In terms of hinduism, Vishnu is sometimes regarded as part of a triad of gods, known as the trimurti. In this description, Brahma is the creator, Shiva is the destroyer (transformer), and Vishnu is the maintainer (preserver). They are sometimes regarded as three expressions of the same ultimate divinity.
However in the mythologies and various cults of worshipers, each god may take on all of these attributes, or be accorded a higher status than the others in terms of their particular function - and in the case of Vaishnavism or Shaivism, one particular god (Vishnu or Shiva respectively) is seen as ultimate and absolute. This doesnt even touch on Shaktism (worship of Shakti) which is also very widespread.
Hinduism and its vedic systems of myth and philosophy are incredibly diverse and often in opposition with each other, sometimes overtly and sometimes in very subtle minor points. There are hundreds of sects and schools amongst the handful of main branches.
The appearance of multiple arms is generally used to symbolize the "all-pervasive" activity of a god, meaning their ability to do multiple things simultaneously. Often they will be holding various instruments or tools or something in each different hand, to symbolize that particular function. Avalokiteshvara, for example, is known as the bodhisattva of compassion, and the divine expression of awakened bodhicitta. As the manifestation of compassion and wisdom itself, he is often portrayed with many arms, sometimes hundreds.
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