Reference

The significance of halos in Penjikent mural figures is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the Sogdian people. Halos are depicted around figures in the murals to signify divinity or a high spiritual status. For instance, in the murals, a female figure with multiple arms and a halo is interpreted as a representation of a divinity, indicating the importance of religious beliefs in their society. Additionally, the depiction of Shiva with a halo in a dancing or alidhasana stance suggests the influence of Indian religious art on Sogdian culture. The halo is a universal symbol of holiness or divinity, and its presence in Penjikent murals reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the society, which was composed of Sogdian and Turkic elites and likely other foreign merchants. The use of halos in these murals also serves as a visual expression of the glory or divinity of the portrayed figures, aligning with global artistic traditions that use such symbols to convey the sanctity or elevated status of the subjects. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Penjikent murals and the Smithsonian Institution's article on Shiva with Trisula.