SrI: SrImatE rAmAnujAya namaH namO nArAyaNa! Dear devotees, The following information was provided by a fellow bhAgavata and a very good friend of mine. ----------------------------------------------- The following is Microsoft Encarta English dictionary's definition of idol. Entry found for "idol" idol n 1. somebody or something greatly and often fanatically admired and loved (disapproving) 2. something such as a statue or carved image that is worshiped as a god 3. in monotheistic religions, any object of worship other than the one God end of quote. Every meaning is negative. Remember, this dictionary gives what is currently understood. Even this term when used by the British was intended to be derogatory to Sriman Narayana. Contrast this with the definition of the term deity from the same dictionary given below. Entry found for "deity" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- deity n 1. a god, goddess, or other divine being 2. somebody or something that is treated like a god 3. the condition or status of a god or goddess Deity n God in monotheistic belief --------------------------------------------------- Since the transformation has taken place by culture,usage etc, it will be safer not to use the word "Idol" to denote Lord's archA-avatAram. This was the point I was making from the beginning. Since a major section of the English speaking public started using this word in a negative sense, we don't have other choice than to switch over to other meaningful terms like Deity, Icon etc as suggested by others. But, those who had been using the word "Idol" in a well meant manner to a circuit of SrI-VaishNavas can't be accused of insulting Lord Or has improper usage etc. Still there are section of people for whom Idol is not derogatory in sense. Hence, while there can be a better usage, it can't be an improper usage alltogether. This is my last note on this issue. aDiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan, anantapadmanAbhan.
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