The ‘Owned’ Ancestral Amnesia - By Eshwarya

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This insightful blog post explores the historical and spiritual evolution of worship practices in ancient India. It delves into the origins of idol worship, the influence of Buddhism, and the enduring wisdom of the Vedas, urging a return to ancestral roots.

The Roots of Worship: From Vedic Hymns to Idols


In the early days of Hinduism, as documented in History of India – From Beginning Up to 1200 A.D. by Kritika Maheswari (page 119), worship was a practice rooted in the recitation of prayers and sacrifices. Idol worship, a later development, is believed to have been introduced by Buddhism. Historians suggest that during the reign of Kanishka, the creation of Buddha idols marked the beginning of this practice, which Hinduism subsequently adopted. This shift is a pivotal moment, highlighting a departure from the original Vedic tradition.


R.S. Sharma’s India’s Ancient Past (page 143) further illustrates this transition, noting that the first human statues worshipped in India were likely those of the Buddha. Artistic panels at Bodh-Gaya, Sanchi, and Bharhut showcase this evolution, with Greek and Indian sculptors collaborating to create the Gandhara art style. This blending of cultures signifies a significant influence on Indian religious art.

The Vedic Foundation: A Spiritual Blueprint

The Vedas, as outlined in History of India (page 68), form the spiritual backbone of Hindu tradition. Hindus believe that the Ṛcās (hymns) were revealed to the Ṛṣis (sages) rather than composed by them, earning the Vedas the titles apauruṣeya (not of human origin) and ṛta (eternal). These sages, known as mantra-draṣṭāḥ (seers of the mantras), perceived divine truths directly from the Supreme Being.


In the later Vedic period, as noted in India’s Ancient Past (page 115), some objects began to be worshipped as symbols of divinity, marking the early signs of idolatry. Yet, the dominant mode remained the recitation of prayers and performance of sacrifices, a practice deeply embedded in Rig Vedic times.

The Shift to Idolatry: A Borrowed Tradition?

The text raises a critical question: if idol worship was not part of the original Hindu practice, why has it become so entrenched? Vedic scriptures, such as Yajurveda 32.3 and 40.8, emphasize a formless, omnipresent divinity, free from physical representation. Yajurveda 40.9 warns that worshipping the non-eternal (asambhūta) leads to darkness, while true enlightenment lies in embracing the eternal (sambhūta).


This suggests that the adoption of idol worship may have been an external influence, potentially borrowed from Buddhism. This argues that this shift reflects an " accepted ancestral amnesia," where Hindu society has glorified a borrowed system, claiming it as its own tradition without understanding its true roots.

The Consequences of Straying

This draws a powerful analogy: unguided worship, like an unguided missile, can backfire. Rigveda 7.104.14 calls for protection from the consequences of praising false deities, while the text suggests that improper rituals lead to societal confusion. This is likened to an autoimmune disease, where the rejection of Vedic wisdom has caused chronic disorder, historically proven fatal to civilizations.

Today, Hindu lineages are described as scattered puzzle pieces, mixed with fragments from other traditions, forming no coherent picture. The Vedas, the original manual of Dharma and the soul, are presented as the remedy to this spiritual fragmentation.

A Call to Return

The concluding message is a clarion call to revisit the Vedas sincerely. The post is a critique for the hypocrisy of condemning others for rejecting their roots while Hindus themselves have strayed from their ancestral practices. By returning to the Vedic blueprint, society can heal its self-inflicted wounds and restore a unified spiritual identity.

This journey of rediscovery is not just about tradition but about understanding our true image. The Quest to find the truth challenges us to reclaim our heritage and align with the eternal wisdom that guided our ancestors.

Hashtags: #VedicWisdom #HinduRoots #CulturalIdentity #SpiritualAwakening #IndianHeritage #HistoryUnraveled #DharmaRevival

I write with inspiration from the Arya Samaj, combining classical Vedic exegesis with modern critical inquiry. My work engages with the writings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and the reformist traditions that shaped Indian intellectual history. I examine themes such as Vedic philosophy, Upanishadic wisdom, scriptural analysis, and the critique of Puranic texts, while also addressing debates on theism, atheism, science, and ethics. Alongside philosophy and religion, I study Indian social reform, freedom struggles, and interfaith encounters, situating them within broader questions of identity, cultural continuity, and rational critique. Through topics ranging from yoga, brahmacharya, and sattvic living to nationalism, environmental ethics, and women’s empowerment, this blog seeks to bridge scholarship with reformist vision—grounded in truth-seeking, rational faith, and the call for social upliftment.

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