Significance of Four-armed form
In Dutch: Vierarmige vorm; In Finnish: Nelikätinen muoto
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Four-armed form'
The Four-armed form in Hinduism symbolizes divine manifestations of gods like Krishna and Vishnu, representing their omnipotence, spiritual support for devotees, and higher spiritual realities, as illustrated through various sacred texts and descriptions.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The physical manifestation of the Lord depicted as having four arms.[1] (2) A distinctive physical characteristic of the Deity of Sakshi-gopala, highlighting its divine nature.[2] (3) The form that Mahaprabhu assumed, decorated with symbolic items like the conchshell, disc, club, and lotus.[3] (4) The form in which Gaurasundara appears to the brahmana, symbolizing divine power.[4] (5) The divine manifestation of Mahaprabhu with four arms while at Shrivasa's house.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A divine form similar to that of the Supreme Lord, which living beings can attain by entering Purushottama-kshetra.[6] (2) The specific manifestation of Shri Vaikuntheshvara that devotees feel affection for while in Vaikuntha.[7] (3) The divine manifestations of Shri Krishna that appear with four arms, often associated with Lord Vishnu, indicating His omnipotence.[8] (4) The divine form resembling that of Bhagavan, traditionally depicted with four arms, highlighting a specific divine representation.[9] (5) Numerous divine manifestations of Shri Vishnu, often depicted with four arms.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A spiritual form that devotees aspire to attain through their devotion and residence in sacred places.[11] (2) An alternate physical manifestation of Krishna depicted with four arms which serves as an alambana or support for devotees residing outside of Gokula.[12] (3) The attractive four-armed form of the Lord, characterized by bliss and a dark blue complexion.[13] (4) The forms of the Lord that possess four arms, also mentioned in the descriptions related to priti-bhakti-rasa.[14] (5) A depiction of a deity, specifically Krishna, with four arms.[15]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A representation of the Lord distinct from His current appearance, illuminating His true spiritual identity.[16]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The divine representation of Goddess Lakshmi manifested by Lord Gaura, symbolic of her grace and power.[17]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The divine manifestation of Lord Krishna that Brahma saw, representing his ultimate opulence and godly nature.[18]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The transcendental form attained by the horse upon hearing the sacred words from the Shrimad Bhagavad-gita.[19] (2) The divine aspect attained by Durachara after hearing the teachings and overcoming her past sinful actions.[20] (3) The divine form that Dushasana attained after giving up his elephant body, similar to Lord Vishnu.[21] (4) The divine form attained by the rakshasa and the thousands he had consumed, resembling Lord Vishnu after being recited to by Sunanda.[22]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The form that the Devas desired for Narasimha to adopt, representing tranquility and divine contentment.[23]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The manifestation of Vishnu as seen by Himavat, showcasing divine powers.[24]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The manifestation of the divine lord, symbolizing his omnipotence and divine nature.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The divine representation of Vishnu appearing with four arms, symbolizing his omnipotence and divine qualities.[26]
The concept of Four-armed form in local and regional sources
The Four-armed form denotes a deity's portrayal with four arms, symbolizing power and spiritual completeness. Specifically, it represents Krishna’s divine nature, showcasing His powers and capabilities to the Brahmans through miraculous acts.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The divine manifestation of Krishna who appears with four arms, symbolizing full completeness in spiritual union.[27] (2) A traditional depiction of God that signifies His divine powers and abilities, which He temporarily changed.[28] (3) Refers to the depiction of a deity having four arms, suggesting power and divinity.[29] (4) The divine manifestation of the God of gods, which He wishes to reveal to the Brahmans while performing marvelous deeds.[30]