Murti

In the Hindu tradition, a murti (Sanskrit: मूर्ति, romanized: mūrti, lit.'statue, sculpture, form, embodiment, or solid object') is a devotional image, such as a statue or icon, of a deity or saint used during puja and/or in other customary forms of actively expressing bhakti or reverence – whether at Hindu temples or shrines. A mūrti is a sacred image or embodiment of a deity and is worshipped for 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. Different Hindu traditions understand the nature of the murti differently. Some regard it as a symbolic representation or embodiment of the divine, while others hold that, following consecration (prāṇa pratiṣṭhā), god is truly present in the murti and receives worship directly through it.

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.

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. The expressions in a murti vary in diverse Hindu traditions, ranging from ugra (transl. angry) symbolism to express destruction, fear, and violence (Durga, Kali and Chandi/Chamunda) to saumya (transl. calm) symbolism to express joy, knowledge, and harmony (Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati and Ganesha). Saumya images are most common in Hindu temples. Other murti forms found in Hinduism include the lingam and shaligram.

A murti is an embodiment of the divine, the ultimate reality or Brahman, to some Hindus. 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. On other occasions, they serve as the centre of attention in annual festive processions; these are called utsava murti. 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.

A murti may also be referred to as a vigraha, pratima 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.