lord-vishnu's 24 avataras
The spiritual values and traditions of Hinduism which are valid even today require to explained correctly to youngsters who are eager to uphold the Law of virtue. They raise many doubts which need to be answered with clarity. There are no proper relies except for general statement which say that the scriptures direct them to do certain things.
Some of the common queries are: Where is God? Why should we worship God and how will prayers help us? Will God give what one wants, say money or a pass in the examination? Why should there be so many Gods and if one is faithful to a particular deity, will not the other Gods get angry?
Some say that devotees can obtain anything from God but one sees a neighbour who is a rogue enjoying all comforts whereas a person who works hard is not rewards; a student who reads well find his number missing in the result sheet while another who is not known to be good in studies gets the first rank; a girl is charming and qualified but does not get a suitable bridegroom…
How can a body which is burnt or buried (on death) get back another life? How can past actions be accountable for one’s present activities? What is the purpose of the ceremony for the dead? Swami Ramakrishna had a vision of God while those surrounding him experienced nothing; how are the messages left by sages who lived years ago be valid now? All these are the imagination of a few; why should we follow them blindly?
Lord Vishnu in Viratroopa, Vishwaroopam
Swami Paramananda Bharathi in a lecture said proof about God’s existence is available and facts relating to doubts can be rendered properly. A book placed on the table cannot move to another spot unless handled by an external agency. Likewise, human activities need such a force. There are several agencies, each entrusted with a function like fire, wind and earth (called elements). But there must be someone, like the Headmaster of a school assigning work to teachers, to give them the directions.
Prayers are offered to express men’s gratitude for what has been granted to them. Gods are controllers but there is one Supreme Being having over all control. To the question on the multiplicity of Gods, the doubting persons should be asked: “What is wrong?” Any one of the Gods may be chosen and revered. Other Gods will not feel angry at this selection.