The Spiritual Significance of Silver Murti in Hindu Worship
A murti is a sacred idol or image used in hindu worship which is an artistic representation of a deity, saint, or an important figure in hinduism. The term “murti” is a Sanskrit word which means “form” or “embodiment”. It is a wide belief that the deity is present in the murti during worship or religious ceremonies.
Murti is a focal point for the devotees to offer prayers, rituals and offerings to their divine in a tangible form. It is made from silver, gold, wood, clay, metal, stones & many other materials. The popularity of silver murti is assured automatically from this fact that India is one of the top three exporters of silver idols worldwide including Peru and China in 2024.
Why Silver is Considered the Best Metal for a Murti -
Silver is a highly regarded and excellent choice for making idols (murtis). Here are the reasons which shows why silver is esteemed for this purpose -
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Silver is considered a pure metal because of its brightness and white colour. It is closely associated with cleanliness, purity & spiritual light.
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Silver is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. It symbolizes the unchanging and durable nature of the divine. A silver murti can last for a long period of time indicating the presence of the divine in your household.
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Silver is associated with the lunar god “Chandra” which represents the mind, emotional balance & thoughts. Worshipping the divine in the form of a silver murti is an indicator of increasing mental peace & clarity.
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Silver is a malleable and soft metal which allows the craftsmen to create silver murti with fine details & intricacies.
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The polished silver has a radiating surface which symbolizes the effulgence of the divine.
- Silver is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. It creates a strong connection between the devotee and the divine energy.
History of Silver Murti in India -
The evidence of silver murti is very rare in the Indus Valley Civilization and vedic period. The first clean and clear creation of silver murti was developed in the golden age of India during the Gupta period (c. 320-550 CE). The reason was the development of sophisticated iconography for various hindu deities.
In the medieval period (c. 6th - 16th centuries CE) the growth of temples and royal patronage was increasing in India. The use of precious metals like - silver and gold increased in the creation of idols. During the mughal and colonial period (c. 16th-20th centuries CE) the silver murti creation was consistent.
Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh are the prominent states in the creation of silver murti in this modern era.
Silver Murti of Lord Vishnu from the Gupta Period
The Spiritual Significance of Silver Murti -
Here are many reasons to show the spiritual significance of a silver murti in hindu worship -
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A silver murti is associated with purity and light. This purity is not only physical but spiritual too. A silver murti can maintain and channelize this purity during worship. The reflective quality of the silver maintains the connection between the devotee and divine energy so that the worshipper can feel the presence of the divine.
- A silver murti is closely associated with emotions, intuition, & the flow of time. Using a silver murti in your worship connects you with the supreme divine to gain emotional balance and mental calmness.
- Silver is closely associated with many healing properties. Silver murti can easily remove negative energy and protect its worshippers from harmful influence. Silver metal is said to have a calm and soothing effect on the mind of the devotees.
- Silver is also considered with prosperity. Silver murtis are considered capable of attracting the blessings of the divine to gain financial and material well-being. Silver murtis are helpful to gain abundance & success in both material & spiritual pursuits.
- In India, silver murtis are also passed down throughout the generations. Thus they represent the spiritual legacy of the family or community.
- The use of silver in creating a murti is also the symbol of duty and respect of devotees in regards to their divine. It indicates the love, devotion and respect of devotees towards their god in return for their blessings.
- Silver has natural and antimicrobial properties. Silver murti is considered so clean during the worship because a devotee has to touch multiple times to the murtis for the ritual.
- Silver reflects the high percentage of pure light. It can be interpreted as the divine presence around their devotees during the rituals of worship.
- Silver can interact with the electromagnetic field of the body. Some spiritual practices suggest that silver can harmonize the energy fields and fosters a deep connection with the spiritual energy flow.
- If you are going to conduct aarti and homa in your house for any reason, silver can balance the heat and energy with its cooling effect and creates a balanced environment for worship.
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Silver possesses the cooling energy. It is significant in the hottest climate of India. Worshipping the divine in silver murti indicates its calming and soothing presence.
Worshipping Silver Murti in Hindu Rituals
How Silver Murtis Are Used in Worship -
Silver murti have an important place in hindu worship. Without them the worship is never considered finished. Their placement is equally important during a worship according to the place. In the temples, they are placed on the altars, garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) or places where rituals are performed daily.
Many hindu families put the silver murti in their pooja griha and altars for regular daily worship. As a part of their devotion, devotees offer flowers, food, silver coins, jewellery, ornaments to show their respect to the deity. Sometimes silver murtis are also used during the special fairs. Like many silver murtis of Lord Ganesha are used for public and home worship at Ganesh chaturthi at many places of India.
Devotees also offer silver murtis in the temples when their vows or any desires are fulfilled. They do this in exchange of the deity’s blessings and answer to their prayers. On special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries families offer silver murtis to their relatives to seek the divine blessings.
Cultural and Aesthetic Importance of Silver Murtis -
Silver murtis are highly prized because of its skillful craftsmanship and refined beauty. Because of its luminous and reflective quality silver adds a visual strike to the sculpture. The shimmering and shining surface of the silver murti symbolizes the radiant form of the divine.
These silver idols feature the intricate artistry, fine patterns, & elaborate features which showcases the artistic talent of Indian craftsmen. The cultural importance of silver murtis is hidden in its symbolism because they convey the spiritual connection between the deity and devotees. The use of silver increases the divine qualities in the idols as well.
Silver murtis have both aesthetic and spiritual significance. The use of silver converts the idols into masterpieces that are cherished within cultural traditions.
Conclusion -
The spiritual significance of a silver murti is more important than its aesthetic and material value. The silver murti becomes a physical representation of the divine by which you can offer prayers, flowers and prasad. A silver murti is a powerful medium by which the devotees can gain the blessings, guidance & divine favour.
The use of silver murti in a hindu worship is not only about seeking material benefit or blessings but also acknowledging the divine presence in all phases of existence. Whether you put them in your home or temple, it is straightforwardly connected to one’s faith, family & heritage. Ultimately, a silver murti has a unique place in hindu worship due to its rich spiritual symbolism.
