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Home > Temples of Kerala > Vigraha Background Vigraha BackgroundIn the first chapter the evolution of mode of worship was discussed, though the factors leading to idol worship have not been elaborated. In Kritha- Yuga men had greater mental power for dhyaana (meditation) and they could meditate in a single syllable ie., pranava (Om or AUM) with full concentration. Needless to mention, it is the most powerful syllable of divinity and can be repeated in seven symphonies seven mounting and seven descending scales. In other words it is Brahman or the word of the God. It contains A, U, M fit which 'A' represents pure Almighty's grace, 'U' stands for the Universe of beings pervaded by that grace and 'M' the Man (ie individual) in whom it reflects as the soul. Thus, in short, this syllable pervades these individual, universal and transcendental souls into a unique realm. The effect of this syllable, which had immaculate power in Kritha- Yuga did not last for long as the individual had lost his concentration and dedication. Naturally it led to deterioration. Therefore in the next Thretha-Yuga it became absolutely necessary to have an upaadhi (supposition) for upaasana (worship) and they selected certain natural things like Agni (fire), Soorya (Sun), Vaayu (air) and appah (water or Varuna) as representives of the supreme power. All of them were treated as Gods and worshipped. For worshipping them, in addition to Pranava-manthra, Vedic-manthras for each deity were introduced and the intricate yajna procedure evolved. It can be seen that during this Yuga, yajna had very significant role in all spiritual and material pursuits. When thousands of years passed again the concentration of power dwindled and it became imperative to adopt simplified procedures for both upaadhi and upaasana. For upaadhi images had to be conceived which have perfection of limbs, similar to man or woman. Depending on how they conceived them, they provided these images with ornaments of that time, crown, weapons etc. All these occurred during Dwaapara-Yuga, particularly at the close of the Yuga, and still persists with modifications. Systematic procedures of worship were also evolved during this period. At the advent of Kali-Yuga, the power of meditation was further minimised as stress was on materialistic wants and aspirations of the worshippers. To have solace and peace of mind the saasthras prescribe a definite course, known as Kali- Yuga-dharma, wherein importance of naama-sankeertthan, Sath-sanga (company of holy men), hearing of scriptures, worship in temples etc. are suggested for successfully invoking His grace and achieving salvation. In Utthara Geetha (3-7) it is stated that Agni is the God for dwi-jaathees, while for seers (munis) God lives in their own hearts. For ordinary people God's presence is felt in an idol and for a samadarsin God is everywhere. To quote: Agnirdevo dwijatheenam muneenaam hridi daivatham Therefore, for ordinary persons different types of prathimas (idols) were evolved as prescribed in saasthras. The idols are made up of different materials and based on different sankalpas. A cursory look on the various aspects of these idols will bring out the diversity of worship and unity of concept.
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