A Symbol of God

The idol is a substitute or symbol. The image in a temple, though it be made of stone, wood
or metal, is precious for a devotee as it bears the mark of his Lord, as it represents something which
he holds holy and eternal. A flag is only a small piece of painted cloth, but to a soldier it stands for
something that he holds very dear. He is prepared to give up his life in defending his flag. Similarly,
the image is very dear to a devotee. It speaks to him in its own language of devotion. Just as the flag
arouses martial valour in the soldier, so also the image arouses devotion in the devotee. The Lord is
superimposed on the image and the image generates divine thoughts in the worshipper.
A piece of ordinary white paper or coloured paper has no value. You throw it away. But, if
there is the stamp of the Government on the paper (currency note), you keep it safe in your money
pocket or trunk. Even so, an ordinary piece of stone has no value for you. You throw it away. But, if
you behold the stone idol of Lord Krishna at Pandharpur or any other idol in shrines, you bow your
head with folded palms, because there is the stamp of the Beloved Lord on the stone. The devotee
superimposes on the stone idol his own Lord and all His attributes.
When you worship an image, you do not say: “This image has come from Jaipur. It was
bought by Prabhu Singh. Its weight is 50 lbs. It is made of white marble. It has cost me Rs.500.” No!
You superimpose all the attributes of the Lord on the image and pray: “O Inner Ruler! You are
all-pervading. You are omnipotent, omniscient and all-merciful. You are the source of everything.
You are eternal, unchanging. You are the life of my life, the Soul of my soul! Give me light and
knowledge! Let me dwell in Thee for ever!”
When your devotion and meditation become intense and deep, you do not see the stone
image. You behold the Lord only who is pure Consciousness. Image worship is very necessary for
beginners.