Why Does Bhagavan Have Four Arms? Understanding the Deeper Meaning

Let's look at the meaning of the 142nd divya nama from Vishnu Sahasranama - चतुर्भुजः (chaturbhujah)

From -

लोकाध्यक्षः सुराध्यक्षो धर्माध्यक्षः कृताकृतः ।
चतुरात्मा चतुर्व्यूहश्चतुर्दंष्ट्रश्चतुर्भुजः ॥
lokadhyakshah suradhyaksho dharmadhyakshah kritakritah .
chaturatma chaturvyuhashchaturdamshtrashchaturbhujah ..

Bhagavan is called Chaturbhuja because of his four arms. Each arm holds a powerful symbol:

• Conch (Shankha): It represents the sound of creation. It also stands for purity and spiritual victory.
• Disc (Chakra): It symbolizes protection and the power to destroy evil.
• Mace (Gada): It signifies strength and authority.
• Lotus (Padma): It stands for purity, wisdom, and divine beauty.

These items show Bhagavan’s role as the protector and preserver of the universe.

Bhagavan’s four weapons - Shankha, Gada, Chakra, and Padma - represent his approach to guiding and protecting us on the path of righteousness:

• Shankha (Conch): Bhagavan gives advice and guidance through scriptures and the wisdom of elders represented by the sound of the conch. This is his gentle way of leading us to spiritual growth.

It is very important to be attentive to the advice and messages from elders, teachers, and our scriptures because it is Bhagavan who is acting through them.

• Gada (Mace): If we ignore his advice, Bhagavan uses the mace to bring difficulties into our lives. These challenges make us reflect on our actions, allowing us to correct our course and realign with dharma.

Facing hardships offers a powerful opportunity for introspection and self-growth. When life moves smoothly, people often glide through routines without questioning their beliefs or behaviors. However, difficulties disrupt this flow, forcing individuals to pause and reflect. These challenges act like mirrors, revealing strengths and weaknesses that might not be visible in easier times. Hardships build resilience, teaching us how to adapt and grow emotionally. They encourage deep self-reflection, prompting questions like 'Why did this happen?' or 'How can I improve?' This introspection leads to greater self-awareness and re-evaluation of life’s priorities, often shifting focus to what truly matters - purpose and meaning over superficial concerns. Additionally, overcoming struggles fosters post-traumatic growth, where individuals emerge stronger, wiser, and more empathetic. In essence, hardships not only challenge us but also offer a path to deeper emotional and personal transformation.

• Chakra (Disc): For those who persist in evil, Bhagavan uses the chakra to destroy them. This is not out of anger, but to protect the world and maintain balance.

Chakra's assurancegives us a sense of safety and confidence, knowing that harmful forces will be removed by Bhagavan even if it requires taking drastic action. 

• Padma (Lotus): Bhagavan’s ultimate goal is moksha, or liberation. The lotus represents spiritual freedom, wisdom, and divine beauty. Through it, Bhagavan shows his constant effort to uplift us to a state of eternal peace (moksha).

The lotus growing from mud yet remaining pure symbolizes personal development despite life's challenges, and the pursuit of inner peace and wisdom.

Bhagavan’s four arms also symbolize the four main goals of life in Sanatana Dharma:

1. Dharma: Righteousness and duty. Bhagavan upholds dharma to ensure balance in the universe.
2. Artha: Wealth and prosperity, gained ethically under Bhagavan’s protection.
3. Kama: Fulfillment of desires and enjoyment within the boundaries of dharma.
4. Moksha: Liberation and spiritual freedom, the ultimate goal of life.

Additionally, the four arms represent the four states of consciousness:

1. Jagrat (Waking State): Bhagavan protects us as we interact with the material world.
2. Swapna (Dreaming State): He guides us in dreams, ensuring the dream state aids in the soul's journey.
3. Sushupti (Deep Sleep State): Bhagavan maintains balance during deep, dreamless sleep.
4. Tureeya (Transcendental State): He leads us toward spiritual awakening and ultimate realization.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi