statue in hindouism

[Vinayaka]

Well, I believe that God's energy is omnipresent, and pujas, etc. only help us be more in tune with what's already there.

There's something about a statue when it becomes a murthi, though. Most bhaktars I know would attest to some sort of transformation then and there at the pranapratistha. True, that god is manifest all over, but the energy seems to intensify in certain places.

 

[Sylvan]

There's something about a statue when it becomes a murthi, though. Most bhaktars I know would attest to some sort of transformation then and there at the pranapratistha. True, that god is manifest all over, but the energy seems to intensify in certain places.

Or perhaps your ability to perceive it there in that place is becoming more sensitive? I personally think both tendencies are present in this phenomena. I hope it is not impertinent to post like this in your DIR but I would just say that in my own practice this process you describe has occurred often. I would just offer that personal insight.

 

[Vinayaka]

Or perhaps your ability to perceive it there in that place is becoming more sensitive? I personally think both tendencies are present in this phenomena. I hope it is not impertinent to post like this in your DIR but I would just say that in my own practice this process you describe has occurred often. I would just offer that personal insight.

I agree with this. No problem posting here. Yes, perception of such becomes more intense as we become more accustomed to it. I think it boils down to practice conditioning the mind. I've been to about 50 Hindu temples. There was a time it (the energy, the shakti,) surprised me. Now I just expect it. Still the degree of intensity varies, but there are several factors involved in that.

 

[Jainarayan]

It is my understanding (maybe an incorrect one) that most of the murtis have been somehow blessed in ritualistic proccesses so to have the spiritual energy of the gods they depict. Isn´t it the case?

They can be. They are "installed" and blessed by a pujari, imbued with the living deity. I'd say most home shrines don't do an installation, but probably all temples do. I think there is a ritual to "de-install" a murti. I know you can't just toss it into the Mississippi River.

 

[ratikala]

It is my understanding (maybe an incorrect one) that most of the murtis have been somehow blessed in ritualistic proccesses so to have the spiritual energy of the gods they depict. Isn´t it the case?

dear me my self ,

yes you are perfectly correct ,

in the case of temple murtis or deitys there is a process of instalation , where by the lord (in which ever form or incarnation )is requested to reside in the murti , at this point the mirti is concidered non different from the lord and is worshiped as the lord in person .
thus it is conciddered that once installed the mirti must receive a constantly high standard of service serva , meaning allso that once installed the bhakta may build a relationship with the lord through 'serva ' , and that the congregation of devotees may receive the darsana darshan , blessings of the lord .

I think It might be rather wrong to say that the murti has been blessed , as even the highest of high amongt the sadus gurus and advanced practitioners capable of carring out such a procedure would humbly tell you that they are mere servants of the lord and are only capable if asking the lord for his blessings :bow:

for this reason I have explained that the lord is "invited to reside"

we are simply das nu das servant of the servant :namaste

namaskars :namaste ratikala

 

[ratikala]

There's something about a statue when it becomes a murthi, though. Most bhaktars I know would attest to some sort of transformation then and there at the pranapratistha. True, that god is manifest all over, but the energy seems to intensify in certain places.

dear vinayaka ,

to follow on from my previous post , prana pratishta ; the inviting of the lord to reside ,

you say "there is something about a statue when it becomes a murti" and yes I would agree entirely , there is allso a kind of reciprication allso between the murti and the serving pujaris , it sounds crazy to anyone out side of the faith but their mood changes from day to day , and you will definately experience extremely strong feelings from the murti , yes ultimately god is everywhere but he is manifest particularly where he is requested to reside , and with greater strength where he is loved .

you say in your folowing post ........

 

[ratikala]

Yes, perception of such becomes more intense as we become more accustomed to it. I think it boils down to practice conditioning the mind. I've been to about 50 Hindu temples. There was a time it (the energy, the shakti,) surprised me. Now I just expect it. Still the degree of intensity varies, but there are several factors involved in that.

yes , what has ammazed me is the energy in some temples as opposed to others ,

"still the degree of intensity varies "

yes, several factors involved , but where the murti or deity it self is concerned that intensity comes from the lord him self , not just in responce to the serving pujari but allso to the congregation as a whole , (obviously I will be speaking from a vaisnavas perspective, but I assume there is a simmilar attitude amongst shaivites as you use the term bhakta ?)

thus the intensity felt from the murti reflects the love shown him by his devotees ,
then there are subtly different kinds of love , this he reflects allso , just as a guest in your house shows his pleasure , so too the lord shows his and reflects this in the blessings he bestows by granting his darsana ,

the all mercyfull lord ki jai ...ratikala

 

[Vinayaka]

In Saivism the intensity at a specific temple varies based on 3 factors mainly but more,

- the openness of the individual to be able to feel it, not just generally but also specifically dependent on things like mood, astrology, etc
- the nature of the one one one relationship between Devotee and God
- the 'mood ' of the temple, based on astrology, dates, times, etc

But of course the temples vary themselves according to priesthood, antiquity, devotee devotion put into it, and more

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

I think there is a ritual to "de-install" a murti.

It's called Visarjana it's when you remove the divine energy to the unmanifest.

 

[Vinayaka]

It's called Visarjana it's when you remove the divine energy to the unmanifest.

The priests (or individuals) do it with cracked murthis.

 

[alishan]

but what the vedas say about statue? accept it or reject?

 

[Riverwolf]

but what the vedas say about statue? accept it or reject?

AFAIK, the Vedas say nothing about statues; the idea of making statues of Gods was brought to India by Alexander the Greek.

 

[kaisersose]

AFAIK, the Vedas say nothing about statues; the idea of making statues of Gods was brought to India by Alexander the Greek.

Figures (seals actually) of Gods who look like Shiva (horned fertility God) and a Mother Goddess have been found in Indus Valley Sites. Based on these findings, the practice of worshipping forms in the Indian sub-continent may be very ancient, predating the Rig-Veda.

 

[Me Myself]

There's something about a statue when it becomes a murthi, though. Most bhaktars I know would attest to some sort of transformation then and there at the pranapratistha. True, that god is manifest all over, but the energy seems to intensify in certain places.

Or at least be more easily recognizable

 

[Vinayaka]

Or at least be more easily recognizable

So true, but the intent, from those sects that believe God is all AND in all still try to see God everywhere. Certainly, He's always with you, for He is the core of your being.

 

[alishan]

1. sorry my dear friends , but this what vedas say:
3. "na tasya pratima asti
   "There is no image of Him."
   [Yajurveda 32:3]5
4. "shudhama poapvidham"
   "He is bodyless and pure."
   [Yajurveda 40:8]6
5. "Andhatama pravishanti ye asambhuti mupaste"
   "They enter darkness, those who worship the natural elements" (Air, Water, Fire, etc.). "They sink deeper in darkness, those who worship sambhuti."
   [Yajurveda 40:9]7
   Sambhuti means created things, for example table, chair, idol, etc.
6. The Yajurveda contains the following prayer:
   "Lead us to the good path and remove the sin that makes us stray and wander."
   [Yajurveda 40:16]8
   

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[Jainarayan]

Sri Krishna says "It is much difficult to focus on God as the unmanifested than God with form, due to human beings having the need to perceive via the senses". - Bhagavad Gita 12.5

And you must understand that the Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata and writings of the acharyas are called Vedanta, meaning End of the Vedas. Those scriptures, afaik supercede and interpret the Vedas. The Vedas are hymns of praise and mantras, not commandments.

 

[alishan]

but the first one come from God and the other from men

interpretation of the church and the pops made the christian beleaving that Jésus is son of God and that you don t need to act for your salvation after death. interpretation can be dangerous

but i understand what you mean thanks

 

[Jainarayan]

but the first one come from God and the other from men

Re the Bhagavad Gita (The Song of God): Krishnastu Bhagavan Svayam, "Krishna is God Himself". The Mahabharata was dictated to Lord Ganesha (who transcribed it) by Veda Vyasa, who is said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. So, the Mahabharata is divinely revealed. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is also said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Gaura Priya can correct me). So in one way or another, all the scriptures were divinely given.

 

[Riverwolf]

Sri Krishna says "It is much difficult to focus on God as the unmanifested than God with form, due to human beings having the need to perceive via the senses". - Bhagavad Gita 12.5

And you must understand that the Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata and writings of the acharyas are called Vedanta, meaning End of the Vedas. Those scriptures, afaik supercede and interpret the Vedas. The Vedas are hymns of praise and mantras, not commandments.

That was the Isa Upanishad. ^_^

Of course, it was also a translation that I've never seen before. Most of the ones I've read interpret it differently. Then again, those are VERY difficult passages linguistically, from what I understand.