Idol Worship, actually called as Murthy Puja is a revered practice in Hinduism involving the worship of deities represented through physical icons or statues (murtis). This ritual acknowledges the divine presence in these representations, facilitating a personal connection with the deity. Devotees perform various offerings, including flowers, fruits, and incense, while chanting mantras and prayers to invoke blessings and protection. The process often includes elaborate ceremonies during festivals and daily worship in homes and temples. Murthy Puja reflects the belief that the divine can be experienced tangibly, fostering devotion (bhakti) and spiritual growth. It plays a central role in expressing reverence and gratitude to the divine.
Islamic invasions across Bharat (India) led to widespread destruction of temples and idols over several centuries, as many rulers aimed to impose their religious authority. From the 11th century onward, notable invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori attacked major Hindu temples, such as the Somnath Temple in Gujarat and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, often looting and desecrating sacred idols.
These invasions were driven by the belief in iconoclasm, the rejection of idol worship, which was a fundamental aspect of the Islamic doctrine followed by these rulers. As a result, numerous ancient and architecturally significant temples were either demolished or converted into mosques, and religious artifacts were defaced or destroyed.
The invaders targeted key centers of Hindu culture and spirituality to demoralize the local population, thereby solidifying their control over the conquered regions. This destruction was not just about territorial conquest but also aimed at breaking the cultural and spiritual backbone of Bharat’s ancient civilization.
In spite of this, India’s cultural heritage survived through the resilience of its people. Many temples were rebuilt over time, and the rich traditions of the land continued to thrive despite these historical disruptions.
This blog is still under compilation, however, a detailed video below gives a very good & comprehensive understanding.
Project Shivoham 