In Sanatan Dharma, the concept of “Nirakar” and “Akar” refers to the formless and form aspects of the divine.
“Nirakar” represents the formless, abstract, and infinite aspect of the divine, often perceived as the unmanifested Brahm or Ultimate Reality. On the other hand, “Akar” represents the divine in a tangible, anthropomorphic form, such as deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, etc.
In Jainism, the concepts of “Nirakar” and “Akar” are also present. They are understood and interpreted in a slightly different manner compared to Sanatan Dharma.
“Nirakar” in Jainism refers to the formless and attribute-less nature of the ultimate reality, which is beyond all characteristics and descriptions. It is known as “Siddha” or “Siddha Shila,” representing the liberated souls who have attained Moksha (liberation) and reside in the eternal state of bliss.
“Akar” in Jainism represents the embodied form of the divine, specifically referring to the Tirthankaras. Tirthankaras are the spiritual teachers and enlightened beings who have achieved liberation and have become role models for Jains to follow on the path of spiritual awakening.
Jainism emphasizes the importance of worshiping and revering the Tirthankaras, who are considered to be the spiritual guides leading followers towards liberation. This worship involves various rituals, prayers, and offerings at Jain temples and pilgrimage sites.
In summary, Jainism acknowledges both “Nirakar” and “Akar,” and followers engage in both devotional practices related to the Tirthankaras as a means to connect with the divine and progress on their spiritual journey towards liberation.
In Buddhism, the concept of “Nirakar” and “Akar” can be understood in the context of form and formlessness. “Akar” refers to the physical form or shape, while “Nirakar” represents the formless or shapeless aspect.
In Buddhist philosophy, there is an emphasis on understanding the impermanence and illusory nature of physical forms and attachments. Practitioners seek to transcend attachment to the physical world and strive for enlightenment by realizing the formless nature of reality, often represented by “Nirakar.”
The act of worshipping, in Buddhism, is not directed towards a specific deity or form but is more focused on cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. The goal is to free oneself from suffering and attain a state of enlightenment, known as Nirvana.
Arya samaj also empasis on both nirakar & akar aspects of worshipping.
So nirakar worshipping process was present several centuries before islam & Sikhism.
Mohammad or Guru Nanak Dev Ji didn’t suddenly invent this form of worshipping.
Ancient Indians Greeks may have be having unique approaches to the concepts of form and formlessness in their worship and meditation practices, but ultimate purpose was to attain spirituality.
Both forms of worship i.e ( Nirakar & Akar Murti Puja) are prevalent in Sanatan Dharma. Devotees can choose to worship the formless aspect through meditation, contemplation, and acknowledging the divine presence in everything. Alternatively, they can worship the deities in their chosen forms, through rituals, prayers, and offerings, seeking their blessings and guidance. The choice of worship style is a matter of personal preference and spiritual inclination within the broader framework of Sanatan Dharma.
In the ancient scriptures, it is explained that there are two aspects of God. One is called Nirgun Nirakar, meaning virtueless and formless God; the other is called Sagun Sakar, meaning the everyday personified form of God. These two are the true definition of God
Saguna is worship of God with form and nirguna is worship of God without form. There are two sides of the same coin. The Guru is the embodied form of the formless Absolute. He or she is none other than God himself because God is a name attributed to the Supreme Self when it chooses to assume name and form
What Lord Sri Krishna Says in Bhagvad Gita to his disciple Arjuna, in the 12th chapter- Lord Sri Krishna also says that the ‘Upasana of non- manifested aspect of supreme personality is difficult for common people. Arjuna asked Sri Krishna as which way of Your worshiping is fruitful, whether it is of Nirgun Nirakar or Sagun Sakar. Bhagwaan clarified that his Bhakti or worshiping is easiest way for Sagun Sakar form for common people.
Bhagvad Geeta, 12:5
“For those whose minds are attached to the non- manifested, impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome. To make progress in that discipline is always difficult for those who are embodied”
The Gyanis (Who knows the tatva of Supreme Personality) also achieve Supreme Person, by that way of Nirgun Nirakar Upasana, but its very difficult and they do so after many-many rebirths.
Nirgun Nirakar Bhakti is very trouble some and it is hardly suitable for any Grihastha who lives with wife and children. A Yogi or Sanyasi can do the bhakti of Nirgun Nirkaar.
Yogi is not the person merely who have long beard or bhagva colored cloths, but Yogi is who is non- affluent to material world, while even living with family. Like the same way, a lotus leaf lives in water, but its not touched with it. Such people can not be affected by accusation or praising, can be affected with hot or cold, can be equal one in distress and enjoyment, is equal with enemy and friend, diamond or hog gin.
If you see Ramayan, here also the bhakti of Sagun Sakar is called more relevant than Nirgun Nirakar. Nirkar means it has no shape and such Puja is not common in Hinduism. When Lord Sri Ram along with his wife and brother Lakshaman Ji reached the exile, he visits many Ashram of Rishi Munis. Where almost all Rishi and Munis like his (Lord) Sagun Sakar swrup. Munis had also requested him for the darshan of his Sagun Saakar form.
From Atri Muni, Agasthya Muni to Sharbhang Muni, all wished for Lord Sagun Sakar. They all liked and sung strotam also for the three Murti of Bhagwaan Sri Ram, with Mata Sita and Lakshman. When Lord Sanakdik Muni came they also sung strotam for Lord Sri Ram Sagun Sakar form. Lord Brahama also likes Lord Sri Ram Sagun form.
Lord Barahama also said such words for Lord Sri Krishna in Sri Mad Bhagvatam. Sagun Bhakti is easiest way by which one can attain Supreme Tatva Lord but it is very hard for the common person for worshiping Nirgun Nirakar form of Lord, because, it does not have any shape so his mind can not be concentrated on it. That is why, we like to offer puja of Idol of Sri Ram, Sri Krishna, Mata Durga, Lord Shiva or Sri Hanuman Ji every where.