Significance of Lord's form
In Vaishnavism, the Lord's form represents the physical and divine manifestations of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This form can be perceived by the faithful, signifying beauty and uniqueness. It embodies various appearances, including four-armed and six-armed representations, which evoke emotional connections and experiences of divine love. Moreover, the Lord's universal form encompasses countless universes, captivating even demigods and highlighting the profound spiritual insights accessible to devotees. Ultimately, the Lord's form is central to meditation and devotion.
Synonyms: Divine presence, Sacred image, God's image, Divine figure, Sacred form
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lord's form'
The Lord's form in Hinduism encompasses various manifestations, emphasizing the divine appearance that evokes joy, love, and spiritual insights, connecting devotees to the Supreme Personality through beautiful and awe-inspiring representations.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The Lord glorified the eternal truth regarding His names, forms, qualities, and pastimes to Murari.[1] (2) The Lord's form in the mode of ignorance, known as tamasi, is associated with the activities of destruction in the material world by Sankarshana.[2] (3) The manifestation of the divine being referred to by the Lord, which Shridhara is instructed to behold.[3] (4) The physical or divine representation of the Lord.[4] (5) Refers to the physical manifestation or appearance of the Lord.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The form of the Lord refers to the divine appearance that can be perceived by the faithful, signifying the physical manifestation of the divine.[6] (2) The Lord's form refers to the manifestation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is described as having a universal form.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This is an aspect that stimulates the preyo-rasa, according to the text.[8] (2) Lord’s form refers to the physical representation of the Divine that one focuses on during meditation.[9]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) This is what the Alvar could not envision as a whole, but only perceive one limb at a time, whetting the appetite.[10] (2) Refers to the complete physical manifestation of Kannapiran, which if perceived would bring joy rather than torment.[11]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) This phrase refers to the limitless and self-effulgent form of Bhagavan, which can be perceived through the power of His mercy potency.[12] (2) The divine and wonderful manifestation of the Lord that is central to the experience of divine love and spiritual insights.[13]