Sahasranama position 191 of the 1,000 names

Chaturaya

चतुराय

Caturāya

What Chaturaya means

Chaturaya is name 191 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who is exceedingly clever, skillful, ingenious, and an expert in all matters.

Also spelled

  • Chatura
  • Caturaya
  • Source transliteration: CATURAAYA

Sanskrit names travel into English in several romanizations. This page keeps the common spelling, the IAST form, and the source transliteration together so the same name is discoverable under each spelling readers use.

Meaning and elaboration

Meaning: Salutations To The one who is exceedingly clever, skillful, ingenious, and an expert in all matters.

Elaboration

The name Catura (Catūra), often rendered as a descriptor for Bhairava, signifies a collection of highly refined and superlative qualities.

Cunning and Clever Literally, Catura means "clever," "shrewd," or even "cunning." In the context of the Divine, this is not negative but points to an intellect that is supremely sharp, capable of understanding and manipulating all cosmic forces and events. It suggests an unparalleled strategic mind that comprehends the intricate play of karma, creation, and dissolution.

Skillful and Dexterous Catūra also denotes "skillful," "dexterous," and "adroit." This implies a mastery over all actions and processes. In this aspect, Bhairava is the cosmic artisan, executing the complex dance of existence and non-existence with flawless precision. His skill extends to all realms, from the most minute atomic interactions to the grandest cosmic cycles.

Ingenious and Inventive The term encompasses "ingenious" and "inventive." Bhairava, as Catūra, is the source of all creative solutions and original ideas within the universe. He is the ultimate problem-solver, capable of devising novel and effective means to maintain cosmic order, overcome chaos, and guide souls toward their ultimate destiny, even through challenging paths.

Expert and Proficient Furthermore, Catūra means "expert" or "proficient in all matters." This signifies a comprehensive and absolute knowledge and mastery across all fields of existence—spiritual, material, temporal, and eternal. There is no aspect of reality, no art, no science, no form of knowledge in which he is not the supreme authority and an unblemished expert.

Cosmic Intelligence Therefore, as Catūra, Kalabhairava embodies the supreme cosmic intelligence and wisdom. This attribute assures devotees that their protector is not just powerful, but also supremely wise and capable of navigating the most complex spiritual and worldly challenges with unparalleled expertise and insight. He is the ultimate guide who always knows the right path and the most effective means to achieve any goal.

-

Text and sources

The name list follows the Kalabhairava Sahasranama as compiled for this project. The English meaning and elaboration are interpretive notes for devotional study, not a translation of a single critical edition.

Read the editorial method and source notes →

About the author · Contact and corrections · Privacy policy