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Mahabharat Katha: During the Mahabharata period, the Pandavas neither went to temples nor worshipped idols and bowed their heads before them. What was the reason for this? What was their way of worship then?
How was worship done during the Mahabharata periodThe Pandavas followed Vedic traditions and Yajna ritualsIt was then believed that God cannot be bound in any form or shape
During the Mahabharata period, the Pandavas certainly performed puja and yagna but they did not worship idols. Why did they do this? They did not even go to temples during that period.
This is a big question that why Pandavas did not worship idols during Mahabharata period. Yudhishthira was the most religious. He used to organize Yagya but never worshipped idols. He never bowed his head in front of the idols of gods. Other Pandavas also did something similar. Although Pandavas were great devotees of Lord Shiva, Surya, Brahma, Krishna, Dharmaraj and Vayu. Even after this, they did not adopt idol worship in their life.
When is the Mahabharata era believed to have taken place?
The time of the Mahabharata era is said to be at the end of the Dwapar era and the beginning of the Kali Yuga. It is said in the Puranas that the Kali Yuga began in 3102 BC. It is believed that the Mahabharata war must have taken place sometime before this, probably between 3139 BC and 3102 BC.
How worship was done then
According to Mahabharata, the religious life of Pandavas was mainly based on Vedic traditions and rituals. Yagya, mantras and praise of gods were the main part of Vedic religion. This was the Vedic period. At that time, the worship of gods and goddesses was mainly done through yagya and havan and not through idols. We will tell you later who among the Pandavas performed how much yagya and worship. Also why neither idol worship was done in that period nor people went to temples.
Which gods and goddesses did the Pandavas believe in?
This The Pandavas were great devotees of many gods and goddesses. They accepted Krishna as God. In the Gita, it was Lord Krishna who imparted the knowledge of religion to Arjun. Yudhishthira had special faith in Dharmaraj (God of religion). Bhima was a devotee of Lord Hanuman. Bhima also met Hanuman. Draupadi was a worshipper of Goddess Durga.
Why did the Pandavas not worship idols?
Despite being so religious, why did the Pandavas not worship idols? They did not bow their heads in front of idols of gods and goddesses. Because idols were not worshipped in Vedic religion at that time. God was considered formless. Hence, natural forces (such as fire, air, sun, moon) and special gods were worshipped more. There is no mention of idol worship in Vedic literature.
According to the religious beliefs of those times
the real form of God was considered to be invisible and unlimited. Worshiping him through idols was not considered appropriate because it was believed that God cannot be limited to any physical form.
Which was considered the right place for worship?
Shivling and Yagya Kund were definitely signs of symbolic worship. Yagya and worship were done near rivers and trees. So when did idol worship start in India? When idol worship started, then the construction of big temples also started.
When did idol worship begin and temples began to be built?
From 500 BC to the second century AD, worship of deities like Ram, Krishna, Shiva, Durga began to increase. Idol worship began in this era. Buddhism and Jainism encouraged idol making. Making of idols of Buddha and Tirthankaras began in this era. Buddhist stupas and cave temples (like Ajanta and Ellora) can be considered as the earliest forms of temple construction.
In India, the Gupta period, that is, the period from the third century to the sixth century is considered the golden age of temple construction. During this period, magnificent temples were built for the worship of the idols of Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi. The construction of temples made of stone and bricks began.
How did Yudhishthira and Bhishma Pitamah worship?
If we talk about “those who performed the most worship and yagya” during the Mahabharata period, then Yudhishthira and Bhishma Pitamah top this category. Karna is also considered a lover of religious rituals and a generous person. He worshipped the Sun God regularly.
What did Yudhishthira do?
Yudhishthira is considered a symbol of Dharma. He was at the forefront of following truth, justice and Vedic Dharma. – He performed many big Yagyas, the most famous of which is Rajsuya Yagya. – Yudhishthira followed Dharma in his life and regularly organized religious rituals and Yagyas.
What did Bhishma Pitamah do
Bhishma Pitamah followed Vedic traditions and religion by observing celibacy throughout his life. – He gave great importance to yagya and penance in his life and taught others to follow religion and duty.
(Disclaimer: The information given here is based on general information. Before adopting it, definitely take medical advice. THE MONK does not confirm this.)
