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Aptavani-8
(vinashi) gunas, they belong to the non-Self complex (prakruti). And the elements (tattva), are eternal (avinashi).
These sattva, rajo and tamo, are the characteristics (gunas) of the head deities (adhisthata deva). So whoever needs these characteristics, should worship Brahmaa, Vishnu and Mahesh. That is all they are for. Nothing else!
Questioner: So are they considered deities?
Dadashri: Absolutely! However, for whichever characteristic (guna) there is, for that particular characteristic, there is a corresponding presiding deity (adhisthata deva). Those with dark traits (tamo guna) are Shiva, those with passionate traits (rajo guna), are considered Vishnu, and those with virtuous traits (sattva guna) are considered Brahmaa. So if you worship that specific deity, it is good, as it will increase that particular trait (guna). But ultimately you will have to know the Atma.
Questioner: But what about the description of Brahmaa, Vishnu and Mahesh, which is given in the scriptures (shastras)?
Dadashri: These idols have been installed for the purpose of strengthening the non-Self (prakruti). Vishnu is characteristic of passion (rajo guna), Mahesh is characteristic of darkness or inactivity (tamo guna) and Brahmaa is characteristic of virtue (sattva guna). These people have established these three forms (murti) in order to strengthen those three qualities (guna). So in doing the worship (puja) of one, its representative characteristic (guna) strengthens. Moreover, those qualities (gunas) eventually draw to an end.
Questioner: Then there is no point worshiping Brahmaa, Vishnu and Mahesh, is there?
Dadashri: Of course, there is a point! Does man not have to strengthen his prakruti (non-Self)? He will progress further only if he strengthens his prakruti.
