The Commercialization of Idol Worship: A Reflection on Sanatan Dharma

 

The Commercialization of Idol Worship: A Reflection on Sanatan Dharma

Connecting with Lord Shiva

 

In recent discussions, some have raised concerns about my stance on idol worship, assuming that I am opposed to Sanatan Dharma. I want to set the record straight: I am not against idol worship, nor do I oppose the essence of Sanatan Dharma as I have understood it throughout my life. The principles of dharma that I was raised with have shaped a deep and meaningful perspective—one rooted in truth, justice, and the well-being of all.

As a child, I may not have been attentive to every ritual during prayer. However, I always made sure to be present for the concluding portion, where the core message was emphasized: uphold dharma, eradicate adharma, care for all beings, and work toward peace on this planet. This is the Sanatan Dharma I grew up with, a tradition that prioritizes moral integrity, universal compassion, and the fight against injustice.

Adharma, as I learned, manifests when people use God’s name to harm others, when judges manipulate the law to punish the innocent, or when rulers deceive the public. A leader who lies to their people embodies adharma. The greatest service we can offer is to stand up against those who perpetuate such deceit and wrongdoing.

This is the Sanatan Dharma I embrace. If your understanding aligns with these values, then you would recognize that my stance is not against Sanatan Dharma.

Idol Worship: A Sacred Path, Not a Commercial Enterprise

Idol worship, in my view, is one of the most profound spiritual practices humanity has discovered. It offers solace and mental relief from the hardships that life inevitably brings, regardless of one’s power or position. However, while our ancestors may have recognized the importance of idol worship, they might not have foreseen its commercialization. What was once a sacred act has, in many cases, turned into a business—a transformation where spiritual connection is often replaced by personal gain.

To clarify, I am not opposed to idol worship itself. My opposition lies in the commercialization of idol worship, where faith becomes a profitable enterprise. If we look at ancient examples, such as Lord Ram praying to Lord Shiva before building the bridge to Lanka, there was no grand temple or lavish setting. It was simply an idol placed near the ocean, and through this humble act of worship, Lord Ram sought guidance. The focus here is clear—worship is about connecting with divine forces, free from distractions.

This is where modern-day temples, no matter how beautiful, sometimes miss the mark. Instead of fostering peace and connection, the grandeur and opulence of these places can become distractions, preventing true meditation and communion with the divine.

Consider the temples in Himachal Pradesh, where only a few devotees visit. Despite the absence of crowds, these places offer serenity and a deep sense of connection with the universe. This is the true purpose of idol worship—peace, introspection, and spiritual connection.

However, when public figures like businessmen, celebrities, and politicians make a spectacle of their temple visits, complete with grand donations and media attention, they are not practicing genuine faith. Instead, they are commodifying it, using religion as a platform for self-promotion. A striking example of this is when Prime Minister Modi participated in the Ram Temple inauguration. His presence was not about humble worship but about political opportunism. With 50 cameras broadcasting his meditative pose, it was a carefully orchestrated spectacle designed to manipulate public opinion and influence votes.

Unfortunately, this tactic worked, and the public was deceived. Modi’s actions during the event violated election rules, especially since votes were still being counted. The Election Commission of India (ECI) should have intervened, holding him accountable for using religious sentiment to secure political advantage. Instead, India was left to contend with the consequences of such manipulation.

Reclaiming Idol Worship for Genuine Spirituality

When idol worship is reduced to a tool for political gain and commercial exploitation, I cannot support it. I do not visit temples where the focus has shifted from spiritual connection to public spectacle. Genuine worship requires peace, solitude, and the quiet necessary to connect with a higher power.

For those who seek true spiritual connection, I recommend a more personal approach. Choose an idol that speaks to you, study its significance, and create your own rituals in the comfort and tranquility of your home. Free from external distractions and public displays, you will find it easier to connect with the divine. The power you seek is already within you, and as you nurture this connection, it will bring positive changes to your life.

Idol worship itself is not the problem. The issue arises when people are drawn into temples for the wrong reasons—manipulated by those who have turned faith into a business. The proliferation of temples worldwide, often driven by profit motives, is a dangerous trend that risks pulling society back into blind faith. Instead of building more temples, churches, or other religious institutions, I believe we should focus on creating more schools and universities—places that foster education, critical thinking, and societal progress.

Conclusion

My opposition is not to Sanatan Dharma or idol worship itself, but to its commercialization and the way it has been exploited for personal and political gain. We must return to the true essence of Sanatan Dharma—upholding dharma, fighting against adharma, and promoting peace. Faith should not be commodified or used as a tool to deceive, but should instead be a path toward genuine spiritual growth and the betterment of society.