There are numerous references in Vedic texts that suggest that the concept of murti or idol worship, or the veneration of deities through physical representations, existed in ancient Vedic culture. Let's delve deeper into some of these references:
Rig Veda 8.29: This hymn describes the attributes, forms,
and weapons of various gods, indicating a detailed understanding and
visualization of divine figures. The mention of Sage Tvasta as a Deva Shilpi
further implies the existence of skilled artisans who could translate these
visions into physical forms.
Vajasaneyi Samhita (1.15.16): Describing the Sun as
'hiranyapani' ('one with a golden hand'), this reference suggests a symbolic
representation of celestial bodies, possibly through crafted images or symbols.
Kathaka Samhita (22.11): The mention of Sage Devala, who
lived by preparing images, indicates the practice of creating physical
representations for worship or ritual purposes.
Sama Veda (1.9.5): The reference to an image in this Veda
further supports the notion of using physical representations in religious
rites or practices.
Atharva Veda (2.2.2): The mention of a temple indicates the
existence of dedicated sacred spaces for worship, potentially housing these
images or idols.
Shadvimsha Brahmana (5.10), Taittiriya Brahmana, and
Taittiriya Aranyaka: These texts not only mention the existence of images of
gods but also refer to the craftsmen or sculptors responsible for creating
them, such as Tvasta.
Bodhayana Grihya Sutras 3.7: By the time of the Srauta Sutras
and grihya sutras, which are texts dealing with rituals and domestic ceremonies,
the worship of deities through images in temples appears to have been
well-established.
These references collectively indicate that the practice of
idol worship was not only present but also ingrained in Vedic society, with
skilled artisans playing a crucial role in crafting representations of divine
beings for worship and reverence.