Ashtamurti – Eight murtis (form) worshipped together – is a unique concept in Hinduism and is popular in South India. The Ashtamurtis include the Panchabhoota, Surya, Chandra and the Brahmin or person conducting puja.
Thus, Ashtamurtis are Earth, water, fire, air, space, Sun god, Moon god and the priest conducting the puja.
In some pujas and rituals, gods from Hindu pantheon take the position of an element. For example, the Rudra form of Shiva represents Agni or fire.
The Ashtamurtis are offered prayers during important ceremonies like those after birth of a child etc.