Deity Worship

Worship of the Deity in the temple is saguna (possessing qualities) worship, for the Lord is represented by material elements.  But the form of the Lord, though represented by material elements such as stone, wood, or oil paint is not actually material.  That is the absolute nature of the     Supreme Lord.

God has an authorized representation in the Deity form, which is called arca-vigraha.  This arca-vigraha is an incarnation of the Supreme Lord.  God will accept service through that form.  The Lord is omnipotent, all-powerful; therefore, by His incarnation as arca-vigraha He can accept the services of the devotee, just to make it convenient for the soul in conditioned life.