Questioner: Premjit

Subject: Idol worship in Hinduism

Question: Dear Acharyaji,

I have seen the priest responsible for energising the ordinary carved rock through Prana Pratista and Mantra Pratista, himself laters prays the idol after the act.

Why should he do so as he himself was responsible for converting a non-living rock into a conscious energy centre.

Thanks and best wishes,

Prem

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John of AllFaith's reply

Namaskar Premjit,

Many people do various things. I can't really speak to this particular event.

Prana Pratista is the correct way to energize the image, with or without Mantra Pratista.

In my mind, it would depend on how he views and explains his activities. If the carving was of an authorized murti, then it sounds proper to me.

To my mind, there are a few things that determine whether or not an image is an idol or a murti. Part of it depends on whether or not the image is authorized in the scriptures and undergoes the proper rites. Another consideration is the attitude of the worshipper.

Murtis can often made of stone and the person who performs the installation can certainly worship the murti. The rituals of installation are defined in the scriptures.

I'm not really clear on what you asking here. Sounds like a standard installation rite to me.

Om Santi,

~John of AllFaith
Jagannatha Prakasa

There is a Follow-up to this question here.

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