मूर्ति पूजा - is unique gift for the humanity from our sages. Person who does not believe in Murti Puja showcase his ignorance only.

Importance of Murti Puja is mentioned in Vedas, Upneshad and of Manu Vivasvan. याते रुद्र शिवा तनु अघोरा पापनाशिनी, here Tanu means "Murti"
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There are main two approach to worship of God, Saguna and Nirguna, but It is very hard to concentrate in Nirgun Nirakar Swaroop (form less) in initial stage for the human. So the concept or process of worshiping the idol (सगुण स्वरूप) of Lord is very important.

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Shri Krishna told in Gita, from his one "अंश" entire world is created and covered, I am everywhere & cause of everything. Lord Krishna told that, I am in heart of everyone but individual cannot see without the qualification. Now if Lord is everywhere then why not in Murti.
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In present time people is going away from the Murti Puja without the correct understanding.

This is how confusion towards the Murti Puja has been created. Some people thinks of the Murti Puja is one step in spirituality but it is with us from born to death.

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At every stage of life & spiritual journey Murti teaches us something new every time.

Mind can't stay fixed without shape, Murti Puja is must for development. Now who fixed his mind in Lord will become the divine person.

Aarati, Darshan etc are preparation of Murti Puja.

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Devotee believes that God is infinite, all-powerful, all-merciful, and all-knowing. But it requires a spiritual insight to know and understand them. Thus we have the rituals and the worship of symbols and idols that mediate between him and God.

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By Swami Vivekanand.

During general talk wid King Mangal sinh expressed that he doesn't believe in worship of Idol. Swamiji pointed towards the photo of Mangal Singh's father and asked Diwan to spit on image. Diwan is hesitant to spit on it because it reminds of your father.
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Same way idols remind us of God. We don't worship the stone that the idol is made of; it is the ideal and qualities that the form reminds that we worship.

Adi Shankara who taught Advaita, composed numerous stotras in which murti puja is an integral part.
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Credit - paramtap