Murti
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In Hinduism, a murti (Devanagari: मूर्ति) typically refers to an image, a deity, in which a Divine Spirit is expressed (murta). Hindus consider a murti worthy of worship after the divine is invoked in it for the purpose of offering worship. Thus the murti is regarded by Hindus and also by some Mahayana Buddhists (e.g. Muktinath) during worship as a point of devotional and meditational focus. Puja of murtis is recommended, especially for Dvapara Yuga,[1] and described in Pañcaratra texts.
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[edit] Role of murtis in worship
Murtis are sometimes abstract, but are almost always representations of gods in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms like Shiva, Ganesha, Rama, Kali, etc. Murtis are made according to the prescriptions of the Śilpa Śāstras.[2] The alloy Panchaloga is sometimes used.[3] They are installed by priests through the Prana pratishta ('establishing the life') ceremony.
Devotional (bhakti) practices centered on cultivating a deep and personal bond of love with a god often include veneration of murtis. Some Hindu denominations like Arya Samaj and Satya Mahima Dharma, however, reject it, equating it with an idol worship.[4][5][6]
According to Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, “This is similar to our ability to communicate with others through the telephone. One does not talk to the telephone; rather the telephone is a way to interact with another person. Without the telephone, one could not have a conversation across long distances; and without the sanctified image in the temple, one cannot easily talk with the Deity.” [7]
[edit] Materials used in Murtis
In Southern India, the material used predominantly for murtis is black granite, while material in North India is white marble. [8]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ Garuḍa Purāṇa 1.223.37, 1.228.18
- ^ For Śilpa Śāstras as basis for iconographic standards, see: Hopkins, p. 113.
- ^ Lo Bue, Erberto (1991). "Statuary Metals in Tibet and the Himalayas: History, Tradition and Modern Use", Bulletin of Tibetology. [1]
- ^ Naidoo, Thillayvel (1982). The Arya Samaj Movement in South Africa. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 158. ISBN 8120807693.
- ^ Lata, Prem (1990). Swami Dayānanda Sarasvatī. Sumit Publications. p. x. ISBN 8170001145.
- ^ Bhagirathi Nepak. Mahima Dharma, Bhima Bhoi and Biswanathbaba
- ^ Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, "Ten Questions people ask About Hinduism …and ten terrific answers!" (p. 7) [2]
- ^ The Goddess lives in upstate New York, by Corinne Dempsey, pg. 228,
[edit] References
- Hopkins, Thomas J. (1971). The Hindu Religious Tradition. Belmont, California: Dickenson Publishing Company.
[edit] External links
- Deity worship site (ISKCON, Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya)
- Bhakti Dayita Madhava Gosvami Maharaja on difference between idol and murti
- India Murti Art, Architecture, History and Culture Study Project
