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Murti

Murti in Hinduism
Murti (idols, images) of different deities and saints

In the Hindu tradition, a murti (Sanskrit: मूर्ति, romanized: mūrti, lit. 'form, embodiment, or solid object')[1] is a devotional image, such as a statue or icon, of a deity or saint[2] used during puja and/or in other customary forms of actively expressing devotion or reverence - whether at Hindu temples or shrines. A mūrti is a symbolic icon representing divinity for the purpose of devotional activities. Thus, not all icons of gods and saints are mūrti; for example, purely decorative depictions of divine figures often adorn Hindu temple architecture in intricately carved doorframes, on colourfully painted walls, and ornately sculpted rooftop domes. A mūrti itself is not God,[3] but it is merely a representative shape, symbolic embodiment, or iconic manifestation of God.[4]

Murti are also found in some nontheistic Jain traditions, where they serve as symbols of revered mortals inside Jain temples, and are worshiped in murtipujaka rituals.[5][6]

A murti is typically made by carving stone, wood working, metal casting or through pottery. Ancient era texts describing their proper proportions, positions and gestures include the Puranas, Agamas, and Samhitas.[7] The expressions in a murti vary in diverse Hindu traditions, ranging from ugra (transl. Angry) symbolism to express destruction, fear, and violence (Durga, Kali) to saumya (transl. Calm) symbolism to express joy, knowledge, and harmony (Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Ganesha). Saumya images are most common in Hindu temples.[8] Other murti forms found in Hinduism include the lingam.[9]

A murti is an embodiment of the divine, the ultimate reality or Brahman, to some Hindus.[7] In a religious context, they are found in Hindu temples or homes, where they may be treated as a beloved guest and serve as a participant of puja.[10] On other occasions, they serve as the centre of attention in annual festive processions; these are called utsava murti.[11] The earliest murti are mentioned by Pāṇini in the 4th century BCE. Prior to that, the agnicayana ritual ground seemed to serve as a template for the temple.[12]

A murti may also be referred to as a vigraha, pratima[13] or simply deity.

Hindu devotees go to the mandirs to take darshan, bringing prepared offerings of naivedya to be blessed at the altar before the deity, and to perform puja and aarti.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference monier824 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference pkacharya was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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  4. ^ Flueckiger, Joyce Burkhalter (2015). Everyday Hinduism. John Wiley & Sons. p. 77-88. ISBN 9781118528204.
  5. ^ John Cort (2011), Jains in the World, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0199796649, pages 80-85
  6. ^ Murtipujakas, Overview of World Religions, University of Cumbria (2009)
  7. ^ a b Klaus Klostermaier (2010), A Survey of Hinduism, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0-7914-7082-4, pages 264–267
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference grao17 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference stella179 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference willis96 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference james726 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Subhash Kak, Time, space and structure in ancient India. Conference on Sindhu-Sarasvati Valley Civilization: A Reappraisal, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, February 21 & 22, 2009. arXiv:0903.3252
  13. ^ "pratima (Hinduism)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 21 August 2011.

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