Why do Hindus worship idols?

In Hinduism, the reason behind worshipping idols has more insight than we think it does. It is not the image the idol depicts, but the powers vested in the idols after it has been appropriately invoked and invited to reside in the idol.

It is suggested in the Hindu shastras, that the worship of God in a physical form is more convincing for the human mind, and people can relate to it better. In most of the cultures of the world Gods take human form as it is easier for people to empathize and understand. It gives people the idea of a being that is beyond them and in whom they can believe in for their betterment. For us humans, God is the one with great powers or a ray of hope which gets us going in difficult situations. Faith helps many people deal with unspeakable anguish that is hard to overcome otherwise.

It is clearly mentioned in the shastras that worshiping a physical form and following rituals is the first step for man to start his spiritual journey. If followed properly, man will develop mental clarity of his being and also the maturity to move on to the next level of spirituality, which is self-realization.

A human being is pathless and at times weak, and he needs an image in mind to believe in and to trust. This is why the concept of idols came into existence as it works with the way the human brain functions. It helps to concentrate, meditate and raise the level of ones hope, due to the power vested in the idols.