Hindus don't worship idols as God - they use murtis (consecrated images) as focal points for meditation and devotion. The Bhagavad Gita explains that the divine is formless (nirakara) but can be approached through forms (sakara) that aid concentration and devotion.
According to Vedantic philosophy, the murti is a symbol (pratika) that helps the mind focus on the infinite. This practice is similar to how a photograph helps us remember and feel connected to a loved one - the photo itself isn't the person, but it serves as a medium of connection.
Modern psychology validates this approach, recognizing that tangible symbols and visualization aids help humans connect with abstract concepts. The murti tradition represents a sophisticated understanding of human psychology in spiritual practice.
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