Why do Hindus worship idol?

Question

I want to know that if Hindu books says that there is only one god so why do they worship idols ?

Answer 1

Yea you know i was always wondering why?

Answer 2

For Hindus, Buddhists and Taoists, the deity image in which you call an idol, serves as a reminder to their devotees on the qualities and virtues of the deity it represents. When a devotee bows before the image, it is the a training in the quality of humility, devotion and surrender... It is a symbol of respect for a being much higher than oneself and they aspire to BE like that divine one. Whether they succeed or not is a whole new ball game.

The reason why the deities come in so many forms, it is because each form is an expression of the deities function and quality. Jehovah himself has 3 aspects too isnt it? The Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost? Just like a man who is a doctor, a loving father, a champion golfer, a doting uncle.... they are no different from who this man is... just various aspects of him

Many believers of the western faiths relish in rampaging into the lives of other cultures, and blatantly pointing and loudly pronoucing in a most degrading way that the belief systems of others are like this and like that yada yada yada without first investigating what they are about...

In England, there is still a Queen, why do the citizens of England show respect? Why do Americans show respect to the American flag? Because the flag represents the core values of what America and her forefathers had fought so very hard to achieve, a country with all its freedoms and liberties. ( American history 101 lol ) You DO NOT worship the flag do you? Nor the Queen? Would YOU go to an american institution and destroy a flag? NO! that would be very very wrong...

Religious images to a Hindu Devotee is like a photograph of a very respected father, mother or person, who reminds us what being human is all about, just like how our parents will ALWAYS want the best for us, whether we sometimes can see it or not...

Investigate before pointing,

Answer 3

In Hindu vedas, various qualities are attributed to the Almighty and for each quality that is bestowed upon a deity, a form has been established. For example "Pasupathi", is a name attributed to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism."Pasu" means cattle in general. Shiva's vahana (literally a vehicle or carrier) is a Bull named Nandhi."Pathi" means leader. Hence the deity is personified as One sitting on the Bull. Basically, it is said that even during meditation, a focal point is required for concentration. This focal point could be a figure or a colour or any object. Hence for prayers, the concept of idols had been brought upon as a method of focussing on God. And this has been continued to this day.
Now, coming to ur point,God is indeed One.But because of the diverse qualities that are attributed to God,it was thought of personifying God as one having many forms, one each for a quality.The weapons and ornaments of each form are such that
they help in performing or showcasing the job attributed to a deity.For example, Lord Subrahmanya, the commander of the Heaven's army is personified as One having a lance for a weapon.Goddess Saraswathi, the Goddess of knowledge is personified as One having the Sacred vedas in her hand.

Answer 4

Hinduism is a way of life rather than a religion, to start with its allowed to worship God in different form and shapes, man, lady, animal........ God is Unique and the religion is so flexible can worship God in any form in the intial stages.

Answer 5

There are many gods and goddess. You have have not read the right books. Go to the library and take out a book on world religions....

Answer 6

Why do catholic churches made statues,is that idolatory?

Answer 7

I don't know!