Classification of Icons

Classification of Icons 

1. Āgamic Icons fall into three broad groups they are;

citra - sculptured in the round.
citrārdha - base-relief
citrabhāsa - painted

2. Those that are sculptured in the round can be classified according to movability as;

cala - movable,
acala - immovable,
calācala - both movable and immovable.

3. They are also classified according to temperament;

śanta or saumya - those of a peaceful demeanour
vīra - Those of an heroic nature
raudra or ugra - those of a terrifying nature.

4. The immovable icons are known as dhruva-bera or mūla-vigraha are classified by posture;—

sthānaka — standing,
āsina — sitting,
śayana — reclining

5. Icons are further classified according to the purpose for which they are worshipped, different results being obtained from each type (yad bhāvati tad bhavati — that upon which you contemplate you become.).

1. yoga mūrti; These icons depict the Supreme Being in various meditational postures. They are worshipped by the aspirant desiring self-mastery or Yoga. These icons should be established and consecrated on the banks of rivers, in forests or on top of mountains, it should be quite far from human habitation, the reason being quite obviously in order to afford a peaceful and undisturbed environment in which the aspirant can practice yogic meditation.

2. bhoga-mūrti; These icons depict the deity in a domestic situation. This is the best suited form for worship in temples constructed in towns and places of habitation. These icons are conducive of enjoyment and happiness and can be resorted to by all classes and by people of all temperaments. The images of Uma-Mahēśvara, Rādhā-Krishna and Lakshmi-Nārāyaṇa etc. are of this type.

3. vīra-mūrti; These icons depict the Deity in a heroic posture such as Rāma defeating Rāvaṇa or Durgā defeating Mahiṣāsura or Śiva as Naṭarāja. This type of icon bestows power and victory over enemies (such as anger, greed, delusion etc.), it can be established either in the town or outside of it.

4. ugra-mūrti; 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-saṁhāra is an Ugra form of Lord Śiva and Kāli dancing on Śiva, and Pratyaṅgira Devī are examples of Ugra Śaktis.

5. abhicārika-mūrti; used for the purpose of inflicting death and destruction on one's enemies or confounding his purposes. This form is only set up far from a town and never in a place of human habitation. (This form is purely theoretical as there are no temples of this type and no bhakta would have anything to do with them).