In Hinduism, a murti (Devanagari: मूर्ति), or murthi, or vigraha or pratima typically refers to an image that expresses a Divine Spirit (murta). Meaning literally "embodiment", a murti is a representation of a divinity, made usually of stone, wood, or metal, which serves as a means through which a divinity may be worshiped. Hindus consider a murti worthy of serving as a focus of divine worship only after the divine is invoked in it for the purpose of offering worship. The depiction of the divinity must reflect the gestures and proportions outlined in religious tradition. It is a means of communication with the god or Brahman in Hinduism. Murti is a Sanskrit term which is meant to point to the transcendent "otherness" of the divine when substituted with statue or idol - its inherent meaning is lost since neither is a correct translation of the word murti.
The murti is regarded by some Mahayana Buddhists (e.g. Muktinath) during worship as a point of devotional and meditational focus. Puja of murtis is recommended, especially for Dvapara Yuga, and described in Pañcaratra texts.
Many Hindus believe everything is God and contains the divine energy of God, so everything is worthy of worship be it the Murti, an icon, or nature itself.
Read more about Murti: Role in Worship, The Human Body As A Temple, Significance, Murti-worship As Distinct From Idol-worship