Acharya Prashant explains that while Shri Adi Shankaracharya describes Brahman as formless and beyond attributes, he also established Shakti Peethas and composed hymns for deities like Shri Shiva and Shri Vishnu. This is because the human mind is conditioned to perceive only forms, colors, and attributes. Since humans are 'murt' (having form), they cannot directly relate to the 'amurt' (formless). Therefore, a bridge is required to lead the seeker from the world of forms to the formless reality. Deities and idols serve as this essential bridge or ladder, starting from the physical realm and leading toward the infinite sky of consciousness. He clarifies that specific forms like Shri Shiva and Shri Vishnu are unique designs created with deep meditative insight to help a person transcend the material world. The purpose of an idol is to provide a focal point for the mind so that it can eventually move beyond all forms and enter the formless state. However, Acharya Prashant warns against getting stuck at the level of the physical idol. He references Kabir Saheb, who criticized idol worship when it became an end in itself, noting that people often forget the purpose of the bridge and start living on it instead of crossing it. The idol is a tool for spiritual progress, not a final destination.
