Definition
Four (चारि/चार in Awadhi/Hindi)
Etymology
- Sanskrit: चतुर् (chatur)
- Prakrit: चारि (chari)
- Modern Hindi: चार (char)
Usage in Hanuman Chalisa
- In “Phala Chari” Context
- Refers to the four fruits/goals of life
- Found in opening verse
- Connected to divine blessings
The Four Fruits (Phala Chari)
-
Dharma (धर्म)
- Righteousness
- Moral duty
- Ethical living
-
Artha (अर्थ)
- Wealth
- Material prosperity
- Resources
-
Kama (काम)
- Desires
- Legitimate pleasures
- Worldly fulfillment
-
Moksha (मोक्ष)
- Liberation
- Spiritual freedom
- Ultimate salvation
Spiritual Significance
-
Completeness
- Represents wholeness
- All aspects of life
- Total fulfillment
-
Balance
- Integration of goals
- Harmony of pursuits
- Life’s completeness
Related Terms
- Purushartha.md (Four goals of life)
- Phala.md (Fruits/Results)
- Chaturvidha.md (Fourfold)
- Dharma.md
- Moksha.md
Cultural Context
-
Sacred Number
- Four Vedas
- Four ages (Yugas)
- Four stages of life (Ashramas)
-
Symbolic Meaning
- Completeness
- Perfection
- Universal order