In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Red Zambala: Hindu Icons and Symbols | Introduction

Ugramūrti (उग्रमूर्ति);—This is the form which is used for protection against enemies (either real or spiritual in the form of anger, delusion, desire etc.). They are characterized by sharp teeth and a large number of arms carrying various weapons, wide eyes and a flaming halo around the head. This icon may only be set up in the North-eastern corner of the settlement or village. The setting up of an Ugra-murti in the midst of a town or city is prohibited. If it is established then a Śānta-mūrti must be placed directly in front of it, or a tank of water should be constructed in front of the temple. The Viśvarūpa, Narasimha, Sudarśana and the Vaṭa-patra-śāyin are of the Vaiṣṇava Ugra type. Gaja-saṃhāra is an Ugra form of Lord Śiva and Kāli dancing on Śiva, and Pratyaṅgira Devī are examples of Ugra Śaktis.

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)

Ugramūrti Svāmi is found depicted in the Subramanya Swamy Temple (or Subramaṇya Svāmi Temple) in Thiruparankundram or Parankundram (Paraṅkuṉṟam), representing a sacred place for the worship of Murugan.—The Ugramūrti Svāmi is represented with patāka-hasta in the right hand, with the left hand resting on something in patāka-hasta. The image is seen in samapāda-sthānaka with raudra (anger) rasa (sentiment) on the face. In iconographic form, Ugramūrti is represented with abhaya-hasta and vismaya-hasta resting on something. When the devotee climbs the steps and reaches the peak of the kampattati-maṇḍapa, the sanctums of Murukan, Durgai Amman, Kaṟpaka Vināyaka, Pavala Kanivāi Perumāl and Cattiyagirīśvar are seen. Each sanctum is described hereunder with respect to the āṅgikābhinaya and pratimā-lakṣaṇa.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Ugra, Murti.

Full-text: Mahalakshmi.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Ugramurti, Ugramūrti, Ugra-murti, Ugra-mūrti; (plurals include: Ugramurtis, Ugramūrtis, murtis, mūrtis). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Triveni Journal

Indian Iconography in an Historical Perspective with < [October – December, 1994]

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