Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin in Chinese; Chenrezi in Tibetan; Kannon in Japanese) is the Bodhisattva of Compassion.  He is extremely popular in East Asia.  Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is depicted as male in Tibet and India.  While in China and other East Asian countries, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is depicted as female.

Avalokiteshvara is said to have 108 forms.  One of the most powerful form is the Thousand-arms Thousand-eyes Avalokiteshvara.

In this form, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva has eleven faces.  There are three rows of three faces which are in the color of white (sambhogakaya), green (nirmanakaya), and red (dharmakaya).  This represents the three principle aspects of buddhahood.  Above these three rows is a blue wrathful face of Vajrapani and the red face of Amitabha.  In this form, Avalokiteshvara has eight main hands.  The two central hands are held in a cupped gesture symbolizing an attitude of homage (In some depiction, these two hands holds a wish fulfilling jewel).  Another main hand is held in an open-palm gesture symbolizing generosity.  The other main hands hold five objects: a bow and arrow, lotus, vase, rosary, and eight-spoked wheel.  The bow and arrow represents bodhisattva's ability to aim at the heart of all beings.  The vase contains the nectar of immortality.  The lotus blossom represents enlightenment.  The eight-spoked wheel represents the Buddha's teaching.  The aura around the painting represents his one thousand hands and symbolizing his inexhaustible compassion.  In each of his hand, there is an eye (wisdom) in the center of the palm (skills) which symbolizes the union of wisdoms and skills.

There are two stories regarding the origin of Thousand Eyes and Thousand Arms Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva:

According to the Great Compassion Dharani Sutra:  Eons ago, the Thousand Lights King Peace Buddha taught the Great Compassion Mantra to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva .  Instantly, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva advanced from first to ninth level Bodhisattva (ten levels total).  Delighted, the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva sworn:  If I can assisted all beings to achieve enlightenment in the future, endow me with Thousand Eyes and Thousand Hands.   Then, the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva became Thousand eyes and Thousand arms Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

According to some Tibetan tradition:  Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva vowed to Ten Direction Buddha, "May I help all beings, if I ever tire of this great work, may my body shattered in thousand of pieces".  To fulfill his vow, Avalokiteshvara descended into hell and move slowly up in each successive realms to that of god and rescuing countless beings.  When he looked down he was dishearten as countless more beings poured into hell.  He almost lost faith in his vow and his body shattered. In desperation, Avalokiteshvara prayed to all of the Buddhas for help.  The Buddhas came from all part of the Universe and restored him whole again.  As result of the restoration, the Avalokiteshvara had eleven head and a thousand arms with an eye in each palm. More empowered and re-invigorated, he renewed his vow to help all beings.

A Tibetan painting of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.	A Chinese painting of White Robes Avalokiteshvara (guan yin) Bodhisattva. Widely worshipped in China and East Asian countries as the protector for women and children.	Avalokiteshvara (guan yin) Bodhisattva holding the hand gesture of Abhaya, "no fear."  The gesture symbolize the offering of refuge to those who prays to her.
Source: DiZongDian		Child Deliverer Guanyin. Infertile Chinese couples would pray to this incarnation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva for blessing to conceive offspring.