Why are Hindu gods depicted as having multiple arms?
The multiple arms are to show a difference but also a greater power than humans. The number of arms varies depending on the symbology being shown. Thus normally it is 4 arms each holding a different item (with a different meaning). However the number can and does vary. For example Lord Ganash The abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) of His lower right hand symbolises Ganesh’s blessings and protection on a person’s journey through life, especially the spiritual one. In His upper right hand, Ganesh usually holds an axe, with which He is said to cut of all attachments. He pulls the devotee nearer to the spiritual path by the rope that He carries in His upper left hand. He offers rewards for penances (sadhana) done with the modak (type of confection, usually made from rice flour and a stuffing of jaggery, coconut, etc.) He holds in His lower left hand. You can get 6 or 10 armed Lord Ganesh with other items each with their own meaning. So it depends on the complexity of the message. Place
