Chaturthi Karma is associated with Hindu marriage. It means the
rituals on the fourth day after marriage. It is not widely followed today. As
per Grihya Sutra, consummation of marriage should take place on the fourth day.
Even today marriage celebrations of certain Hindu communities last fort three
or four days. Some scholars are of the view that Chaturthi karma indicates that
the sexual union of the couple should happen only on the fourth day.
Marriage as per Hindu belief is a sacred union brought about
by divine dispensation. Progeny is the prime objective of the various rituals associated
with marriage.
The rituals include step by step separation of the bride
from her paternal home and gradual union with husband’s family. Chaturthi Karma
is part of this objective.
Indra and Agni are invoked for a successful union and
healthy progeny.