Overview
In the Hindu tradition, a murti (Sanskrit: मूर्ति, mūrti, meaning 'form, embodiment, or solid object') is a devotional image, such as a statue or icon, of a deity or saint used during puja and other customary forms of expressing devotion or reverence at Hindu temples, shrines, and homes. A murti is regarded as a sacred image or embodiment of a deity and is the focus of worship. Not every depiction of a divine figure is a murti; purely decorative carvings on doorframes, walls, and rooftop domes of temples are not treated as objects of worship.
Different Hindu traditions understand the nature of the murti in varying ways. Some regard it as a symbolic representation of the divine, while others hold that, following the consecration ritual known as prāṇa pratiṣṭhā, the deity is truly present in the murti and receives worship directly through it. To many devotees, the murti serves as an embodiment of the ultimate reality or Brahman. In domestic and temple settings, it may be treated as a beloved guest and a participant in daily puja.
Murti are typically created through stone carving, wood working, metal casting, or pottery. Ancient texts including the Puranas, Agamas, and Samhitas describe the proper proportions, postures, and gestures appropriate to each form. Iconographic expressions range from ugra (fierce) imagery, conveying destruction or power as seen in depictions of Durga and Kali, to saumya (calm) imagery, conveying joy, knowledge, and harmony as seen in depictions of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Ganesha. Saumya forms are the most common in Hindu temples. Other related forms found within Hinduism include the lingam.
Murti are also found in certain non-theistic Jain traditions, where they serve as symbols of revered mortals within Jain temples and are venerated by adherents of the murtipujaka tradition through associated rituals.
References
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on English Wikipedia page for Murti