Significance of Four Gods

The Four Gods in Theravada Buddhism are deities linked to the pure abode, an important concept within the Maha-samaya suttanta. These deities play a significant role in the teachings of Theravada, highlighting their relevance in the spiritual hierarchy and the understanding of the divine in Buddhist thought. This connection emphasizes the significance of the pure abode in attaining higher spiritual states and the reverence for divine beings in the Theravada tradition.1
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Synonyms: Mythical figures

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Four Gods'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Four Gods symbolize deities linked to the pure abode, playing a crucial role in the Maha-samaya suttanta, highlighting their significance in spiritual realms and divine existence.

Hindu concept of 'Four Gods'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Four Gods can refer to Varuna, Indra, Yama, and Agni. These gods are pleased by Damayanti's devotion and bestow blessings and special powers upon her and her partner.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha

(1) The four gods are pleased by Damayanti's devotion, and they refer to Varuna, Indra, Yama and Agni, who bless the couple with boons and special powers.[1]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Classical concept of 'Four Gods'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Four Gods in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of Gates

(1) Entities each holding a disk in the right hand, making a way through the Tuat and the height of heaven.[2] (2) Four gods of the Tuat tow the boat of Ra on its way in the middle of the Division, according to the passage.[3] (3) They are from the Tuat, and they tow the boat of Ra in the middle of the Division.[4] (4) Four gods are mentioned towing the boat of Ra through the Division, aiding in its journey and ensuring its progression through the Tuat, signifying their support.[5] (5) They are standing upright, each holding the symbol of life and a sceptre.[6]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) The text mentions Ani standing before four gods, these deities are seated on a pedestal in the form of Maat.[7] (2) The four gods of the cardinal points, also known as the four children of Horus or Osiris, stand upon a lotus flower.[8] (3) The four gods of the cardinal points were initially offered sacrifices, with the practice evolving to paired offerings of bulls or birds to represent the directions.[9] (4) The four gods embrace the four holy ends of the universe and granted to Osiris to come forth to heaven, and to sail over the celestial waters thereof with his son Horus.[10]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) This group tows the god AFU-RA as he enters the ELEVENTH DIVISION in the form in which he has hitherto appeared. Another group carries disks and gives commands.[11] (2) The Boat of AFU-RA is towed by four gods of the Tuat, who are essential for the boat's movement through the divisions.[12] (3) They have covered arms and hands, and they were previously seen in the BOOK AM-TUAT in charge of four boats.[13] (4) These entities of the Tuat represent the four quarters of the earth and the four cardinal points, and they tow the Boat of AFU-RA along its path.[14]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) The four gods, who are called the “children of Horus,” are declared to have their abodes in the tresses of the Face of Heru.[15] (2) The boat of the sun is being towed along in the centre of each division, presumably by four gods of the Tuat as before, guiding its journey.[16] (3) The "four gods" stand with the sceptres of heaven, and they are responsible for lifting up heaven upon its four pillars, as mentioned in several texts.[17]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) The four gods, called TUN-EN-MAA, HER-UARFU, AR-NEFERTU, and SHETAI, draw the serpent-boat along, as the boat of Ra is journeying over those who are in this scene.[18] (2) The four gods march in front of the seven goddesses, who appear to be under the guidance of Isis of Amentet.[19]

From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World

(1) Entities that are over the upper region, lending succor daily, and driving off the storm from the face of a deity in a celestial body.[20]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Four Gods in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) The gods of the four quarters of the world at the time when this Liturgy was drawn up were Horus, Set, Thoth, and Sep, who were probably the gods of the four cardinal points.[21]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.