murti worship/bathing etc

[Araloka]

Hi all. I have been involved with ISKCON style Vaishnavism on and off for several years with a break of a few years.

One thing that keeps me from being any more involved with it is the practices of murti worship. I have no problem bowing before the statues or putting offerings before them, but I feel like it is taken to the extreme in bathing, clothing, putting to sleep, etc.

Are there any paramparas or schools of Hinduism that don't require this?

[Premāyaṇa]

Hi all. I have been involved with ISKCON style Vaishnavism on and off for several years with a break of a few years.

One thing that keeps me from being any more involved with it is the practices of murti worship. I have no problem bowing before the statues or putting offerings before them, but I feel like it is taken to the extreme in bathing, clothing, putting to sleep, etc.

Are there any paramparas or schools of Hinduism that don't require this?

Namaste,

This was difficult for me to get my mind around at first as well. It's just not normal to a western mindset. But as I have done these things more, I have found great joy in it. You treat the murti was the God, so obviously you'd want to give the statue great respect and reverence. It's a way of showing God your adoration, devotion, and worship through your actions.

I think it's an essential part of Hinduism. It's certainly different, but I think with time you will get used to it.