TIL in many Indian religions, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, idols (murti) are considered as symbolism for the absolute but not the Absolute Itself, or icons of spiritual ideas, or the embodiment of the Supreme. It is a means to focus one's religious pursuits and worship (bhakti).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idolatry

https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1568n90/til_in_many_indian_religions_which_include/