chatur

Chatur is a Sanskrit word that translates to "four" or "fourfold." It is commonly encountered in various Indian philosophical, religious, and cultural contexts.

In Hinduism, the concept of "Chatur" is often associated with the four Vedas, which are considered the most ancient and authoritative scriptures. These are the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda, and the Atharvaveda. Together, they form the foundation of Hindu religious thought and practice. Additionally, the term can refer to the Chatur Varna, the four social classes or varnas that traditionally constituted Hindu society: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and servants).

The number four also appears in other significant contexts. For instance, there are the four Purusharthas, the four aims of human life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). The great god Vishnu is often depicted with four arms, symbolizing his omnipotence and dominion over the four directions.

Beyond its religious and philosophical significance, "Chatur" can also simply denote a group of four objects or individuals in everyday language. The term's prevalence underscores the symbolic importance of the number four in shaping various aspects of Indian culture and thought.