Different forms of Gods are symbols of their virtues and powers. Vishnu is said to be in a slumber on the coils of Shesha Nag. He is in this state for four months. It is written in the Gita, that God does not rest, even for a blink of the eye. When we see Vishnu reclining in Yoga Nidra in this depiction, it means that God is fully aware, and nothing can go wrong.

Vishnu with his four hands portrays the continuous act of creation. The four hands also represent the Dharma (duty), Arth (prosperity), Kama (sex), and Moksha (salvation).

Brahma is called Chaturanan, which means the four headed one and the heads represent the four Vedas.

Shiva signifies Trinity, Sat-Chit-Ananda – Truth, Awareness and Bliss. Shiva is called Trinetra, which is three eyes which represent the past, present and future of the cosmos. The primordial energy is personified in Ardh-Narishwar, a deity half male-half female. This represents total harmony because the feminine side is Adishakti and Shiva destroys all evil.

Adishakti has many other forms, all representing her power, with four or more hands.

Aim Hrim Klim