2024,Do Photos of Deities Protect Us? (घरोमे फोटो या मूर्ति रखनेसे क्या होता है ? धार्मिक आस्था, मानसिक शांति, सुरक्षा ?)

The Role of Pran Pratishtha, Subtle Souls, and Bhakti in Kaliyug

Introduction

In Sanatan tradition, many people keep photos or idols of deities in their homes believing that divine protection flows from them. But an important question arises: Do photos of deities truly provide protection? Does divine power exist in pictures, or only in consecrated idols (Pran Pratishtha Murti)?

According to spiritual knowledge related to the subtle world (Sukshma Jagat), the answer depends not only on the object (photo or idol) but also on faith (bhavana), spiritual purity, and the influence of subtle souls present in the environment. This article explains the deeper spiritual reasoning behind deity photos, temple consecration (Pran Pratishtha), the influence of different categories of souls, and the changing spiritual condition of humanity in Kaliyug.

Temple Idols and Pran Pratishtha

In temples, idols are usually made of stone or metal. However, according to spiritual understanding, during the ritual of Pran Pratishtha, divine consciousness associated with the deity is invited into the idol.

When Pran Pratishtha is performed properly:

• A subtle form of the deity connects with the idol.

• The idol becomes a spiritual medium.

• Devotees receive spiritual help (helpline) when they visit the temple with faith.

Thus, temples with consecrated idols are considered spiritually powerful places.

Deity Photos in Homes

Many families keep photos or small idols of deities at home. Bapuji says, that photo itself is not the ultimate source of power. The main factor is devotional feeling (bhavana). When a person meditates sincerely in front of a deity’s photo, concentration increases. Thus  this faith activates inner spiritual power. Both idol and photo can become mediums for spiritual connection if devotion is genuine. However its only a mediocore practise and true power or knowledge is not gained. Our mind feels good.

Influence of Different Religious Souls (Vidharmi Atma)

Bapuji explains that the subtle world contains souls belonging to many belief systems and religions. Over centuries, many different religions spread across the world. Conversions by Islams and Christianity occurred through social, political, and historical processes. As populations demographic changed, the number of souls belonging to  Muslims and Christian religious traditions also increased in the subtle dimension.

Thus subtle world influences often affect the physical world.

Example perspective presented in the discourse:

• The expansion of religions globally is not only physical but also influenced by subtle forces.

• Souls of different belief systems influence environments, families, and cultural direction.

• destruction of  ancient temples by invaders

• construction of mosques at temple sites

• reference to Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir

Historical Spread of Religions

Bapuji highlights that over time many religions entered India.

• Mughal invasions

• Christian rule for about 200–250 years

• gradual spread of Christianity and Islam

• reference to historical temple destruction such as Somnath

It suggests that earlier India geographically extended into regions such as Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Nepal, Tibet etc., and later became divided.

Ghor Kaliyug – The Decline of Spiritual Purity

Kaliyug is described as a time when Religion is used for non-religious purposes. Faith has become superficial. People move away from self-realization and actual knowledge. Material enjoyment becomes the main goal of life.  People increasingly follow the mindset: Eat, enjoy, and do not worry about the future.

The Role of Sai Baba and Multiple Sects

Bapuji explains that many sects and spiritual paths have emerged within Hinduism. According to this interpretation, excessive fragmentation weakens collective spiritual strength. Sai Baba is associated with Muslim background. Sai Baba statues appearing in many temples is interpreted as influence of non-Sanatan belief systems . many followers of Sai Baba are Hindus

Today:

• Thousands of sects exist.  Differences between sects sometimes create confusion.

• People follow personalities rather than seeking true knowledge of the soul.

• Due to this, spiritual awareness decreases. souls belonging to other religions (Muslim/ Christian) influence families in physical world and such souls may create changes in belief patterns and influence may lead to religious conversions or shifts in faith

• Hindu faith people visiting dargahs/ mosques may expose individuals to subtle entities . this is interpreted as a sign of decline in adherence to original tradition

. The Subtle World and Collective Influence

It is suggested that:

• The subtle world contains many types of souls.

• Souls belonging to various belief systems influence human thinking.

• Atheistic tendencies are also increasing globally.

• Many people do not believe in soul or God.

This creates spiritual imbalance.

The discourse suggests that conflicts in the physical world originate from disturbances in the subtle world.

Rise of Atheism

Many individuals today:

• Do not believe in soul (atma)

• Do not believe in God (paramatma)

• Focus only on material enjoyment

As spiritual knowledge decreases:

• Faith decreases

• Inner peace decreases

• Direction in life becomes unclear

 Power of Devotion (Bhakti Bhav)

Despite these challenges, devotion still has importance.

Key ideas:

• Strong devotion creates spiritual connection.

• Devotion purifies the mind.

• Faith gradually improves intellect (buddhi).

• A pure intellect eventually seeks true knowledge.

Even worship done in front of a simple photo can become powerful when devotion is sincere.

Bhakti leads to mental peace , purification of mind , spiritual growth  and desire for knowledge of soul and Supreme

 Difference Between Bhakti Marg and Gyan Marg

Two major spiritual paths are described:

Bhakti Marg (Path of Devotion)

• Based on faith and emotional connection.

• Gradually purifies intellect.

• Leads to peace and stability.

Gyan Marg (Path of Knowledge)

• Based on realization of the self as soul.

• Increases inner spiritual power.

• Helps overcome negative influences.

Both paths ultimately aim at spiritual progress.

 Why Faith is Decreasing

Several factors contribute to declining faith:

• destruction of temples historically

• conflicts in the name of religion

• misuse of religion for politics

• negative publicity about saints

• materialistic lifestyle

• lack of true spiritual knowledge

As a result, many people question: “If deities could not protect their own temples, how will they protect us?”

This leads some people toward atheism.

Possibility of Misleading Influences

According to this spiritual interpretation:

If the environment at home is spiritually impure:

• negative subtle entities may influence thoughts

• devotion becomes weak

• confusion increases

It is suggested that strong faith, purity, and spiritual knowledge help prevent such confusion.

 Why Devotion Still Matters

Even in Kaliyug:

• sincere devotion refines intellect

• refined intellect seeks truth

• truth leads to knowledge of soul

• knowledge leads to liberation

Devotion performed over many births gradually leads to realization of the soul and Supreme.

Thus, devotion is not wasted.

 Final Conclusion – Do Deity Photos Have Power?

According to the explanation presented:

Yes, deity photos can become spiritually beneficial if:

• devotion is sincere

• mind is focused

• environment is positive

• person seeks spiritual growth

However:

• spiritual power ultimately depends on inner purity

• knowledge of soul strengthens spiritual protection

• both bhakti and knowledge are important

When devotion becomes pure, intellect becomes sattvic, and the soul naturally seeks higher knowledge.

Ultimately, spiritual progress depends on both faith and understanding.