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Showing posts from November 22, 2011


Idol Is the Wrong Term to Use to Describe Hindu Temple Deities

Idol is a term that is constantly used to refer to the Murti worshipped in a Hindu Temple and many Hindus find it disturbing and uncomfortable. The definition for idol is a picture or statue that is worshipped as a god. But the definition of murti in Hindu concept is different - the formless and omnipotent God (Brahman) can easily assume form for the sake of devotees. It is this form that a Hindu worships at temple or at a sacred place. The problem is that there is no apt word in English to explain the concept of Murti. So even Hindus have to depend on the word idol to explain the concept of deities in Hindu temples to non-Hindus. For example if I write ‘murti’ most people (even Hindus) start to wonder what is it? So many times I have to write murti (idol).  Padma Kuppa Writes in the Patheos on this subject   One thing that I find similar is the use of the word "idol" in referring to the sacred: the deities installed in the temples, found in Hindu homes, and a