This common misconception stems from a misunderstanding of Hindu practices. The Upanishads clearly state that the Ultimate Reality (Brahman) is formless (nirguna), but devotees can worship through symbols and forms (saguna) as stepping stones to understanding the abstract.
According to the Bhagavad Gita (12.5), worship through forms is recognized as a valid path for those who find it challenging to meditate on the formless. The images and murtis serve as focal points for concentration and devotion, not as objects of worship themselves.
Modern cognitive science validates this approach, showing how concrete symbols help the human mind grasp abstract concepts. This is similar to how mathematical symbols help us understand complex equations.
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