Symbolism plays an important role in Hindu religion. We find
Hindu gods and goddesses having several head sometimes two, three, four or
five.
Multiplicity of heads denotes presence of their concurrent
abilities.
It also symbolizes shaktis or powers like iccha (will), jnana
(consciousness) and kriya (action).
Four heads symbolizes the four Vedas.
It also symbolically indicates that the deity guards four
directions.
Five heads also symbolizes creation, expansion, withdrawal, concealing
and preservation until the next cycle of creation.
It must be also noted that with the development of society
new sects and cults appeared. Such cults and sects were blind followers. To
show that their deity is more powerful, they started adding extra heads.
Multiple heads are also an attempt to capture the core
teaching of Sanatana Dharma in a form – birth, sustenance and death happen in
the Supreme Truth (Brahman). This is displayed through the Vishwaroopa Darshan
in Bhagavad Gita.
Related
Symbolism of Shiva’s Damaru Drum – the Small Hourglass shaped Drum Damroo
Four Legs of a Cow and Four Yugas – Decadence of Dharma
Related
Symbolism of Shiva’s Damaru Drum – the Small Hourglass shaped Drum Damroo
Four Legs of a Cow and Four Yugas – Decadence of Dharma