From Formless to Form: The Meaning of Multiple Limbs in Hindu Gods

Images of Hindu Gods and goddesses can often be seen depicted with multiple heads and arms. I will try and explain why this is shown.

In Hinduism, the supreme reality is called Brahman. Brahman is without attributes yet capable of manifesting with attributes. Since Brahman is infinite and beyond human perception, any attempt to represent the divine through human-like form inevitably employs symbolic augmentation to suggest superhuman capacities.

The presence of multiple heads and arms serves as a visual metaphor.

• Multiple heads → signify the deity’s ability to see and know in all directions and dimensions.
• Multiple arms → signify the deity’s capacity to perform multiple cosmic functions simultaneously.

Multiple heads convey a deity’s awareness and universal perception. For example, Brahma is depicted with four heads. This shows that as the creator, Brahma has control over the four directions north, south, east and west. He is also considered the author of the four Vedas.

The depiction of multiple arms signifies increased powers in the deity. Each arm often holds an object or is positioned in a particular gesture. These easily tell us their powers or role in the universe. For example - Vishnu is shown having four arms. He holds four objects in his four hands. They are a conch shell which symbolizes the sound of creation and victory; a discus representing the mind and also destruction of ignorance; a mace signifying strength and a lotus meaning beauty and purity.

Durga’s ten arms hold a weapon given by a different god. This shows Durga having the powers of all the gods in her.

The depiction of multiple heads and arms is specified in treatises on art and architecture (Shilpa Shastra) and the ritual manuals (Agama Shastras).

Hindu gods and goddesses are shown having multiple animals or vahanas along with them. The word Vahana is a Sanskrit word meaning a carrier or one who carries. This vahana is a vehicle or a mount associated with the deity. Stella Kramrisch (The Hindu Temple) says, "the vehicle is not separate from the deity; it is an integral manifestation of the divine's relationship with the world."

Some vahanas:

• Nandi (Bull) - associated with Shiva. The bull represents dharma, virility, and strength. The animal instincts are tamed and offered in devotion to Shiva. It is positioned facing the Shiva-linga in temples.
• Garuda (Eagle) - associated with Vishnu. Garuda symbolizes speed and victory over serpentine forces of ignorance. Garuda's enmity with the serpents reflects the victory of light over darkness.
• Musika (Mouse) - associated with Ganesha. The mouse represents desire, restlessness of the mind, and its capacity to gnaw at obstacles. By riding the mouse, Ganesha shows mastery over these tendencies.
• Peacock - associated with Kartikeya. The peacock stands for beauty and destruction of vanity and pride.
• Lion/Tiger - associated with Durga. The lion (or tiger in some traditions) symbolizes courage and untamed primal energy. By riding the lion, Durga controls this energy and signifies that all power flows from the Devi.
• Owl (Lakshmi) - associated with Lakshmi. The owl symbolizes inner wisdom and alertness in darkness.
• Deer is associated with Vayu (Wind God) and represents speed and grace.
• Elephant - associated with Brihaspati (Guru of the Gods), Indra, Lakshmi (Gajalakshmi). Elephants symbolize royalty, strength, fertility, rain, and wisdom.
• Makara is a composite, aquatic creature, usually depicted with the body of a fish or crocodile and the trunk of an elephant. It represents the unknown depths of the unconscious. Ganga and Kamadeva may be depicted with Makara.

The objects held by deities serve as more than instruments. They function as tools for maintaining balance, destroying ignorance and defending righteousness. The Agama and Shilpa Shastra texts prescribe specific attributes and their meanings.

Weapons and other objects and Their Symbolism:

• Sudarshana Chakra (Discus) - Vishnu: The discus symbolizes time and the mind's power to separate truth from illusion.
• Trishula (Trident) - Shiva, Durga: The trident signifies the powers of creation, preservation, and destruction. It also symbolizes control over the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas).
• Damaru (small hourglass drum) with Shiva symbolizes the sound of creation.
• Parashu (Axe): The axe symbolizes cutting through ignorance and attachments. For Parashurama, it represents his mission to destroy corruption and reestablish dharma.
• Pasa (noose) - with Durga, Ganesha represents binding karma and illusions.
• Dhanush and Bana (Bow and Arrow) - Rama, Arjuna, Durga: The bow and arrow signify focus and spiritual aim. It signifies upholding righteousness, duty and readiness to combat evil.
• Ankusha (elephant goad) with Ganesha represents disciplining the mind.
• Khadga (Sword) - Durga, Kali: The sword symbolizes discriminative wisdom and the cutting off of ignorance. In Kali's hand, it shatters ego, symbolizing liberation from false identity.
• Spear (Shakti) with Durga has the power to penetrate ignorance and evil.
• The Severed Head in Kali's hand represents the destruction of false identity.
• The Veena in Sarasvati's hand symbolizes music, sound and harmony.
• Lakshmi's Kalasha or pot represents fertility, abundance, and fullness.