We Indians have always been criticized as idolaters and are largely deserved. When our country's total population is only 300 million - including those of other faiths, there are 360 million gods in the Pantheon in India - which clearly proves that this is beyond any doubt. But the fact remains that idolatry also exists in other beliefs.
For Maharajah Mangal Singh of Rajputana, his thoughts were largely influenced by his education in the UK, arguing that the image of worship was futile, because those idols were only clay or stone statues for him. Swami Vivekananda tried in vain to explain to Hindus that when they did this, they only used images as symbols to worship God. But the young prince may not be convinced. Swamiji then asked his prime minister to pull down the photo of the Maharajah hanging on the wall; his bid was immediately observed. Holding photos in front of the prime minister and others, he let them spit on them. Everyone in the court was shocked.
He is now speaking to the audience. "Dajun does not have a body in the photo. This is just a piece of paper that you can see. It does not contain his bones, flesh and blood. It does not speak, express or move like the Maharaja, but all of you refuse to spit. Oh, because you saw the shadow of the Maharaja in this photo. In fact, spitting on this photo, you feel that you insulted your master, the prince himself. "Going to the young prince, he continues to say;" Look, your Highness, although in a sense it is not you, but in another sense, this is you. That is why when you ask them to spit, your loyal servant is so confused." Realize his mistakes and seek Swamiji's forgiveness and his blessings.
Orignal From: Swami Vivekananda defends idol worship
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