Generally those who live in western countries or among people of semitic faith must face questions and/or abuses about Deity Worship. It is sad that even some Hindus use the word "Idol worship" for "Vigraha archanas" we do in temples.
1. The first point is Hindus have to recognoze that the words "Idol worship" has a derogatory meaning and hence should stop using such words at all.
2. The second point is most Hindus have no idea "what is 'Muti Puja' ?" and often have a misconception that the material with which the Murti itself is worshipped.
3. The third point is Hindus themselves have a diverse philosophies where some believe Brahman does not have form and others that Brahman does have form.
4. Some have the idea that Murti is merely a symbol to concentrate.
I will try to present the idea as far as I know. If anybody has more knowledge, they can present.
I started a new thread on this subject, because instead of presenting our own ideas on this subject, it is better to see what the scriptures themselves say.
I request anybody who has read regarding Murti Puja as per Pancaratra and Vaikhanasa Agamas can present about philosophy of Murti Puja better.
As per Vaishnava traditions, Narayana(Brahman) has infinite forms. Purusa Sukta(in Rig veda, Taiitiriya Brahmana etc.) makes it clear that Narayana is Brahman and that Narayana has infinite forms. Also Purusa Sukta makes it clear that Narayana is beyond(transcendental to) all the created Universe.
Hence point no. 3, that Brahman does not have any FORMS can be rejected safely. Also point 2 is just due to worshipper's ignorance and can be rejected as per Purusa Sukta.
I do not think that Murti's are mere symbols. There is an elaborate procedure from carving the image to installing the Deities as per silpa shastras. There are elaborate ceremonies done like Prana Pratishthana, opening the eyes of Deity etc. where different Devatas and Lord Narayana is requested to manifest their persence in the Deity. It is clear from these rituals that Narayana is accepts all the services done to the Deity, just like any Vedic ceremonies(Yagyas) performed.
Hence point 4 is not at all right. Murti is not merely a symbol. Lord Narayana is personally accepting services from devotees and priests to grant Moksha to HIS devotees. A mere symbol cannot do this. It is the residing place of Lord.
To call Murti's as mere symbol is an insult to Lord. In addition it is equally egregious error to think that the material of Murti is itself Lord.
The following link provides some information on Vaikhanasa Agama. If anybody has more information on Agamas and their philosophy please provide it with quotes from scriptures. I could not find any material from net or otherwise regarding Pancaratra or Vaikhanasa agamas.
http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/cgi-...ase/Vaikhanasa
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