Understanding the Deity - Arcā-vigraha Incarnation
In the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the Deity in the temple is not a statue or a symbol; He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. This form is known as the arcā-vigraha, an incarnation of the Lord intended to facilitate service for those currently conditioned by material nature. This article explains the philosophy behind Deity worship, distinguishing it from idolatry and outlining the proper attitude required to approach the Lord in His temple.
Merciful Descent
Because our present senses are materially contaminated, we cannot perceive the Lord's original spiritual form. To bridge this gap, Kṛṣṇa agrees to appear in a form made of material elements—earth, stone, wood, or metal. This is compared to a post office box: although it looks like an ordinary box, it is authorized by the government to transport mail. Similarly, the Deity is authorized by scripture to accept the devotee's service.
- Actually God is everywhere. But so long I am not purified, I have to see God as they are prescribed in the sastra. Here the Deity, He is God, but because I have no power to see God, therefore I see that - Oh, it is made of wood. It is made of metal.
- As the Post Office kindly places a box before your house to facilitate your business, similarly Krsna, goloka eva nivasati, He is living in the Goloka Vrndavana, but He expands Himself as Deity to accept your humble service.
- Because we cannot see the Supreme Lord with our present blunt eyes, the Lord has kindly consented to come before us in a form we can see. Therefore the Deity in the temple should not be considered material.
Seeing the Reality
To the atheist, the Deity appears to be a lifeless object, but to the devotee, the Deity is Kṛṣṇa Himself. This difference in vision is due to the presence or absence of devotion. The arcā-vigraha is non-different from the Lord, and realizing this is a key aspect of spiritual advancement.
- According to their (the atheists) own theory, everything is God. Then why is the Deity not God? Actually, they have no conception of God.
- By practical experience it is seen, that the Lord's transcendental form is worshiped by devotees in different temples, and all the devotees of the Lord factually realize that the form of the Deity in the temple is nondifferent from the form of the Lord.
Standards of Service
Worshiping the Deity is a serious responsibility that must be free from commercial motives. Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly warned against making a livelihood by showing the Deity for money. Instead, one should serve with humility, following regulations such as offering maṅgala-ārati, keeping the temple clean, and avoiding quarrels in front of the Lord.
- My Guru Maharaja said that instead of earning livelihood by showing the Deity in the temple, it is better to take the profession of a sweeper in the street and live honestly.
- There are thirty-two offenses to the Deity that should be avoided... (30) One should not be unkind to others before the Deities. (31) One should observe all festivals in the temple. (32) One should not fight or quarrel before the Deity.
- According to the Vedic principles, one should rise early in the morning, take bath, chant Hare Krsna, offer mangala-arati to the Deities, study Vedic literature, take prasada and engage in dressing and decorating the Deities.
Power of Darśana
Just by seeing the Deity with respect, one can make tremendous spiritual advancement. Even a small child clapping before the Deity receives a permanent benefit. Festivals like Ratha-yātrā offer a unique opportunity for mass liberation, where simply seeing the Lord on His chariot can grant entrance into the spiritual world.
- A small child who comes before the Deity and dances and claps, he is getting the result. Don't think that it is in vain.
- A person who follows the Ratha-yatra car when the Rathas (Deities) pass in front or from behind, even if born of a lowly family, will surely be elevated to the position of achieving equal opulence with Visnu.
Conclusion
The arcā-vigraha is the accessible presence of God in the material world. By accepting the Lord's invitation to serve Him in this form, a devotee purifies their existence and develops a personal relationship with the Supreme. Whether installed in a grand temple or worshiped in a humble home, the Deity offers the easiest path to liberation and love of God for this age.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Deity. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.