Chaturpada Karana is one of the Karanas mentioned in the Vedic calendar. In the calendar, a Tithi is divided into two equal parts and each part is called Karan. Thus, a Tithi generally has two Karanas.
Chaturpada Karana is specifically related to the time in the calendar when this Karana is effective for half of a Tithi. In religious and astrological traditions, Karana is considered an important part of the calendar for determining the time for auspicious works.
What is Karana?
The five main parts of the Vedic calendar are:
Tithi
Day
Nakshatra
Yoga
Karan
In these, Karana is half of the Tithi. The total number of karanas in one lunar month is considered to be 11 types.
In these, seven variable karanas occur again and again. They are:
Bav
Baalav
Kaulav
Taitil
Gar
Vanij
Vishti
and four stable karanas. These are:
Shakuni
Chatushpada
Naga
Kinstughna
Chatushpada Karana is one of these four stable karanas.
When does Chatushpada Karana come?
Chatushpada is a sthira It is a Karana. It does not occur regularly on every date, but occurs in a particular phase of the lunar month.
In Panchang calculations, Chatushpada Karana is generally considered to be related to the second half of Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha. However, the actual start and end time of Chatushpada Karana at a particular place and day is determined based on the calculations of the Sun and Moon.
Hence, to know the Chatushpada Karana for a particular day, it is necessary to consult the local Panchang of that place.
Meaning of the name Chatushpada
The word 'Chaturpada' is derived from two Sanskrit words:
Chatur + Pada
meaning four-legged or having four steps.
In the traditional interpretation of Panchang, its name is associated with stability and special types of actions. There are some differences in the interpretation of the results and uses of Karanas in different astrological texts and traditions.
Astrological significance of Chatushpad Karan
In astrological tradition, Karanas are used to understand the nature of time for starting any work.
Chaturpada is generally considered to be Sthira Karana. The nature of Sthir Karanas is considered to be different from Chara Karanas and their time is used for certain types of religious or static works.
However, looking at Karana alone is not considered sufficient to determine whether a work is auspicious or inauspicious. Tithi, day, Nakshatra, Yoga, Lagna and other Muhurta elements are also considered along with it.
What works are done in Chatushpad Karana?
In traditional astrological beliefs, fixed Karanas like Chatushpada are considered for works of certain special nature.
For example:
Religious rituals
Spiritual practices
Works of fixed nature
Ancestral and related religious rituals
Special pujas
While determining the actual Muhurta for these works, the local Panchang and other Muhurta elements should also be taken into consideration.
What should not be done in Chatushpad Karana?
In religious traditions, some Karanas are considered favorable for some works and some less favorable. Therefore, before doing any important work in Chatushpad Karan, one should not take decision only by looking at the Karan.
Especially:
Marriage
Griha Pravesh
Starting a new business
Important journey
Property related work
For such works, it is considered more appropriate to look at the complete Shubh Muhurta.
Chaturpad Karan and Pitru Karma
Chaturpad Karan is also associated with religious and Pitru related rituals in some calendar traditions. Especially, due to its occurrence in the last days of Krishna Paksha, it is seen in the context of some religious rituals.
However, decision for Pitru Karma or Shraddha is not taken only on the basis of Karan. The date, fortnight, place and local religious tradition of Shraddha also have significance.
Chaturpada Karana and other Sthira Karana
The four Sthira Karana can be understood as follows:
| Sthira Karana | General order |
|---|---|
| Shakuni | Early part of Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi |
| Chaturpada | Later part of Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi |
| Nag | Early part of Amavasya |
| Kinstughna | Early part of Shukla Paksha Pratipada |
The actual timing of these Karanas varies according to the position of the Sun and Moon and local Panchang calculations.
Panchang How to see Chatushpad Karan in Hindi?
In today's digital Panchang, Karan of any day can be easily seen. In Panchang, generally its start and end time is given along with Karan.
For example:
Chaturpad Karan - 10:25 am to 11:40 pm
This means that Chatushpad Karan will be effective during this period as per the local time of that place.
Keep in mind that the timing may vary in different cities due to sunrise and local position of Sun and Moon.
Religious significance of Chatushpad Karan
The purpose of Panchang is not only to tell auspicious and inauspicious. In the Indian calendar tradition, the Panchangam has been used to determine the appropriate time for religious rituals, fasts, festivals, and various ceremonies.
Chaturpada Karana is also an important part of this Panchangam system. Understanding it helps one better understand the traditional calculations of Tithi and Muhurta.
General Questions Related to Chaturpada Karana
What is Chaturpada Karana?
Chaturpada Karana is one of the 11 Karanas of the Panchangam and is included among the four Sthira Karanas.
When does Chaturpada Karana occur?
Chaturpada Karana generally occurs in the latter half of the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi. Its actual time depends on the location and Panchang calculations.
Is Chaturpada Karana auspicious?
It is not appropriate to simply call a Karana auspicious or inauspicious. The date, day, nakshatra, yoga and other muhurta elements are also considered in determining the suitability of a task.
What type of karana is Chatushpada Karana?
Chatushpada is a sthira karana.
What are the four sthira karanas?
The four sthira karanas are - Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga and Kinstughna.
Can one worship in Chatushpada Karana?
Karanas are not considered a hindrance for general worship and devotion. For special rituals or major religious functions, it is advisable to see the associated muhurta and tradition.
Chatushpada Karana is an important sthira karana in the Karana system of the Vedic calendar. It generally falls in the latter half of Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi and its actual start and end time varies according to the location.
While understanding the Chatushpad Karan in the Panchang, it should also be kept in mind that the auspicious time for any work is not determined by just one Karan. Thithi, Vaar, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karan and other Muhurta elements are considered holistically.
Therefore, while taking a decision for any particular work, it is more appropriate to see the complete Muhurta as per the local Panchang.