Does all the Hindu gods have more than 2 arms?

Answer 1

Hindu God like Visnu is called 'catur-bahu'. 'Bahu' etymologically means the fore-arm, the arm between the elbow and the wrist, the arm as a measure of length; it is also extrapolated to the space between the arms.

The number of Bahu is also a tacit communication of the strength of that god. Based on our research we find a common thread of symbolism used in depicting the gods with varying number of arms. While most of the gods have four arms, some gods and goddesses have ten (Devi Durga), or even infinite arms as in the form Visswarupa (cosmic form of Visnu). The probable massage - is to tell that the existence of the god in a particular dimensional space. To quantify the 'n' in n-D space. Here Visnu is said to be existent in four dimensional space-time.

Hindu gods with many pairs of arms:

Vishnu with four arms:

Vishnu is the only Hindu god who would consistently have four arms.

Vishnu is symbolic of the status quo maintaining Semi voluntary force. Since it is made of two forces viz. Voluntary force and Involuntary force, it enables us to do two things at a time. Even when we are doing just one thing we can use one force for execution and the other for control. Therefore, Vishnu, who symbolizes this forces, is represented with two pairs of arms.

Incarnations of Vishnu after Narasimhavatara, where status quo function is not necessary, have a single pair of arms only.

Other Hindu gods with four arms:

Ganesha is a popular Hindu god who is always represented with four arms.

Since two pairs of arms indicate the ability to execute and the simultaneous ability to control what is executed, two pairs of arms were added to practically all gods and goddesses. It is for this reason that, with time, many of the Hindu gods became less popular.

The other god who is invariably presented with four arms is Brahma. However, Brahma is a rarely worshiped god.

Goddesses with more than four arms:

The Shakti goddesses may have up to ten pairs of arms. However, these are goddesses of illusion, that enable us to create an illusion that we are greater than we look. Thus, these goddesses would be holding weapons of all other gods.

Krishna and Vishvarupa:

Krishna usually would have a single pair of arms. However, in Vishvarupa he may have countless pairs of arms. In this form Krishna is considered as the supreme Hindu god and thus he would have features of all Hindu gods, including the Shakti gods, who themselves have up to ten pairs of arms.

The number of arms indicate the options we would have.

Other factors remaining constant,

1. Gods with single pair of arms make us progress faster

2. Gods with many pairs of arms make our life safer, but retard progress

3. Gods with two pairs of arms are the optimum gods

Answer 2

Most aspects of the depiction of Hindu deities are symbolic in nature.

Four arms represent omnipresence. Different animals have different meanings. Saraswati's swan represents discernment (distinguishing truth from falsehood), as well as purity. Ganesh's rat represents ignorance, and thus he rides upon it because he is above it. Shiva's cobras represent death, and so on.

Answer 3

The multiple arms are to show a difference but also a greater power than humans. The number of arms varies depending on the symbology being shown. Thus normally it is 4 arms each holding a different item (with a different meaning). However the number can and does vary.

For example Lord Ganesha:

The abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) of His lower right hand symbolises Ganesha's blessings and protection on a person's journey through life, especially the spiritual one.

In His upper right hand, Ganesha usually holds an axe, with which He is said to cut of all attachments.

He pulls the devotee nearer to the spiritual path by the rope that He carries in His upper left hand.

He offers rewards for penances (sadhana) done with the modak (type of confection, usually made from rice flour and a stuffing of jaggery, coconut, etc.) He holds in His lower left hand.

You can get 6 or 10 armed Lord Ganesha with other items each with their own meaning. So it depends on the complexity of the message.

At the same time Lord Ganesha can be shown with only two arms!

Answer 4

Hindu gods were basically very powerful warriors. They always had to fight against devil and evils. Having many hands helped them in war.

Answer 5

The four arms of the Hindu Gods represent the four directions indicating the omnipresence and omnipotence.

Answer 6

The 8 arms means extra powers.

The deity that comes to mind is Durga, the Great Goddess.

Answer 7

Many of the hindu gods have more arms than just four. According to mythology all the hindu gods were great warriors. Extra pair of arms provided them benefits in War against evil.

Answer 8

it is symbolic

Answer 9

Vishnu