The depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses with multiple arms, typically four, is deeply rooted in symbolism and tradition. Here are some reasons behind this:
Symbol of Power and Potency: The multiple arms symbolize the
divine being's immense power and ability to perform various tasks
simultaneously. It denotes their omnipotence and omnipresence.
Multiplicity of Roles and Attributes: Each hand often holds
different objects or symbols, representing the deity's multifaceted nature and
ability to fulfill diverse roles. For example, Saraswati, the goddess of
knowledge, is depicted with four arms holding a book, a rosary, a musical
instrument (veena), and a pot of sacred water. These objects symbolize
learning, spirituality, creativity, and purity respectively.
Control over the Universe: In Hindu cosmology, the universe
is often depicted as having four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and
west. These directions are not just physical orientations but also carry
metaphysical and symbolic significance.
The representation of deities with multiple arms, such as
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, and others, is a visual expression of their power
and authority over the entire cosmos. Each arm may hold different objects or
symbols, each with its own meaning and significance.
For example, Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity, is
often depicted with four arms. In his case, each arm holds a specific object: a
conch shell (shankha), a discus (chakra), a mace (gada), and a lotus flower
(padma). These objects symbolize various aspects of Vishnu's power and
authority. The conch shell represents the sound of creation, the discus
symbolizes the mind and intellect, the mace signifies strength and power, and
the lotus represents purity and liberation.
Similarly, other deities may be depicted with multiple arms,
each holding different objects or performing specific gestures known as mudras,
which convey various meanings. The multiple arms represent the deity's ability
to multitask and to have control over multiple aspects of the universe
simultaneously.
In Hindu philosophy, the universe is seen as a manifestation
of the divine, and the gods and goddesses are understood to be cosmic forces
that govern different aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction. The
depiction of these deities with multiple arms symbolizes their omnipotence and
omnipresence, as well as their ability to maintain cosmic order and balance in
all directions of the universe.
Overall, the four arms of Hindu gods and goddesses symbolize
their authority and control over the entire universe, encompassing all
directions and dimensions of existence.
Iconographic Tradition: This depiction is also part of the
iconographic tradition in Hindu art, where certain attributes and symbols are
standardized to represent specific deities and their characteristics. Over
time, this tradition has become deeply ingrained in Hindu religious imagery.
Mythological Origins: According to Hindu mythology, the gods
acquired multiple arms through various means. For instance, Vishnu, the
preserver god, is said to have assumed multiple arms to wield his weapons and
preserve cosmic order during battles against evil forces. Similarly, goddess
Durga is depicted with multiple arms to hold weapons given to her by other gods
to defeat the demon Mahishasura.
Overall, the depiction of Hindu deities with multiple arms
serves as a visual representation of their divine attributes, powers, and roles
in the cosmic order, as well as a reflection of the rich symbolism and tradition
within Hinduism.