Youareeternal,unchanging.Youare theLifeofmylife,Soulofmysoul!Givemelightandknowledge!LetmedwellinTheeforever.” Whenyourdevotionandmeditationbecomeintenseanddeep,youdonotseethestoneimage.You behold the Lord only, who is chaitanya. Image worship is very necessary for beginners.

An Integral Part of Virat

Forabeginner,Pratimaisanabsolutenecessity.Byworshippinganidol,Isvaraispleased. ThePratimaismadeupofthefiveelements.ThefiveelementsconstitutethebodyoftheLord.The idol remains an idol, but the worship goes to the Lord.

Ifyoushakehandswithaman,heishighlypleased.Youhavetouchedonlyasmallpartof hisbodyandyetheishighlypleased.Hesmilesandwelcomesyou.Evenso,theLordishighly pleasedwhenasmallportionofHisVirat(cosmic)bodyisworshipped.Anidolisapartofthebody oftheLord.ThewholeworldisHisBody,ViratForm.ThedevotiongoestotheLord.The worshippersuperimposesontheimagetheLordandallHisattributes.HedoesShodasopacharafor theidol,thesixteenkindsofpayingrespectsorservicetotheLord,suchasPadyam(waterfor washingthefeet),Arghyam,Asana(seat),Snana(bathing),offeringclothes,Achamana(waterfor sipping),applyingsandalpaste,offeringflowers(Archana),burningincense,wavingoflightsand camphor,MahaNaivedyam,etc.Thewanderingmindisfixednowinthisformofworship.The aspirantgraduallyfeelsthenearnessoftheLord.Heattainspurityofheartandslowlyannihilates his egoism.

Totheworshipperwhobelievesthesymbol,anykindofimageisthebodyoftheLordunder theformofstone,clay,brass,picture,Saligram,etc.Suchworshipcanneverbeidolatry.Allmatter isamanifestationofGod.Godispresentineverythingwhichexists.Everythingisanobjectof worship,forallisamanifestationofGodwhoisthereinworshipped.Theveryactofworship impliesthattheobjectofworshipissuperiorandconscious.Thiswayoflookingatthingsmustbe attained by the devotee. The untutored mind must be trained to view things in the above manner.

Idol Worship Develops Devotion

Idolworshipmakesconcentrationofmindsimplerandeasier.Youcanbringbeforeyour mind’seyethegreatLilastheLordhasplayedinHisparticularAvatarasinwhichyouviewHim. This is one of the easiest modes of Self-realisation.

Justasthepictureofafamouswarriorevokesheroisminyourheart,alookatthepictureof Godwillelevateyourmindtodivineheights.JustasthechilddevelopsthematernalBhava (mother-feeling)ofthefuturecaressing,nursing,protectingmotherbyplayingwithitsimaginary toy-childmadeupofragsandsucklingthechildinanimaginarymanner,soalsothedevotee develops the feeling of devotion by worshipping the Pratima and concentrating on it.

Regular Worship Unveils The Divinity In The Idol

Regularworship,Pujaandothermodesofdemonstratingourinnerfeelingofrecognitionof DivinityintheidolunveilstheDivinitylatentinit.Thisistrulyawonderandamiracle.Thepicture comestolife.Theidolspeaks.Itwillansweryourquestionsandsolveyourproblems.TheGodin youhasthepowertoawakenthelatentDivinityintheidol.Itislikeapowerfullensthatfocusesthe sun’sraysontoabundleofcotton.Thelensisnotfireandthecottonisnotfireeithernorcanthe sun’srays,bythemselves,burnthecotton.Whenthethreearebroughttogetherinaparticular manner,fireisgeneratedandthecottonisburnt.Similaristhecasewiththeidol,theSadhakaand

theall-pervadingDivinity.Pujamakestheidolshinewithdivineresplendence.Godisthen enshrinedintheidol.Fromhere,Hewillprotectyouinaspecialmanner.Theidolwillperform miracles.Theplacewhereitisinstalledisatoncetransformedintoatemple,nay,aVaikunthaora Kailasainreality.Thosewholiveinsuchaplacearefreedfrommiseries,fromdiseases,from failuresandfromSamsaraitself.TheawakenedDivinityintheidolactsasaguardianangel blessing all, conferring the highest good on those who bow to it.

The Image, A Mass Of Chaitanya

TheidolisonlyasymboloftheDivine.Adevoteedoesnotbeholdthereinablockofstone oramassofmetal.ItisanemblemofGodforhim.HevisualisestheIndwellingPresenceinthe Murtiorimage.AlltheSaivaNayanarsorsaintsofSouthIndiaattainedGod-realisationthrough worshipoftheLingam,theimageofLordSiva.Foradevotee,theimageisamassofChaitanyaor consciousness.Hedrawsinspirationfromtheimage.Theimageguideshim.Ittalkstohim.It assumeshumanformtohelphiminavarietyofways.TheimageofLordSivainthetempleof MaduraiinSouthIndiahelpedthefuel-cutterandtheoldwoman.Theimageinthetempleof Tirupatiassumedhumanformandgavewitnessinthecourttohelphisdevotees.Therearemarvels and mysteries. Only the devotees understand these.

When Idols Became Alive

ForaBhaktaorasage,thereisnosuchthingasJadaorinsentientmatter.Everythingis VasudevaorChaitanya—VasudevahSarvamIti.ThedevoteebeholdsactuallytheLordintheidol. NarsiMehtawasputtothetestbyaRaja.TheRajasaid:“ONarsi,ifyouareasinceredevoteeof LordKrishna,ifasyousaytheidolisLordKrishnaHimself,letthisidolmove.”Accordingtothe prayerofNarsiMehta,theidolmoved.ThesacredbullNandibeforeSiva’sidoltookthefood offered by Tulasidas. The Murti played with Mira Bai. It was full of life and Chaitanya for her.

WhenAppayyaDikshitarwenttoTirupatitempleinSouthIndia,theVaishnavasrefused himadmission.ThenextmorningtheyfoundtheVishnuMurtiinthetemplechangedintoSiva Murti.TheMahantwasmuchastonishedandstartled,askedpardonandprayedtoAppayya Dikshitar to change the Murti again into Vishnu Murti.

KanakaDaswasagreatdevoteeofLordKrishnainUdipi,inthedistrictofSouthKanarain SouthIndia.Hewasnotallowedtoenterthetempleonaccountofhislowbirth.KanakaDaswent roundthetempleandsawasmallwindowatthebackofthetemple.Heseatedhimselfinfrontofthe window.HewassoonlostinsingingsongsinpraiseofLordKrishna.Manypeoplegatheredround him.Theywereverymuchattractedbythesweetmelodyofhismusicandthedepthofhisdevotion. LordKrishnaturnedroundtoenableKanakaDastogetHisDarshan.Thepriestswerestruckwith wonder.Eventoday,pilgrimsareshownthewindowandtheplacewhereKanakaDassatandsang.

TheMurtiisthesameastheLord,foritisthevehicleofexpressionforthe Mantra-ChaitanyawhichistheDevata.Thesameattitudeshouldthedevoteehaveinregardtothe Murtiinthetemple,whichhewouldevinceiftheLordwouldappearbeforehiminpersonand speak to him in articulate sound.

Vedanta and Idol Worship

Apseudo-Vedantinfeelshimselfashamedtoboworprostratebeforeanidolinthetemple. HefeelsthathisAdvaitawillevaporateifheprostrates.StudythelivesofthereputedTamilsaints, Appar,Sundarar,Sambandhar,etc.TheyhadthehighestAdvaiticrealisation.TheysawLordSiva everywhereandyettheyvisitedalltemplesofSiva,prostratedbeforetheidolandsanghymns, whichareonrecordnow.Thesixty-threeNayanarsaintspractisedChariyaiandKriyaionlyand attainedGod-realisationthereby.Theysweptthefloorofthetemple,collectedflowers,made garlandsfortheLordandputonlightsinthetemple.Theywereilliterate,butattainedthehighest realisation.TheywerepracticalYogisandtheirheartsweresaturatedwithpuredevotion.They wereanembodimentofKarmaYoga.AllpractisedtheYogaofSynthesis.Theidolinthetemple was all Chaitanya or consciousness for them. It was not a mere block of stone.

MadhusudanaSwami,whohadAdvaitarealisation,whobeheldonenessoftheSelf,who had Advaitic Bhava, was intensely attached to the form of Lord Krishna with flute in His hands.

Tulasidasrealisedtheall-pervadingessence.Hehadcosmicconsciousness.Hecommuned withtheall-pervading,formlessLord.AndyethispassionforLordRamawithbowinHishanddid notvanish.WhenhehadbeentoBrindavanandsawtheMurtiofLordKrishnawithfluteinHis hands,hesaid,“Iwillnotbowmyheadtothisform.”AtonceLordKrishna’sformassumedthe formofLordRama.Thenonlyhebowedhishead.Tukaramalsohadthesamecosmicexperienceas thatofTulasidas.HesingsinhisAbhanga,“IseemyLordall-pervading,justassweetnesspervades thesugar-cane”andyethealwaysspeaksofhisLordVittalaofPandharpurwithHishandsonthe hips.Miraalsorealisedheridentitywiththeall-pervadingKrishnaandyetshewasnottiredof repeating again and again, “My Giridhar Nagar”.

Fromtheabovefacts,wecanclearlyinferthatonecanrealiseGodthroughworshipofMurti oridol,thattheworshipoftheLordinSagunaformisagreataidforVedanticrealisationalsoand fortherealisationoftheLordinHisall-pervading,formlessaspectandthattheworshipoftheMurti isveryessentialforthepurposeofconcentrationandmeditationinthebeginningandthatsucha worshipisnotinanywayahindrancetotheattainmentofGod-consciousnessandthosewho vehementlyattackMurtiPujaaregropinginextremedarknessandignoranceandtheyhavenoreal knowledgeofPujaandworshipandthattheyenterintounnecessary,vaindebatesanddiscussions againstMurtiPujatoshowthattheyarelearnedpersonsandthattheyhavenotdoneanyreal Sadhanaatall.Theyarepersonswhohavemadeidletalkingandtalltalkastheirhabitand profession.Theyhaveruinedthemselves.Theyhaveunsettledthemindsofcountlesspersonsand ruinedthemalso.ThewholeworldworshipssymbolsandMurtisonlyinsomeformortheother. Themindisdisciplinedinthebeginningbyfixingitonaconcreteobjectorsymbol.Whenitis renderedsteadyandsubtle,itcanbefixedlaterononanabstractideasuchas“AhamBrahma Asmi”.Whenoneadvancesinmeditation,theformmeltsintheformlessandhebecomesonewith the formless essence. Image worship is not contrary to the view of Vedanta. It is rather a help.

From Ritualistic Bhakti To Para Bhakti

Bhaktiisoftwokinds,viz.,higherBhaktiorParaBhaktiandlowerBhaktiorritualistic Bhakti.RitualisticworshipisVaidhiorGauniBhakti.ItisformalBhakti.VaidhiBhaktiisthe

WORSHIP OF THE IMAGE

lowertypeofdevotiondependingonexternalaids.ItislowerBhakti.Themindbecomespurerand purer.TheaspirantgraduallydevelopsloveforGodthroughritualisticworship.Hewhodoes ritualisticworshipringsbells,adoresaPratika(symbol)orPratima(image),doesPuja,Arati,etc., withflowers,sandalpaste,burnsincenseandwaveslightbeforetheimage,offersNaivedyaorfood for God, etc.

MukhyaBhaktiorParaBhaktiisadvancedtypeofdevotion.ItishigherBhakti.It transcendsallconvention.Adevoteeofthistypeknowsnorule.Hedoesnotperformanyexternal worship.HebeholdshisLordeverywhere,ineveryobject.HisheartissaturatedwithloveforGod. ThewholeworldisBrindavanforhim.Hisstateisineffable.Heattainstheacmeofbliss.He radiates love, purity and joy wherever he goes and inspires all who come in contact with him.

TheaspirantwhoworshipstheidolinthebeginningbeholdstheLordeverywhereand developsParaBhakti.FromVaidhiBhakti,hepassesontoRagatmikaBhaktiorPremaBhakti.He beholdsthewholeworldastheLord.Theideasofgoodandbad,rightandwrong,rogue,etc., vanish.HeseestheLordinarogue,dacoit,cobra,scorpion,ant,dog,tree,logofwood,blockof stone,sun,moon,stars,fire,water,earth,etc.Hisvisionorexperiencebafflesdescription.Gloryto suchexaltedBhaktaswhoareveritableGodsonearth,wholivetoliftothersfromthequagmireof Samsara and save them from the clutches of death!

Hinduismleadstheaspirantsgraduallyfrommaterialimagestomentalimagesandfromthe diversementalimagestotheonePersonalGodandfromthePersonalGodtotheImpersonal Absolute or transcendental Nirguna Brahman.

The Glory of Hindu Philosophy

HowsublimeisHinduphilosophyandHindumodeofworship!Itdoesnotstoporendwith theworshipoftheidol.TheSadhakaistakenstepbysteptohigherstagesofdevotionandSamadhi orcommunionthroughtheworshipoftheidol.Thoughheworshipstheidol,hehastokeepbefore hismentaleyetheall-pervadingLord.HehastofeelHisPresenceinhisheartandallobjectsalso. Eveninworshippingasmallidol,hehastorepeatthePurushaSuktaandtothinkoftheVirat Purushawithcountlessheads,countlesseyes,countlesshands,whoextendsbeyondtheuniverse andoftheLordorAtmanwhodwellsintheheartsofallbeings.Thesamemanwhoburnsincense, scentedsticksandcamphorbeforetheidolsays,“Thesundoesnotshinetherenorthemoonnorthe starsnorthelightning.Howthencouldthelittlefireshinethere?AllshineafterHim.Hiseffulgence aloneilluminesthewholeworld.”Thewaysandrulesofworship—PujaVidhi—andthesecretsof worshipthataredescribedintheHinduscripturesarescientificallyaccurateandhighlyrational.It isonlyignorantpeoplewhohavenotstudiedthescriptures,whohavenotassociatedwiththe devotees and great souls, who vilify worship of idols or Murtis.

Everyotherreligionlayscertainfixeddogmasandattemptstoforcepeopletofollowthem. Ithasonlyonekindofdrugtotreatseveraldiseases.Itgivesonlyonekindoffoodforallandforall conditions.Itplacesbeforethefollowersonlyonecoat.ItmustfitAlbert,Atkinson,Ahluwallia, Antony,AbdulRahman.TheHindusknowthattheimages,crossesandcrescentsaresimplyso manysymbolstofixthemindinthebeginningfordevelopingconcentration,somanyconcretepegs tohangtheirspiritualideasandconvictionson.Thesymbolisnotnecessaryforeveryone.Itisnot

compulsoryinHinduism.ItisnotneededforanadvancedYogiorsage.Asymbolisliketheslate whichisusefulforaboyofthefirststandard.Thosewhoarenotinneedofithavenorighttosay that it is wrong. If they say that it is wrong, they only betray their ignorance.

To Sum Up

Thereisnothingwronginworshippinganidolinthebeginning.Youmustsuperimpose GodandHisattributesontheidol.YoumustthinkoftheAntar-Atmathatishiddenintheidol.The aspirantgraduallybeginstofeelthattheLordheworshipsisintheidol,intheheartsofallcreatures and in all the names and forms of this universe. He begins to feel His presence everywhere.

Idolatryisonlythebeginningofreligion.Certainlyitisnotitsend.ThesameHindu scriptureswhichprescribeidol-worshipforbeginnersspeakofmeditationontheInfiniteorthe Absolute,contemplationonthesignificanceofthe“TatTvamAsi”Mahavakya,foradvanced aspirants.

Therearedifferentgradesofworship.Thefirstistheworshipofidols.Thenextisrecitation ofMantrasandofferingofprayers.Mentalworshipissuperiortoworshipwithflowers.Meditation on the Absolute or the attributeless Nirguna Brahman is the best of all.

ThesupremestateisSelf-realisationorBrahma-sakshatkara.Thesecondinrankis meditation.TheYogipractisesSadhanaorunceasingmeditationontheSupremeSelf.Thethirdis theworshipofsymbols.Thefourthistheperformanceofritualsandpilgrimagestoholyplaces.The SastrasandGurusarelikekindmothers.Theytakeholdofthehandsoftheaspirants,takethemstep bystep,stagebystage,tilltheyareestablishedinNirvikalpaSamadhiorsuper-consciousstate. TheyprescribegrossformsofSadhanaorspiritualpracticesfortheneophytesorbeginners,with grossmind,andgivelessonsonabstractmeditationfortheadvancedaspirantswhoareendowed with pure, subtle and sharp intellect.

Eachmarksastageofprogress.Thehumansoulmakesdifferentkindsofattemptstograsp andrealisetheInfiniteortheAbsoluteaccordingtohisstrength,degreeofevolution.Hesoars higherandhigher,gathersmoreandmorestrengthandeventuallymergeshimselfintheSupreme and attains oneness or identity.

GlorytotheHinduRishis(andtheHinduscriptures)whotaketheaspirantsfromthelower tothehigherformofworship,stagebystage,stepbystepandultimatelyhelpthemtorestinthe attributeless,all-pervading,formless,timeless,spacelessBrahmanortheinfiniteandthe unconditional Brahman of the Upanishads.

BelovedchildrenoftheLord!Shedyourignorantdisbeliefthismoment.Enshrinesupreme, unshakable,livingfaithinyourheartthisverymoment.Recalltoyourmindthegloriousexamples ofSriMira,SriRamakrishnaParamahamsaandtheSouthIndianAlwarsandNayanars.They believed;theyreapedtherichspiritualharvests.You,too,canenjoygreatpeace,happinessand prosperity here and attain Him here and now if you have this faith in idol-worshipping.

WORSHIP OF THE IMAGE

Thoughyoumayperformexternalworshipatregularintervals,lettheinternalworshipof theLordinyourheartbeconstant,unbroken.Hereworshipattainscompleteness.Lifeisadivine worship.MayyourealisethesignificanceoftheuniversalworshipoftheViratindailylifeand performing it, attain the summum bonum of life. May the Lord bless you all!

THE TEMPLE

IntheKaliYugaandinthematerialworldofbusyday-to-daylife,thetempleoftheLord affordsgreatopportunitiesfortheevolutionofmanthroughconcentrationanddevotion.The precinctsofthetemplearesosacredandgiveapeacewhichnootheratmospherecangive.Thereis adivinevibrationintheentirearea.BytheconstantandregularPujaduringthethreesessionsofthe day,therecitationoftheHolyVedasandchantingofspecificMantrasthroughouttheyear,the auspiciousnessofthetempleincreaseseverydayandtheentireatmosphereelevatesthesoulofman to a very great degree.

TheshrineinwhichtheMurtioftheSupremeLordisinstalledisahallowedplacewhich exertsapowerfulspiritualinfluencethatcantransformthemindsofpersonsintoastateofhigher purity.Thedailyworshipsthroughprayers,invocationsandAbhishekaandArchana,performedat thetemple,endowthewholeenvironmentwithaholinessandsplendourthatinfusesintoalla feelingofreverence,pietyanddevotion,whenevertheyenteritspremises.Butthesanctityofthe templeshouldbecarefullymaintainedbyobservingtheprescribedrulesusuallyconnectedwiththe maintenanceofplacesofdivineworship.ExternalandinternalSauchaarebothnecessaryinthe worship of the Devata in a temple.

ThetemplededicatedtotheArchavataraoftheLordisavisiblerepresentationofthebody oftheVirat-Purushaandtheritualsofworshipinthetempleareobjectiveactsexpressingthewhole processofspiritualSadhana.Thetempleisthemicrocosmicembodimentoftheuniverseindweltby theAntaryamin,Isvara,whoseworshipweconductatthesacredtemple.TheLordisinvokedby meansofthepowerfulMantrasoftheSrutis,SmritisandTantrasandtheMurtiinthetemple becomesalivingmanifestationoftheforceoftheDivine,readytofulfilthenobleaspirationsofthe devout Archaka.

ArchanaistheeasiestandthesafestmeansofcultivatingtheloveoftheAlmighty,forit becomesthelinkbetweenHistranscendentbeingandtheworldinwhichthedevoteeisplaced.The onespecialfeatureofArchana-Bhaktiisthatitseekstoevokethefinerformsofthereligious consciousnessinmanthroughofferingtoGodarticlesofdevotionbymeansofthephysicalforms whicharethe immediate aspectsofthemanifestationsofGod-Being,revealedtothesenseshere. HenceArchanaisthefoundationonwhichisconstructedthegrandedificeofspiritualeffortand realisation. It is one among the nine gems of the way in which man aspires to reach God.

WorshiptheLordwithintensefaithandaspiration.TheLordwillsurelybestowHisgrace uponyouall.Allareblessed—onewhocausesthetempletobebuilt,whoactuallybuildsit,who assistsinit,whoishappyaboutit,whoperformsworshipinit,whoprostratesoneselfbeforeitwith faithandadornstheLordalwaysinone’sheart,withsincerityandlove.TheLordiseverywhereand

HeallowsHimselftobeadoredatparticularplacesonaccountofthesupremecompassionthatHe has for all beings.

GLORY OF PRASAD

PrasadisthatwhichgivesPeace.DuringKirtan,worship,Puja,HavanandArati,Badam, Kismis,milk,sweets,fruitsareofferedtotheLord.AfterofferingthemtotheLord,theyareshared betweenthemembersofthehouseortheBhaktasinatemple.PujaisdonebyBaelleaves,flowers, Tulasi,VibhutiandthesearegivenasPrasadfromtheLord. Vibhuti isthePrasadofLordSiva.Itis tobeappliedontheforehead.Asmallportioncanbetakenin. Kumkum isthePrasadofSriDevior Sakti.Itistobeappliedatthespacebetweentheeyebrows(AjnaorBhrumadhya).Tulasiisthe PrasadofLordVishnu,RamaorKrishna.Itistobetakenin.Theyarechargedwithmysterious powers by the chanting of the Mantras during Puja and Havan.

ThementalBhavaofthedevoteeofferingBhogtotheLordhasaverygreateffect.Ifan ardentdevoteeoftheLordoffersanythingtotheLord,thatPrasad,iftaken,wouldbringverygreat changeeveninthemindsofatheists.TheGraceoftheLorddescendsthroughPrasad.Gothrough thelifeofNarada.YouwillrealisethegreatnessofthesacredleavingsoftheLordaswellasthose of advanced Sadhakas and saints.

Namdevofferedrice,etc.,toPandurangaVittalaandHeatethefoodandsharedwith Namdevaswell.Ifthefoodisofferedwithayearningheart,sometimes,theLordtakesthatfood assumingaphysicalform.Inothercases,theLordenjoysthesubtleessenceofthefoodofferedand thefoodremainsasitisintheshapeofPrasad.WhilefeedingMahatmasandthepoorpeople,that whichisleftbehindistakenasPrasad.Whenasacrificeisperformed,theparticipantssharethe Prasadwhichbestowstheblessingsofthegods.WhenDasarathaperformedPutrakameshti (wishingforson)sacrifice,hegotavesselfullofsweetenedricewhichhegavetohisqueens,by takingwhichtheybecamepregnant.Prasadisthemostsacredobjectforadevotee.Oneshould considerhimselfluckytotakethePrasadandthereisnorestrictionofanykindintakingPrasad. Timeandplaceandtheconditioninwhichoneisplaced—allthesedonotaffecthiminanyway. Prasad is all-purifying.

ThebenefitsofPrasadandCharanamritarebeyonddescription.Theyhavethepowerto changeentirelytheoutlookofaman’slife.PrasadandCharanamrithavethepowertocurediseases andevenbringbacktolifedeadpersons.Therehavebeeneversomanyinstancesinthepastinthis holylandofourswhichbearwitnesstothepotencyandefficacyofPrasad.Prasaddestroysallpains andsins.Itisanantidoteformisery,painandanxiety.Faithistheimportantfactorintestingthe

Thosewhoarebroughtupinmoderneducationandculturehaveforgottenallaboutthe gloryofPrasad.ManyEnglish-educatedpersonsdonotattachanyimportancetoPrasadwhenthey getitfromtheMahatma.Thisisaseriousmistake.Prasadisagreatpurifier.Astheyarebroughtup intheWesternstyleofliving,theyhaveimbibedthespiritofWesternersandforgottenthespiritof thetruechildrenofIndianRishisofyore.LiveforaweekinBrindavanorAyodhyaorBenaresor

accuracy of this statement. For faithless persons it brings very little effect.

Pandharpur.YouwillrealisethegloryandthemiraculouseffectsofPrasad.Manyincurable diseasesarecured.Manysinceredevotionalaspirantsgetwonderfulspiritualexperiencesfrom merePrasadalone.Prasadisapanacea.Prasadisaspiritualelixir.PrasadistheGraceoftheLord. Prasadisacure-allandanideal‘pick-me-up.’PrasadisanembodimentofSakti.PrasadisDivinity inmanifestation.Prasadenergises,vivifies,invigoratesandinfusesdevotion.Itshouldbetaken with great faith.

Prasadbestowsgoodhealth,longlife,peaceandprosperityonall.GlorytoPrasad,the bestowerofPeaceandBliss!GlorytotheLordofthePrasad,thegiverofimmortalityandundying happiness!

PHILOSOPHY OF HINDU SYMBOLS

BellsarerungintemplesandwhiledoingPujatoshutouttheexternalsoundsandtomake the mind inward and concentrated.

LightsarewavedbeforetheDeity.ThisdenotesthattheLordisJyotiSvarupa.Heis all-light.Thedevoteesays,“OLord!Thouarttheself-effulgentLightoftheuniverse.Thouartthe lightinthesun,moonandfire.RemovethedarknessinmebybestowingyourdivineLight.May my intellect be illumined.” This is the significance of waving lights.

DhooporscentedsticksareburntbeforetheDeity.Thesmokespreadsinthewholeroom.It actsasadisinfectant.BurningofDhoopdenotesthattheLordisall-pervading,thatHefillsthe wholeuniversebyHislivingpresence.ItistoremindthisfactthatDhoopisburnt.Thedevotee prays,“OLord!LettheVasanasandSamskarasdormantinmevanishlikethesmokeofthisDhoop and become ashes. Let me become stainless.”

Burningofcamphordenotesthattheindividualegomeltslikethecamphorandthe Jivatman becomes one with the supreme Light of lights.

Thepastingofsandalremindsthedevoteethatheshould,inhisdifficulties,beaspatientas thesandal.Sandalemanatessweetodourwhenitispasted.Soalsothedevoteeshouldnotmurmur whendifficultiesarise,butontheotherhand,remaincheerfulandhappyandemanatessweetness andgentlenesslikethesandal.Heshouldnothateevenhisenemy.Thisisanotherpreceptwelearn fromthis.Thoughthesandalwoodiscrushedandpasted,itsilentlywearsoutemanatingonlyvery sweet odour. One should not wish evil even to his enemy.

THE SIVA LINGA

ThepopularbeliefisthattheSivaLingamrepresentsthephallusorthevirileorgan,the emblemofthegenerativepowerorprincipleinnature.Thisisnotonlyaseriousmistake,buta graveblunder.Inthepost-Vedicperiod,theLingabecamesymbolicalofthegenerativepowerof LordSiva.Lingaisthedifferentiatingmark.Itiscertainlynotthesexmark.Youwillfindinthe Linga Purana:

Pradhanam Prakriti Yadahurlingamuttamam

Gandhavarnarasaiheenam Sabda-sparsadi-varjitam

TheforemostLingamwhichisprimaryandisdevoidofsmell,colour,taste,hearing,touch, etc., is spoken of as Prakriti (Nature).

Lingameans“Mark”inSanskrit.Itisasymbolwhichpointstoaninference.Whenyousee abigfloodinariver,youinferthattherehavebeenheavyrainsthepreviousday.Whenyousee smoke,youinferthatthereisfire.ThisvastworldofcountlessformsisaLingaoftheOmnipotent Lord.TheSivaLingaisasymbolofLordSiva.WhenyoulookattheLinga,yourmindisatonce elevated and you begin to think of the Lord.

LordSivaisreallyformless.HehasnoformofHisownandyetallformsareHisforms.All forms are pervaded by Lord Siva. Every form is the form or Linga of Lord Siva.

ThereisamysteriouspowerorindescribableSaktiintheLingatoinduceconcentrationof themind.Justasthemindisfocussedeasilyincrystalgazing,soalsoitattainsone-pointedness whenitlooksattheLingam.ThatisthereasonwhytheancientRishisofIndiaandtheseershave prescribed the Lingam for being installed in the temples of Lord Siva.

SivaLingaspeakstoyouintheunmistakablelanguageofsilence:“Iamonewithouta second,Iamformless.”Pure,pioussoulsonlycanunderstandthislanguage.Acurious,passionate, impureforeigneroflittleunderstandingorintelligencesayssarcastically,“Oh!TheHindus worshipthephallusorsexorgan.Theyareignorantpeople.Theyhavenophilosophy.”Whena foreignertriestolearnTamilorHindustanilanguage,hefirsttriestopickupsomevulgarwords. Thisishiscuriositynature.Evenso,thecuriousforeignertriestofindoutsomedefectsinthe worshipofsymbol.LingaisonlytheoutwardsymboloftheformlessbeingLordSivawhoisthe indivisible,all-pervading,eternal,auspicious,ever-pure,immortalessenceofthisvastuniverse, whoistheundyingsoulseatedinthechambersofyourheart,whoisyourIndweller,innermostSelf or Atman, and who is identical with the Supreme Brahman.

SphatikalingaisalsoasymbolofLordSiva.ThisisprescribedforAradhanaorworshipof LordSiva.Itismadeupofquartz.Ithasnocolourofitsownbuttakesonthecolourofthe substanceswhichcomeincontactwithit.ItrepresentstheNirgunaBrahmanortheattributeless Supreme Self or formless and attributeless Siva.

Forasinceredevotee,theLingaisnotablockofstone.ItisallradiantTejasorChaitanya. TheLingatalkstohim,makeshimshedprofusetears,produceshorripilationandmeltingofheart,

raiseshimabovebody-consciousnessandhelpstocommunewiththeLordandattainNirvikalpa Samadhi.LordRamaworshippedtheSivaLingaatRameshwar.Ravana,thelearnedscholar, worshipped the golden Linga. What a lot of mystic Sakti there should be in the Linga!

MayyouallattaintheformlessSivathroughtheworshipoftheLinga,thesymbolofLord Sivawhichhelpsconcentrationofmindandwhichservesasapropforthemindtoleanuponinthe beginning for the neophytes!

FAITH AND IDOL WORSHIP

PuranChand’sGuruhadinitiatedhimintotheNarayanaMantraandgivenhimasmall Murti(idol)ofLordNarayanaforworship.Puranwasregularinhisworshipanddidnotomit repetitionofthesacredMantra,buttherewasnosignoftheidolblessinghim;sohewenttohis Guruandaskedhimthereason.TheGurusmiledatPuranandsaid,“Wellson,takethisidolofLord Siva.IshallinitiateyouintotheSivaMantra.WorshipLordSivawithfaithanddevotion.Heis considered as Bhole Nath and is easily propitiable; He will bless you soon.”

ThenextsixmonthssawPuranChandimmersedinJapaandworshipofLordSiva.Theidol ofLordNarayanawasplacedonadustyshelfinthepujaroom.Aftermanymonths,PuranChand oncemorewenttohisGuruandcomplainedthathisworshipofSivahadbroughthimnoresult.He begged him to give him the Murti and Mantra of a Devata that would bless him.

TheGurusmiledagain;thetimeforenlightenmenthadcome,yethefeltthedisciplewould learnfromexperience.Sohesaid,“Goodson,inthisYuga,MotherKaliisPratyakshaDevata. WorshipthisimageofHerandrepeattheNavarnaMantraandyouwillobtainHerGrace.”This time, Puran Chand had no misgivings whatsoever; he had full faith.

Kaliworshipcommenced;SivajoinedcompanywithNarayanaontheshelf.Withdevotion, PuranwaswavingincensebeforetheimageofMotherKaliwhenthefumesroseupandreachedthe shelfwheretheothertwoidolswerekept.Puranwasenraged.WhatrighthadSivatoinhalethe incenseintendedforMotherKali?Hehadrefusedtobepropitiatedwhenhehadtirelessly worshippedHim;itwasMotherKaliwhomhenowworshipped.Ingreatangerhetookdownthe imageofSivainhishandsandbegantoinsertcottonwoolinHisnosetostopHimfrominhalingthe incense.Beforehecouldaccomplishhistask,however,theidoldisappearedandbeforehimstood theLord,smilinginallHismercyandcompassion.Speechlesswithwonderandamazement,Puran prostratedhimselfbeforetheLordwhotoldhimtoaskforanyboonasHewasimmenselypleased with his devotion.

Purananswered,“MyLord,Iammuchperplexed.YoudidnotdeigntoblessmewhenI devoutlyworshippedYouandrepeatedthePanchaksharaMantraforsixmonths.ButYousuddenly chosetorevealyourselftomewhenIhaddiscardedYourimageandgivenupYourworship.What is this mystery, O Lord?”

TheLordanswered,“Mychild,thereisnomysterytobeexplained;howcouldIreveal MyselfwhenyoutreatedMeasamereimage,asamerepieceofmetalworshippedorthrownaway accordingtoyourwhim?TodayyoutreatedMyimageasalivingpresencewhenyouwantedto plugthenostrilswithcottonwool;thusyourevealedthatyourecognisedMylivingpresenceinthe idol and I could no longer withhold Myself from you.”

Speechlessandenlightened,PuranbowedoncemoreandwasimmersedinHisLove.He could ask for no greater boon, for in His love he found fulfilment.