The origin of image worship in India appears to be very ancient. Many believe it to be the result of the followers of Gautama Buddha adoring their master and worshipping him in the form of images on his apotheosis after death. However, there are indications on the prevalence of image worship among the Hindus long before the time of Gautama Buddha.
The Origin of Image Worship in India Read More »
Selections from the book ‘Indian Sculpture and Iconography: Forms and Measurements’ (2002) published by Sri Aurobindo Society.
From the One Formless to Many Forms Read More »
A brief account of a special temple located in Srivilliputhur, dedicated to Andal, the only female Alwar among the twelve Vaishnava poet-saints of South India.
Devotee as the Deity – Srivilliputhur Andal Temple Read More »
Three excerpts from Swami Vivekananda’s addresses on Bhakti Yogain in which he speaks of the significance and the symbolism of images and forms for a devotee.
Of Pratīka and Pratimā: Why Do We Need Images and Symbols? Read More »
This 2-part article summarizes Sri Aurobindo’s explanations of the deeper symbolism of Vedic Gods and Goddesses, powers and names of the One Supreme.
The Gods and Goddesses of the Veda – 1 Read More »
Read in this part about the deeper symbolism of several Vedic goddesses such as Saraswati, Ila, Mahi, Dakshina and Usha.
The Gods and Goddesses of the Veda – 2 Read More »
The author speaks of the deeper symbolism behind the mūrti pūjā, and reminds of the truth of the Finite Form, which is a mūrti or a picture created to express some specific aspect of the Formless Infinite.
The Inner Truth of Mūrti Pūjā Read More »
As a follow-up to the article on Mūrti Pūjā, the author here describes the deep symbolism behind the form of Devi Saraswati.
Reverential Pranāms to Vāgdevi Saraswati (Video) Read More »
Read about a delightful and profound aphorism of Sri Aurobindo. The author also speaks of the future of spiritual symbolism in artistic expression.
Vaishnava Symbolism and the Future of Symbols Read More »
These passages highlight some of Sri Aurobindo’s insights on the true nature of Indian nation towards which we must aspire and work. The specific focus is on the point that the idea of unity in diversity is inherent in the very nature of Indian idea of nation. We also get important hints in these passages on the Hindu spirit of Indian nationalism, a topic that is very timely and significant for today’s and tomorrow’s India.
The Indian Nation and Unity in Diversity Read More »