1.7 MILLION THRONG HINDU SHRINE IN MALAYSIA
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
IANS
The Times of India
Monday, February 1, 2010
Kuala Lumpur - Over 1.7 million Hindu devotees on Monday thronged
Lord Subramaniam's temple at the Batu Caves near the national capital
to celebrate the annual Thaipusam festival.
Crowds of devotees and tourists swelled through the night even as the
deity's silver chariot left Batu Caves at 4 p.m. on Sunday for the
Sri Maha Mariamman temple here to mark the end of the festival.
About 10,000 devotees followed the chariot back on foot, New Straits
Times said.
Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam works committee chief N. Sivakumar
said the Thaipusam celebration last year lasted for a week, and this
year the temple management was ready to maintain the carnival
atmosphere beyond Monday if necessary.
Going by the enthusiasm of the festival crowd this year, it would not
be a surprise if the number of visitors to the Batu Caves temple
surpassed two million, he added.
Multi-ethnic Malaysia is home to about 1.9 million Indians who
settled here during the British era. A bulk of them are Tamil Hindus,
while there are settlers from other regions and practitioners of
Christianity and Sikhism as well.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak with his wife and leading members of
his cabinet were among the visitors this year. He underscored the
need for accommodating the festivals and citizens of different
faiths, although a majority of Malaysians practice Islam.
Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
Om Shanti
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nur
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0_xrdfjGPQ
What is the meaning of idol worship?
A simple definition of idol worship is to believe that anything beside
God can help us, or to hold something as more important to us than
God. Thus if we hold our property (for example) as more important than
God /or give our jobs more time and attention than God - we are
committing idol worship. Unfortunately, the majority of people who
believe in God commit this gross offense without even realizing it. If
you ask them, "Who is your god?", they will be outraged to hear this
question. "What do you mean, `Who is your god?' they will ask, `My god
is the Creator of the heavens and the earth.' " And most of these
people will be shocked to find out that their proclamation that their
god is the Creator of the heavens and the earth is no more than lip
service, and that they are in fact destined for Hell (12:106). Idol
worship is a gross injustice, the violation of the first commandment
in all the scriptures of God, and is an unforgivable sin if maintained
until death.
[31:13] Recall that Luqmaan said to his son, as he enlightened him, "O
my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross
injustice."*
Footnote: *31:13 How will you feel if you take care of a child, give
him the best education, and prepare him for life, only to see him
thank someone else? Thus is idolatry; injustice.
[12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without
committing idol worship.
(sub-title) The Unforgivable Sin
[4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry,* but He forgives lesser offenses
for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged
a horrendous offense.
Footnote: *4:48 Idol worship is not forgivable, if maintained until
death. One can always repent from any offense, including idolatry,
before death comes (see 4:18 & 40:66).
(sub-title) The Unforgivable Sin
[4:116] GOD does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until
death),* and He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone
who idolizes any idol beside GOD has strayed far astray.
God tells us that idol worship nullifies all work
Any work we do, if not devoted absolutely to God, does not serve to
grow our souls. On the day of Resurrection, if our souls have not
grown strong enough to withstand the presence of God - we will have to
forsake God's kingdom on our own volition. Everything we have done in
this world will be nullified.
[39:65] It has been revealed to you, and to those before you that if
you ever commit idol worship, all your works will be nullified, and
you will be with the losers.
The natural instinct of monotheism that God has placed in us ( 30:30;
to make it easier for us to choose the right path) commands us to
dedicate our worship to God Alone, and not associate anything with
God. All places of worship should be dedicated to God Alone. Belief in
God includes the understanding that He alone is worthy of worship.
[72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone
else beside GOD.
Many so-called Muslims commit mistake by associating Muhammad with God
at the places of worship, and by upholding Hadith and Sunna falsely
attributed to prophet Muhammad. For example, mentioning the names of
Abraham, Muhammad, and/or Ali in the Azan and/or the Salat prayers
violates God's commandments in 2:136, 2:285, 3:84, & 72:18.
Unfortunately, this is a common idolatrous practice throughout the
corrupted Muslim world. Many Christians commit this same mistake by
exalting Jesus to the same level as God, or sometimes by even calling
him God. This is idol worship. In Matthew 7:21-23: Jesus clearly
disowns those who call him “Lord.”
Types of Idols
Idol worship is not just restricted to worship of any statues or
picture frames, etc. The Quran cites many forms of idol worship.
1. Calf, statues as idols.
[2:51] Yet, when we summoned Moses for forty nights, you worshiped the
calf in his absence, and turned wicked.*
[21:51-53] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and
understanding, for we were fully aware of him.* He said to his father
and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoting
yourselves?" They said, "We found our parents worshiping them."
2. Worshipping other gods (is worshipping the devil).
[4:117] They even worship female gods besides Him; as a matter of
fact, they only worship a rebellious devil.
3. Jesus as idol.
[5:72] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is the Messiah, son of
Mary. The Messiah himself said, "O Children of Israel, you shall
worship GOD; my Lord* and your Lord." Anyone who sets up any idol
beside GOD, GOD has forbidden Paradise for him, and his destiny is
Hell. The wicked have no helpers.
4. Jinns as idols.
[6:100] Yet, they set up beside GOD idols from among the jinns, though
He is the One who created them. They even attribute to Him sons and
daughters, without any knowledge. Be He glorified. He is the Most
High, far above their claims.
5. Children as idols.
[7:190] But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an
idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership.
6. Humans as idols.
[7:194] The idols you invoke besides GOD are creatures like you. Go
ahead and call upon them; let them respond to you, if you are right.
7. "Intercessors" as Idols. From the Quran, it is obvious - there is
no intercession by anyone on the Day of Judgment.
[10:18] They worship beside GOD idols that possess no power to harm
them or benefit them, and they say, "These are our intercessors at
GOD!" Say, "Are you informing GOD of something He does not know in the
heavens or the earth?" Be He glorified. He is the Most High; far above
needing partners.
8. Satan as an idol.
[14:22] And the devil will say, after the judgment had been issued,
"GOD has promised you the truthful promise, and I promised you, but I
broke my promise. I had no power over you; I simply invited you, and
you accepted my invitation. Therefore, do not blame me, and blame only
yourselves. My complaining cannot help you, nor can your complaining
help me. I have disbelieved in your idolizing me. The transgressors
have incurred a painful retribution."
9. Property as an idol.
[18:32-36] Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them
two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other
crops between them. Both gardens produced their crops on time, and
generously, for we caused a river to run through them. Once, after
harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: "I am far more prosperous
than you, and I command more respect from the people." When he entered
his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, "I do not think that this
will ever end. "Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the
Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to
my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over
there."
[18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful,
lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren.
He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my
Lord."
10. The dead prophets, messengers and saints as idols.
[16:20-21] As for the idols they set up beside GOD, they do not create
anything; they themselves were created. They are dead, not alive, and
they have no idea how or when they will be resurrected.
[3:79] Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the scripture
and prophethood say to the people, "Idolize me beside GOD." Instead,
(he would say), "Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone,"
according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn.
11. God's servants as idols.
[18:102] Do those who disbelieve think that they can get away with
setting up My servants as gods beside Me? We have prepared for the
disbelievers Hell as an eternal abode.
The idol need not be an image in front of you.
12. Ego as an idol.
This is a common form of idolatry. Most humans, because of their ego
cannot bring themselves to worship God, nor can they make their
opinion subordinate to God's opinion spelled out in the Quran because
of their ego. If we disobey God and His messenger, we are committing
idol worship even though there is no image in front of us. This is
because we would be giving our opinion more importance than God's
words.
[25:43] Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be
his advocate?
[45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD
sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his
mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after
such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed?
13. Upholding religious Sources other than God's words, as an idol
As a Submitter (Muslim) if we follow a source other than Quran for
religious guidance it would be idolatry. The following verse makes it
clear that the Quran is God's Testimony. Following any other source is
defined as idolatry. Worshipping God is to obey His words only (Quran)
and not the words of humans (scholars, religious leaders, mullahs,
etc.).
[6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the
witness between me and you that this Quran* has been inspired to me,
to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness
that there are other gods* beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you
do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry."
Footnote: *6:19 This verse proclaims the Quran as the only source of
religious guidance. Those who uphold additional sources, such as
Hadith & Sunna (lies attributed to the Prophet), are defined as
idolaters.
14. Religious leaders and scholars as idols.
(sub-title) Upholding the Teachings of Religious Leaders, Instead of
God's Teachings
[9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as
lords,* instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They
were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He.
Be He glorified, high above having any partners.
Footnote: *9:31 If you consult the "Muslim scholars" about worshiping
God alone, and upholding the word of God alone, as taught in this
proven scripture, they will advise you against it. If you consult the
Pope about the identity of Jesus, he will advise you to uphold a
trinity. If you obey the "Muslim scholars" whose advice is contrary to
God's teachings, or if you take the Pope's advice instead of God's,
you have set up these religious leaders as gods instead of God.
15. Creating sects in religion is idol worship.
The Quran forbids dividing ourselves into sects. Those who divide into
sects are termed as idol worshippers.
[30:31-32] You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact
Prayers (Salat), and - whatever you do - do not ever fall into idol
worship. (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their
religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.
16. Dividing believers and providing comfort to those who oppose God
and His messengers is practicing idol worship.
[9:107] There are those who abuse the masjid by practicing idol
worship, dividing the believers, and providing comfort to those who
oppose GOD and His messenger. They solemnly swear: "Our intentions are
honorable!" GOD bears witness that they are liars.
Footnote: *9:107 Any masjid where the practices are not devoted
absolutely to God ALONE belongs to Satan, not God. For example,
mentioning the names of Abraham, Muhammad, and/or Ali in the Azan and/
or the Salat prayers violates God's commandments in 2:136, 2:285,
3:84, & 72:18. Unfortunately, this is a common idolatrous practice
throughout the corrupted Muslim world.
We learn from the Quran that idols cannot judge (40:20), idols cannot
create anything and are powerless (13:16, 46:4) and idols do not bring
us closer to God (39:3). We learn that idolaters follow conjecture
(6:148) and that idolaters deny idol worship - now & on the Day of
Judgment (6:22-24).
God grants perfect security and happiness for believers who are
devoted to Him alone without committing idol worship.
[6:82] Those who believe, and do not pollute their belief with idol
worship, have deserved the perfect security, and they are truly
guided.
[39:17] As for those who discard the worship of all idols, and devote
themselves totally to GOD alone, they have deserved happiness. Give
good news to My servants.
May God protect us from worshiping idols.
[14:35] Recall that Abraham said, "My Lord, …. protect me and my
children from worshiping idols.
[6:162-164] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my
life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord
of the universe.He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to
believe, and I am the first to submit." Say, "Shall I seek other than
GOD as a lord, when He is the Lord of all things? No soul benefits
except from its own works, and none bears the burden of another.
Ultimately, you return to your Lord, then He informs you regarding all
your disputes."
On Feb 5, 8:18 am, use...@mantra.com and/or www.mantra.com/jai (Dr.
> More at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/indians-abroad/17-million-th...
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
nur <arah...@gmail.com> posted:
> Idol Worship, the Unforgivable Sin
-Subject: SUPERSTITIONS AND IDOL WORSHIP OR MOORTI POOJA
-From: Dr. Jai Maharaj
-Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008
Forwarded message from V. S. S.
SUPERSTITIONS AND IDOL WORSHIP OR MOORTIPOOJA
By V. S. S,
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Is it not surprising that idol worship or moortipooja which
is going on in Sanatana Dharm or Hinduism for ages
together from time immemorial all over India and abroad is
being criticized and objected to not only by Christians and
Muslims whose religions do not believe in and oppose idol
worship, but by our own brothers, who call themselves as
Hindus, the Aryasamajis, on the ground that it is
superstitious to worship idols preached by wrong
interpretation of Dharm forgetting the very purpose of
Dharm or religion? They speak as if to worship idols is
against logic and reasons saying that if you cannot think
with logic and reasoning you cannot defend your belief and
then the only way you can spread your massage is by
violence like others whom you criticize.
Regarding logic and reasoning, I remember of a court story.
There was a very intelligent lawyer having roaring
practice. Once while arguing a case in the court by
mistake, he started arguing the case of the other side and
he could realize his mistake only at the end before
concluding when his junior could bring it to his notice. He
however without showing any embarrassment told the court
that what he has argued is what the other side will say and
argue and stated that now he will show how it is wrong and
again successfully demolished his earlier arguments and won
the case.
These Aryasamajis forget that the ultimate truth is beyond
(not against) logic and reasoning and cannot be known
through logical arguments and reasoning. In Zen Buddhism
there are what is called 'koans' where illogical problems
are given to the aspirants to solve. The disciple tries to
solve the problem by logical arguments and reasoning but
the Master rejects them all. Ultimately he gets mentally so
much tired that he gives up and at that moment
intuitionally he gets the answer, which is not logical.
It should be noted that unlike the other two dogmatic
religions, viz. Christianity and Islam, Sanatana Dharm or
Hinduism is not based only on faith and belief, but also on
experience and convictions. The Hindu teachers tell their
students not to accept anything even if told by Brahma
Himself, unless they are convinced and experience the truth
in the teachings.
While castigating the Idol Worshipers Hindus, for
worshiping God with form, the Aryasamajis appear to have
forgotten the purpose of Hindu religion. It is to realize
the Self. How it is to be realized is not so important as
realization of self, the Satchidanand Swarup. The ultimate
end of our religion is not to go to Paradise or Heaven.
There is no fixed method prescribed for realizing the Self.
Ramana Maharshi realized the Self without reading Vedas or
any other religious books or following any method like
doing Yog and Pranayyam.
As regards the argument that we should give up Moortipooja
because Hindus throughout the world are known as 'Idol
Worshipers', which simply means ignorant and not
understanding the God, I don't think there is any merit in
the argument. Let us see the definition of God. It is the
supreme or ultimate reality. Ii means beyond duality. It
cannot be bound by duality. As such it can be both with as
well as without form. One cannot say that it is only
without form leaving out the other part of duality. When
Ramana Maharshi was asked whether there is God or not, he
replied that so long as you (the questioner) is there, God
is there for the questioner. If the questioner goes God
also will disappear. That means so long as one considers
oneself as a separate entity (ego), one cannot say God is
not there. God will disappear with Ahankar (ego). In other
words there is no separate God for self-realized. To say
that we cannot get the Vedas point of view across if we
support Idol worship is made out of ignorance about Vedas,
which preaches Tatwa-Ma-Si, Aham-Brahmasi.
As regards the argument that Vedas never ever talk about
Idol worship, it should be noted that it has also never
prohibited Idol worship. As regards Ramayana and
Mahabharata have no mention of Idol worship, I think it is
mentioned in Ramayana that after killing Ravana who was a
Brahmin, Shri Ram prayed and worshiped Shiva by
establishing a Linga (which is also a form of Moorti or
Idol) at Rameshwar to get rid of the sin. In Mahabharata
there is a mention of Arjuna going to Tirtha-yatra.
Before concluding let me say a few words about Yogiraj Shri
Krishna who is described as Bhogiraj. Mahamahopadya
Balashastri Hardas in his book Shri Krishna (in Marathi)
narrates an incident from Mahabharat. He says that after
the end of Mahabharat war, the Pandava and their wife
Draupadi were sitting under a mango tree and talking. They
have rather become egoistic. At that time a ripe mango felt
down. In order to teach them a lesson, Shri Krishna said
each one of them should try to fix back the fruit to the
tree. Each one tried. Yadushtir said that if he has never
spoken a lie and always spoke truth, the fruit will stuck
back to the tree. The fruit went up but did not touch the
tree because he has said half-truth to Dronacharya about
the death of his son Ashvathamma. Draupadi, who was proud
of being Pativrata, said that if she is a Pativrata the
fruit would stick back to the tree. Still even though it
went near it did not stuck, as when she came to know that
Karn was the sixth Pandava for a moment a thought came to
her that he would have been her sixth husband had he been
with Pandavs. Then Shri Krishna said that if he is really
a Bal-Brahmachari (every body knows about his wives), if he
has never shown his back in the war (he is also known as
Ranchoddas because of his running away from the war) and in
spite of this the fruit the fruit stuck. Shri Hardas then
showed how what Shri Krishna said was true.
V. S. S.
End of forwarded message from V. S. S.
Teck Sng@yahoo.com Ong Teck Seng
worshippers?
<use...@mantra.com and/or www.mantra.com/jai (Dr. Jai Maharaj)> wrote in
message news:20100204GzA7xS04jVAPdH49Y6MU1xM@R2I12...
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
The Cynic
> Idol Worship, the Unforgivable Sin
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0_xrdfjGPQ
>
> What is the meaning of idol worship?
>
Idiot nur, I have told you so many times that people living in glass
houses should not throw stones. Why run down other people as idol
worshippers when you yourself are worshipping a stone? Correct
yourself first.
Chairman Mao , expert fucker of Chinese High School Girl 's cunts in China
from Tibet and
starve the Indians,
if they don' t pay attention
to the Friendly relationship between India and China .
hab...@anony.net
the wall of the Kabba. Allah doesnt live there so they are bowing
before a stone idol.
Teck Sng@yahoo.com Ong Teck Seng
before throwing stones at it.
<hab...@anony.net> wrote in message
news:4b6cc818....@news.giganews.com...
