Idolatry in Iskcon? – Prabhupadanugas Worldwide

Madhya 8.90  Talks Between Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramananda Raya
Following the example of the gopis, the devotees sometimes worship the goddess Katyayani, but they understand that Katyayani is an incarnation of 
Yogamaya. The gopis worshiped Katyayani, Yogamaya, to attain Krsna as their husband. On the other hand, it is stated in the Sapta-sati scripture 
that a ksatriya king named Suratha and a rich vaisya named Samadhi worshiped material nature in the form of Goddess Durga to attain material perfection. 
IF ONE TRIES TO MINGLE THE WORSHIP OF YOGAMAYA WITH MAHAMAYA, CONSIDERING THEM ONE AND THE SAME, HE DOES NOT REALLY SHOW VERY HIGH INTELLIGENCE.

Idolatry in Iskcon?

by Narasimha das

These pictures show a vyasasana in an Iskcon temple room. On this vyasasana is mounted a large picture of an “Iskcon guru,” and it appears there is a ritvik initiation ceremony going on – but without Srila Prabhupada. Apparently the gbc accepts ritvik initiations as long as Srila Prabhupada is not recognized as the guru. These photos indicate that the gbc is allowing idolatry in Iskcon. Idol worship is condemned in every scripture. Idolatry is defined as the unauthorized worship or adoration of a material object or person as if it (or he) were super potent, super cognizant, fully divine and capable of reciprocating with all devotional offerings.

“If one tries to mingle the worship of yogamaya with mahamaya, considering them one and the same, he does NOT really show high intelligence.” (Cc. Madhya 8.90, Purport)

One reason idolatry is sinful is because simple persons who are pious and naturally attracted to offer worship to the Supreme Lord sometimes become diverted from authorized devotional service to the Lord’s Deity form and bewildered instead by showy displays of idolatrous rituals based on concocted traditions. Sometimes in imitation of Deity worship, tribals, fallen dvijas, misguided sudras and others offer incense, flowers, fruits, ghee lamps and meat to murtis of goddesses associated with Ma Kali, other minor devatas, yaksas, raksasas, bogus “avatars,” bogus “gurus,” and even political leaders. All such unauthorized ritual is useless.

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