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Statues, or "murtis", are visual representations of the devas they depict, which in turn have their own meanings. A "deva" is usually translated as "god", but "deva" (feminine form "devi") means "light", and is not necessarily equivalent to "god". In many forms of Hinduism, it would be more accurate to say that a deva is a form of God.
In any case every aspect of a murti is usually metaphorically significant, right down to the hand gestures that the deva may be using. A very common hand gesture used in Buddhism and Hinduism features the index finger and thumb-tips touching, while the other fingers stand straight. This, if I am not mistaken, represents fearlessness.
A Hindu deva is often depicted with four arms. Mythologically, this is to represent the all-pervasive nature of the devas, that they reach in all directions. Brahma, the deva of knowledge and creation, has four faces, representing the idea that he sees in all directions, or is all-knowing. Practically, murtis often have four arms so that they can hold all the objects which are typically associated with them (one cannot hold a flower, a book, beads, and a weapon in two hands, for instance).
Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles, is often depicted riding a rat. The rat represents ignorance, and the fact that Ganesh is on top of it represents that Ganesh is above ignorance, and transcends ignorance. Also rats can fit through small spaces, illustrating Ganesh's role as one who can overcome obstacles. He is also depicted with the body of a human, and the head of an elephant. This represents the union of the small with the large, the mortal with the immortal, the ordinary with the divine, and thus represents the ultimate goal of Hinduism: moksha, or liberation from suffering.
To take another example, Shiva is often depicted surrounded by cobras entwined about his neck. Shiva is the deva of death and destruction, which in Hinduism is synonymous with renewal and rebirth. When Shiva is depicted surrounded by cobras, the very image of death, it represents that Shiva transcends death itself, illustrating his renewing power.
There are books readily available at book stores like Barnes & Noble or Borders dedicated specifically to Hindu imagery and statues. I would recommend Book of Hindu Imagery: The Gods and Their Symbols by Eva Rudy Jansen and Tony Langham.
What else can I help you with?
What are the important artifacts of Hinduism?
The artifacts of Hinduism are Shrines,bell and statues of their gods.
What artifacts did you find for Hinduism?
god statues.
What are the importances of artifacts?
The artifacts of Hinduism are Shrines,bell and statues of their gods.
Why was a woman's sexual statues so important in Hinduism?
goddess maata. It is natures compulsory act.
What were statues in a temple called?
Statues in a temple were often referred to as "idols" or "images." In many cultures, these statues represented deities or sacred figures and were central to worship and rituals. In Ancient Greece, for example, they were called "cult images," while in Hinduism, they are known as "murti." These statues served as focal points for devotion and were often elaborately decorated and housed in sanctuaries.
How is Hinduism similar to Mesopotamia?
not to much is known, but it could have made up some of the population, mostly, it was made up of polythiesm (i think it is spelled that way), the indus valley statues show that it could have had hinduism, but the Indus valley's religion is a mystery.
What gods does Hinduism have?
Too many to list. Several hundred million, depending on who you ask.ANSWER 2:In Hinduism, according to their scriptures, there is one God - the Creator. The many statues that non-Hindus view as different 'gods' are actually depictions of the many attributes of the one unknowable God.
What are some popular outdoor statues for garden decorations?
Some popular statues for garden decorations include lion statues, bird statues, angel statues, fish statues, cat statues, gnome statues, and Buddha statues.
What are all the different types of Buddha statues?
the Most popular Buddha Statues are as follows, Shakyamuni buddha statues Medicine Buddha Statues Meditation Buddha Statues Laughing Buddha Statues Amitabha Buddha statues Blessing Buddha Statues Nirvana Buddha Statues Samantabadhra Buddha Statues Thai Buddha Statues Maitreya Buddha Statues Dhyani Buddha Statues Feng shui Buddha Statues Vairochana Buddha Statues Akshobhya Buddha Statues Standing Buddha Statues
What are the 6 statutes of legality in contract law?
civil statues criminal statues usury statues gambling statues sunday statues and licensing statues
What is the 6 types of statutes and 6 types of public policies?
civil statues, criminal statues, usury statues, gambling statues, Sunday statues and licensing statues
What two religions that started in India affected other cultures today?
Hinduism and buddism
