murti | मूर्ति
The Murti (मूर्ति) is the divine form for worship. As the true Murti is God's form, the consecrated idol helps the mind achieve God-realization via Rupdhyana.
Murti (Devanagari: मूर्ति; ISO 15919: mūrti) literally signifies a form that is identical inside and outside.
Theological Meaning Technically, only God is svagat bheda shunya (devoid of internal duality)—meaning there is no difference between His soul and His body. Therefore, His divine form is the only true Murti.
Devotional Usage In the context of worship, a Murti refers to a duly consecrated form of God found in temples or homes. Scripturally, these forms can be composed of eight types of materials:
- Stone, Metal, Wood, Clay (or sandalwood paste).
- Sand, Paint (ink or etchings), Gems.
- Mental visualizations: (Manasi Murti)
The Murti is intended to assist devotees in practicing bhakti and performing Rupdhyana (meditation on the form) of their Ishta (chosen deity).
Out of all of these Shri Maharaj Ji advocates Manasi Murti.
Further Reading and Reference
- Alternate Spelling: moorti
- Related Concepts: Is Worship of Idols Right?
- Reference: Practise Powerful Meditation, Ch. 2