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विग्रह
vigraha
The consecrated form of a deity in which the divine has actually been invoked to dwell. Stronger sense than 'murti' (mere image).
विग्रह; प्राण-प्रतिष्ठित देव-स्वरूप।
Hindu thought is built from a vocabulary of carefully-distinguished terms. Words like vigraha are not loose translations — each has a precise scriptural genealogy, a specific role in ritual or philosophy, and often a counterpart that completes its meaning. Many of the major Hindu darśanas (Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Vedānta, Mīmāṃsā, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika) refined their vocabulary over centuries; the same Sanskrit term can carry different shades in different schools.
Vigraha sits within a cluster of related concepts — murti, prana-pratishtha. Reading these together gives you the actual texture of the idea, rather than treating it as an isolated definition. Each Sanskrit term in this glossary is cross-linked to the others it presupposes.
Where useful we cite the primary scriptural source — the Upaniṣad, sūtra, or smṛti passage where the term is given its classical sense — alongside trusted modern dictionaries (Monier-Williams, V.S. Apte, Sanskrit Heritage). For practical questions about usage in pūjā or daily life, ask a paṇḍita in your tradition.
The form/image of a deity; concrete embodiment. After prana-pratishtha (life-installation) the murti becomes vigraha — a living deity. Distinct from a mere statue.
Life-installation; the consecration ceremony in which prana (life-force) is invoked into a murti, transforming it from a sculpture into a living vigraha. Performed at temple kumbabhishekam, home-shrine inaugurations.
Divine weapon held by a deity, identifying its iconography. Vishnu's chakra-shankha-gada-padma, Shiva's trishul-damaru, Durga's many weapons. Ayudha-puja honours all tools on Vijayadashami.
Hourglass-shaped drum held by Shiva, especially as Nataraja. Its sound generates the Sanskrit phonemes (the maheshvara-sutras revealed to Panini). Symbol of nada-brahman (sound-Brahman).
Wheel of dharma; symbol used in Hinduism (Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu) and Buddhism (Buddha's first sermon turned the dharmacakra). On the Indian flag.
Eagle / kite; vahana of Vishnu, son of Vinata, mortal enemy of nagas. Garuda Purana is named after him. National emblem of Indonesia.
Swan / wild goose; vahana of Brahma and Saraswati. Symbol of discrimination (legendary ability to separate milk from water = sat from asat). Also: symbol of the Atman ('aham sah' = I am That).
The aniconic symbol of Shiva — the formless made form. Twelve great Jyotirlingas across India. Varieties: Bana-linga, Sphatika-linga, Parad (mercury)-linga.
Peacock; vahana of Kartikeya (Murugan). Also adorns Krishna's crown (peacock feather). Symbol of beauty and victory over snakes (kundalini mastery).
Mouse / rat; vahana of Ganesha. Symbolizes the conquering of small obstacles and material desires.
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