Though I am an atheist, I would like to clarify the idea behind idol worhsip in India.
The ancient sages of our Country believed that the Universe originated from a Single Primal Principle called "SAT" and in whatever way we worship, the same ultimately reaches the said Primal Principle. That was the reason for religious tolerance in our Country.
I believe that even the animosity between Hindus and Muslims were the result of division of Bengal by the Britishers during the time of Lord Curzan (1911 or so). Till then the hindus and muslims were living in harmony.
