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Kalpavriksha

Kalpavriksha is a mythical divine revered in , , and as the wish-fulfilling tree that grants devotees' desires, ranging from essential needs like , , and to profound blessings such as progeny and . Emerging as one of the fourteen treasures during the Samudra Manthan—the legendary churning of the cosmic Ocean of Milk by gods and demons—Kalpavriksha symbolizes divine abundance and was carried to the heavens by the deities. This event, detailed in ancient like the and , underscores its role in restoring cosmic balance and providing boons to the righteous. The term Kalpavriksha, derived from meaning "tree of the kalpa" (an eon) or "wish-granting tree," is often linked to real-world sacred trees in Hindu tradition, particularly the (, or Nyagrodha), which represents through its extensive and enduring lifespan. Other species identified as forms of Kalpavriksha include the Parijata (), a celestial flowering tree associated with Lord Krishna's consort . These associations highlight the tree's integration into rituals, temple iconography, and environmental reverence, where it embodies the nurturing aspect of nature in . Beyond mythology, Kalpavriksha influences , , and across , appearing in ancient carvings like those at Besnagar (2nd century BCE) as a of and fulfillment, while inspiring modern ecological interpretations of and with the .

Definition and Etymology

Core Concept

Kalpavriksha, also known as kalpataru, kalpadruma, or kalpapādapa, is a mythical divine revered in religious traditions for its ability to grant any desire—whether material or —to individuals with pure hearts. This wish-fulfilling entity embodies the ultimate benevolence of the , manifesting material items such as fruits, jewels, or blessings based on the seeker's intentions. The core attributes of Kalpavriksha highlight its eternal and celestial nature, often depicted as rooted in paradisiacal realms such as Indraloka or other divine abodes, where it flourishes without decay. It symbolizes profound abundance and generosity, serving as a metaphor for the universe's capacity to provide for the righteous while underscoring the fulfillment of through selfless aspiration. In spiritual contexts, it represents the inner potential for , akin to a tree yielding the fruits of karma. Its historical mentions trace back to ancient traditions, evolving from Vedic-era veneration of trees as sacred life-givers—such as the or trees embodying and —to more elaborated forms in later scriptures. This progression reflects a deepening cultural emphasis on nature's sanctity and the interplay between human desire and cosmic order. The appears across , , and , where it signifies the realization of aspirations in both worldly and transcendent domains.

Linguistic Origins

The term Kalpavriksha originates from , a compound word formed by kalpa (कल्प), which denotes imagination, creation, or a cosmic cycle of time, and vṛkṣa (वृक्ष), meaning "." In this context, kalpa underscores the tree's ability to manifest or create whatever is desired, evoking a sense of fulfillment that persists across eons or cycles of existence. Related variations in Sanskrit terminology include kalpataru (कल्पतरु), where taru serves as a synonym for tree, literally signifying a "wish-tree"; kalpadruma (कल्पद्रुम), combining kalpa with druma (another word for tree); and kalpapādapa (कल्पपादप), with pādapa referring to a plant or tree "at the foot" of desire, emphasizing its role in granting wishes. In Prakrit, the vernacular language of many early Jain texts, the term evolves to forms like kalpavrikka, retaining the core idea of wish-granting trees that provide for inhabitants during the initial phases of cosmic cycles. In Pali, employed in Buddhist scriptures, similar adaptations appear, such as references to wish-yielding or jeweled trees (ratnavṛkṣa) in paradisiacal settings, adapting the Sanskrit concept to doctrinal contexts. The linguistic influence extends to regional Indic languages, exemplified by the Tamil karpagavruksham (கற்பகவிருட்சம்), which mirrors the Sanskrit original in denoting a divine, desire-fulfilling tree. Conversely, the term finds no direct parallels in non-Indic languages, highlighting its embeddedness within the Indic linguistic and cultural sphere.

Mythological Origins

Hindu Cosmology

In Hindu cosmology, Kalpavriksha occupies a prominent position as a divine wish-fulfilling tree residing in Svarga, the celestial realm of the gods, or atop Mount Meru, the cosmic axis mundi at the universe's center. This placement underscores its role within the hierarchical structure of the lokas, where Svarga serves as Indra's paradise and Meru as the abode of divine beings, symbolizing the pinnacle of spiritual and material abundance. Associated closely with Indra, the king of the devas, and Kubera, the lord of wealth and guardian of treasures, Kalpavriksha enhances the opulence of these realms, granting boons that reflect the gods' sovereignty over cosmic prosperity. The tree's function in upholding cosmic order, or , lies in its selective fulfillment of wishes that align with righteousness, thereby reinforcing moral equilibrium in the . While devas utilize it to sustain and , narratives contrast this with potential misuse by asuras, who seek to exploit its power for disruption, highlighting the tree's embedded ethical framework that prevents chaos and preserves dharma's balance. As one of the fourteen ratnas, or jewels, of the cosmos, Kalpavriksha parallels other celestial treasures such as , the nectar of immortality, and , Indra's divine elephant, collectively embodying the 's generative and sustaining forces. Kalpavriksha's conceptualization expanded in Puranic literature, such as the and , into a fully realized mythological entity integral to the devas' domain, with its wish-fulfilling nature symbolizing the fruition of righteous aspirations within the eternal cycles of creation and preservation.

Emergence from Samudra Manthana

In , the , or churning of the Kshirasagara (ocean of milk), was a collaborative yet contentious endeavor between the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) to procure , the elixir of immortality, after the devas had lost their strength due to a curse from the sage Durvasas. Advised by Lord , the participants uprooted to serve as the churning rod and coiled the serpent around it as the rope, with the asuras grasping Vasuki's head and the devas his . To prevent the mountain from sinking, Vishnu incarnated , the , supporting it on his back while also assuming other forms to aid the effort, such as providing momentum through his . As the churning intensified, a fierce poison known as Halahala emerged early in the process in some accounts, threatening all creation until Lord Shiva consumed it to neutralize the peril, allowing the churning to continue. Subsequently, fourteen divine ratnas (treasures) emerged from the ocean, symbolizing the bounties of cosmic creation. Among these was the Kalpavriksha, a celestial wish-fulfilling tree also identified as the Parijata, renowned for granting desires and perfuming the heavens with its blossoms, delighting the divine beings. Other notable ratnas included the wish-yielding cow , the swift horse Uchchaishravas, and the goddess , each emerging in a sequence that underscored the ocean's profound generative power. The exact order of emergence varies across Puranic accounts. In the , the Parijata tree (Kalpavriksha) arises third, following the cow Surabhi and the goddess Varuni, before the apsaras (celestial nymphs), the moon, and the poison. Conversely, the places the Pārijāta after the gems Kaustubha-mani and Padmarāga-mani but before the apsaras and , emphasizing its role among the floral and jewel-like gifts of the ocean. These differences highlight interpretive variations in the mythological narrative while affirming the tree's status as a key boon. Upon its emergence, the Kalpavriksha was claimed by the devas for their heavenly realm of , where it resides as a perpetual source of fulfillment, adorning Indra's paradise and granting boons to the righteous. This procurement reinforced the devas' divine privileges, distinguishing their cosmic domain from that of the asuras, who received other treasures like Uchchaishravas.

Religious Significance

In

In , the Kalpavriksha is invoked during yajnas and devotional rituals to seek prosperity and the fulfillment of righteous desires, with devotees offering water, flowers, and chanting mantras such as "Om Sree Kalpavrikshaya Namaha" to harness its symbolic power of abundance. These practices emphasize purity of intent, as the tree is believed to grant boons only when approached with selfless devotion, aligning with Vedic principles of ethical action. Stories in Hindu traditions highlight the Kalpavriksha's interactions with sages and kings, underscoring the necessity of pure intent for positive outcomes; for instance, rishis meditated under its shade to attain profound knowledge and spiritual insight, while kings like received boons for their realm's welfare, but misuse led to curses or unfulfilled desires. These narratives, drawn from Puranic lore, illustrate how the tree, which emerged from the , serves as a divine arbiter, rewarding dharma-bound petitions with or . Philosophically, the Kalpavriksha embodies the duality of —where unchecked worldly desires bind the to samsara—and the path to , as wishes must harmonize with karma to transcend illusion and achieve liberation. It metaphorically represents the human mind as a potent force that manifests reality, urging practitioners to cultivate sattvic thoughts for spiritual elevation over material gratification. In depictions, the tree signifies and eternal benevolence, adorning sacred spaces to inspire devotees toward righteous aspiration. In contemporary practices, it is invoked in environmental initiatives promoting tree worship and sustainability as symbols of abundance.

In Jainism

In Jainism, Kalpavriksha refers to wish-fulfilling trees that originate in ancient texts such as the Adi Purāṇa, where they are depicted as emerging during the early phases of the cycles in regions like Bharatavarṣa, providing ascetics with essential material support to advance their spiritual pursuits without worldly distractions. These trees are said to manifest in areas associated with Tirthaṅkara realms, such as , granting desires that align with non-violent and ascetic ideals, thereby facilitating progress toward liberation from karmic bondage. Within Jaina cosmology, Kalpavrikshas serve as one of the fourfold gifts—alongside elements like Kalpapṛṣṭha—in heavenly abodes such as Saudharma, where they ensure abundance for divine beings and early human societies in the suṣamā eras of the Avasarpinī cycle. There are ten distinct types of these trees, each fulfilling specific needs: Paṇāṅga for beverages, Turīyāṅga for and entertainment, Mādyāṅga for ornaments, and others for , , , and vehicles, symbolizing the harmonious balance of material provision and the impermanence of sensory pleasures in the universe's structure. This cosmological role underscores how such gifts highlight the initial prosperity of the world cycle before the rise of duḥṣamā periods marked by scarcity and karmic accumulation. Symbolically, Kalpavriksha embodies the challenge of overcoming greed and attachment on the path to kevala jñāna (), as referenced in texts like the Adi Purāṇa, which portray these trees as tools for demonstrating non-reliance on material fulfillment to achieve mokṣa. Jain narratives warn against succumbing to the trees' temptations, using them to illustrate how even divine abundance can bind the soul through desire, urging ascetics to prioritize detachment and ethical conduct for ultimate spiritual enlightenment. The tenth Tīrthaṅkara, Śītalaṉātha, is particularly associated with Kalpavriksha as his emblem, reinforcing its role in as a reminder of transcending worldly wishes.

In Buddhism

In Buddhist traditions, the Kalpavriksha is adapted from broader Indian mythology into narratives that emphasize ethical merit and the impermanence of worldly desires, often depicted as a divine tree in Indra's paradise (Trayastriṃśa heaven) that grants boons such as food, clothing, and shelter to virtuous travelers seeking its shade. This integration appears in the Jātaka tales, a canonical collection of over 500 stories recounting the previous lives of the Buddha as the Bodhisatta, where the tree or analogous wish-granting entities serve as plot devices to illustrate moral lessons on generosity, wisdom, and non-attachment. Similarly, the Mahāvāṇija Jātaka (No. 493) features a magical banyan tree that provides water, nourishment, companions, and treasures to a caravan leader who approaches it mindfully, but it unleashes destruction on greedy merchants who exploit it, underscoring the karmic perils of avarice. These tales portray the Bodhisatta interacting with such trees to accumulate merit, often aiding others in accessing their boons through righteous actions. The Kalpavriksha holds a symbolic role in Buddhist , representing the tangible fruits of dāna (generosity) and śīla (ethical precepts), which generate positive karma leading toward rebirth in higher realms and eventual . In this framework, the tree embodies the reciprocal nature of moral conduct, fulfilling desires for those who have practiced selflessness, yet Mahāyāna sūtras extend this to warn against clinging to its offerings, as attachment to sensory pleasures perpetuates . This caution aligns with broader teachings on impermanence (anitya), where the tree's boons are transient illusions compared to the liberating wisdom gained under the during the Buddha's awakening. Parallels between the two trees are evident in enlightenment narratives: while the Kalpavriksha caters to conventional wishes tied to merit, the (Ficus religiosa) signifies transcendence beyond desire, as seen in accounts of the Buddha's final life where worldly temptations are overcome. Stories from the Buddha's past lives further integrate the Kalpavriksha into themes of merit-building, such as in the Veśsantara Jātaka (No. 547), where a metaphorical wishing tree symbolizes prosperity lost through exile, yet regained through supreme generosity, mirroring the Bodhisatta's path to . In the Thai Buddhist legend of Phra Malai—a monk's visionary journey to heavenly realms derived from Jātaka motifs—vast Kalpavriksha trees in Indra's paradise supply endless valuables to souls who performed by supporting monks in their earthly lives, reinforcing the tree's function as a karmic recompense while urging ethical living to avoid hellish rebirths. Regional variations enrich this symbolism, particularly in , where the Kalpavriksha aligns with the (wish-fulfilling jewel) and the entire tradition is likened to a "wish-fulfilling jewel tree" that bestows spiritual attainments rather than material ones, fulfilling the bodhisattva vow to aid all beings toward liberation. Such interpretations, echoed in Mahāyāna texts like the , portray the tree as a celestial emblem of the bodhisattva's boundless potential to realize and distribute the fruits of enlightenment.

Iconography and Symbolism

Artistic Representations

Kalpavriksha is frequently depicted in ancient as a lush, flowering with abundant branches laden with jewels, fruits, and symbolic elements such as garlands or offerings, often shown being worshipped by deities, humans, and animals to emphasize its divine abundance. In Buddhist sculptures from sites like and (2nd century BCE), the tree appears as a sacred motif with intricate branches, blossoms, and creepers, flanked by processions of worshippers in relief panels on gateways and pillars. Historical examples include its representation on Gupta-era (4th-6th century ) coins and clay sealings, where it is rendered as an ornamental wishing tree with tendrils and foliage, signifying prosperity alongside figures like . In Jain art, elaborate marble carvings of the tree adorn temple ceilings and walls, as seen in the 15th-century in , where a single-slab depiction features symmetrical vines, leaves, and celestial motifs integrated into the architectural framework. In miniature paintings, Kalpavriksha evolves into stylized forms resembling a tree-of-life with intertwined vines and detailed foliage. Rajasthani and styles (16th-18th centuries) portray it with bold, vibrant colors and mythological figures, such as in court paintings where birds and celestial beings cluster around its branches. miniatures (16th century) blend symmetry, depicting the tree realistically in garden scenes from Akbar-era manuscripts, while works from the Basohli school () use delicate brushstrokes to show it amid lush landscapes with attendant deities. This progression reflects a shift from two-dimensional friezes in early reliefs to more dynamic three-dimensional carvings in later temple art. Regional variations highlight contrasts between northern and southern traditions. North Indian frescoes and carvings, like those in Jain temples, emphasize intricate, symmetrical vine patterns for meditative yantras, aiding in spiritual practices.

Symbolic Interpretations

Kalpavriksha primarily symbolizes abundance in the form of material prosperity, as it is depicted as a divine capable of granting any wish, thereby representing and fulfillment of earthly desires. This aspect underscores its role as a provider of all necessities, emerging from cosmic events like the to bestow treasures upon gods and humans alike. Additionally, it embodies through unconditional giving, illustrating the benevolence of the divine that responds to sincere intentions without judgment, often linked to the grace of deities like in . Inner potential is another core symbol, portraying self-fulfillment achieved through purity of mind and heart, where the tree's fruits manifest only when desires align with spiritual harmony, emphasizing personal growth and the realization of one's inherent capabilities. In philosophical interpretations, particularly within Vedantic traditions, the mind is metaphorically compared to Kalpavriksha, functioning as a wish-fulfilling entity that produces outcomes reflective of one's inner state based on the purity of thoughts and actions. This highlights the creative power of , akin to the yielding fruits of karma. Later traditions offer a of unchecked desire, portraying Kalpavriksha as a reminder of the transient nature of material fulfillment and urging beyond ego-driven wants toward spiritual liberation, where true desires align with rather than binding the soul in cycles of rebirth. Cross-culturally, Kalpavriksha parallels universal archetypes of sustenance, such as the Biblical , which offers eternal nourishment and immortality in the , both serving as emblems of divine provision and the interconnectedness of existence. Similarly, it shares motifs with the Norse , the connecting realms and symbolizing cosmic balance and life's sustenance, highlighting a shared Indo-European reverence for sacred trees as axes mundi that bridge the material and spiritual worlds. These comparisons underscore Kalpavriksha's role as a global symbol of harmony between humanity and the . In modern contexts, Kalpavriksha has evolved into an environmental metaphor for sustainable abundance, inspiring eco-spiritual movements that advocate for regenerative practices to ensure nature's ongoing provision without depletion. It represents conscious living and ecological balance, where human desires must harmonize with , as seen in initiatives promoting tree conservation and to mimic the tree's eternal generosity.

Tree Associations

Identifications with Specific Species

In , the Kalpavriksha is most prominently associated with the tree (Ficus benghalensis), valued for its immense longevity and expansive canopy that provides shelter, mirroring the tree's wish-granting endurance in lore. Ancient texts, including the , describe five celestial forms of Kalpavriksha: Mandara, Parijata (), Santana, the Kalpavriksha itself, and Harichandana (, ), each embodying aspects of divine abundance and purity. The Parijata, a celestial flowering tree, is linked to Lord Krishna's consort , while Harichandana's fragrant wood symbolizes purity and is used in rituals for invoking blessings, with its cooling properties highlighted in Ayurvedic practices. The kadamba tree () appears in Krishna's narratives, where it shades his divine pastimes, symbolizing joy and devotion in Vaishnava traditions. Additionally, fruit-bearing trees like the (Cocos nucifera) and () represent fruitfulness and prosperity in folk interpretations, with the coconut's versatile yield—water, oil, and fiber—earning it the epithet of a practical wish-fulfiller in coastal rituals, while the mango's abundant, sweet fruits evoke abundance in epic tales. Mythological descriptions of the Kalpavriksha depict it as a entity with golden , silver , and jewel-like fruits, far exceeding natural forms, yet these ideals are often mapped onto real trees within sacred groves known as vanas in ancient texts. Such groves, described in the as abodes of deities, integrate these species to embody the tree's ethereal qualities through collective sanctity rather than individual perfection. The botanical rationale for these identifications emphasizes traits like the banyan's foliage and provision, symbolizing ; sandalwood's medicinal extracts for ; kadamba's and aromatic blooms for vitality; and the coconut and mango's prolific yields for sustenance, all aligning with the Kalpavriksha's role in fostering life and in ecological and cultural contexts.

Cultural and Regional Variations

In , Kalpavriksha manifests in rituals as a (divine vehicle) during processions, symbolizing abundance and fulfillment; for instance, at the , the Kalpavriksha Vahanam Seva features the deity carried on a ornate of the wish-fulfilling tree, accompanied by Vedic chants and offerings to invoke prosperity for devotees. This adaptation integrates the mythical tree into traditions, where it represents divine generosity during annual Brahmotsavams. In North Indian folklore, particularly in Rajasthan's arid Thar Desert, the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) is revered as the local Kalpavriksha, providing sustenance, fodder, and shade in oases, earning it the title "tree of life" for sustaining communities through its multipurpose uses in harsh environments. Local legends portray it as a protective entity against desert hardships, with Bishnoi communities performing rituals to honor it as a symbol of ecological harmony and survival. Himalayan variations associate Kalpavriksha with ancient mulberry trees, such as the 1,200-year-old specimen in , , believed to grant wishes to those who meditate beneath it, tying into regional of Adi Shankaracharya's legacy and the tree's role in alpine pilgrimages. Folk traditions among communities adapt Kalpavriksha to flora, notably the Mahua tree () in Gond tribal myths of , viewed as nature's reward that fulfills communal needs through its flowers, fruits, and ritual brews, embodying protective spirits in village groves. These interpretations emphasize the tree's integration into tribal cosmologies as a guardian of fertility and ancestral wisdom, often worshipped during seasonal festivals to ensure bountiful harvests. In the Hindu diaspora of , Kalpavriksha influences , as seen in the 9th-century Prambanan complex in , , where carvings depict the wish-fulfilling tree guarded by mythical creatures, blending Indian motifs with local Javanese aesthetics to symbolize eternal life and divine protection in Balinese and broader Hindu practices. This adaptation reflects the tree's migration through ancient trade routes, merging with regional flora in ritual contexts without altering its core symbolism of abundance.

Literary and Cultural Impact

References in Ancient Texts

The concept of Kalpavriksha appears in ancient , often associated with divine plants or trees that grant boons akin to the soma-granting creeper, symbolizing the fulfillment of desires through favor rather than a literal . Such imagery evokes the life-sustaining and wish-bestowing qualities of sacred , laying the groundwork for later elaborations. In the epics, Kalpavriksha gains more concrete narrative presence. The describes it as part of Indra's paradise, alongside other celestial treasures, emphasizing its role in providing endless abundance to the gods and righteous beings. Similarly, the references Kalpavriksha during Hanuman's quest in , where the tree manifests amid the opulent gardens, underscoring themes of desire and illusion in Ravana's domain, though Sita's encounters with natural elements evoke a longing for fulfillment under divine shade. Puranic texts elaborate on Kalpavriksha's origins and attributes with greater detail. In the , it emerges during the Samudra , the churning of the ocean, as one of the divine treasures alongside and other ratnas, bestowed upon the gods to fulfill all material and spiritual needs in their realms. The portrays it metaphorically as an epithet for himself, the "wish-yielding kalpa tree" that grants boons to devotees, integrating the tree into Shaivite cosmology as a symbol of the deity's boundless generosity (2.2.42). In Jain scriptures, Kalpavriksha serves as a cautionary against worldly attachments. The Uttaradhyayana Sutra alludes to such wish-granting trees in discussions of ascetic discipline, warning monks against the allure of paradisiacal luxuries that foster desire and hinder , framing them as manifestations in higher realms that test resolve. Complementing this, the Tattvarthasutra enumerates ten varieties of Kalpavrikshas in the bhogabhūmis (pleasure worlds), each providing specific fulfillments like garments or ornaments, to illustrate the transient nature of sensory pleasures. Buddhist literature incorporates Kalpavriksha into moral s, where it appears as a benevolent embodying and the karmic rewards of ethical living without attachment to outcomes. These stories highlight its role in teaching impermanence and . Textual analysis reveals an evolution in the Kalpavriksha motif from early and Puranic layers, where it functions as a symbol of divine favor, to a literal, anthropomorphic in later developments, reflecting broader shifts toward cosmology and devotional . This progression underscores a transition from abstract philosophical ideation to tangible mythological , adapting to changing religious emphases on personal and cosmic abundance across ancient Indian traditions.

Depictions in Art, Architecture, and Modern Contexts

In , the Kalpavriksha motif appears prominently as a fusion of indigenous Hindu symbolism with Islamic design elements, often carved into stone screens, ceilings, and minarets to evoke abundance and divine provision. The 16th-century in features intricate lattice screens (jalis) depicting the tree's branches intertwined with floral patterns, serving as both a decorative and symbolic element that has become an iconic emblem of the city. Similarly, the Sidi Bashir Mosque's shaking minarets, constructed around the same period, bear detailed Kalpavriksha carvings on their surfaces, illustrating the tree's mythical form amid geometric Islamic motifs, while the Jama Masjid (15th century) displays elaborate ceiling reliefs of the tree emerging from ornate friezes. These examples, as noted in 19th-century architectural surveys, highlight the adaptation of the motif in Gujarat's Saracenic style, blending local sculptural traditions with Persian influences to symbolize prosperity in sacred spaces. In Mughal-era gardens, the Kalpavriksha inspired stylized tree-of-life patterns in landscaping and tilework, representing eternal renewal and paradise gardens (). Formal charbagh layouts, such as those at the complex (17th century), incorporated stylized representations of wish-granting trees through and motifs, echoing the mythical tree's role in providing shade and sustenance, as seen in contemporary depictions of Mughal floral arabesques. In modern contexts, the Kalpavriksha has been invoked in environmental campaigns to symbolize sustainable abundance and . The Indian environmental organization Kalpavriksh, founded in 1979, draws its name from the mythical tree to advocate for conservation, equity, and alternatives to destructive development, including campaigns against mega-projects like the Great Nicobar infrastructure initiative and promotion of community-conserved areas through platforms like Vikalp Sangam. A 2009 awareness film titled Kalpavriksha - Legacy of the Forests uses the motif to highlight the preservation of and knowledge in , framing the tree as a metaphor for biodiversity's life-sustaining potential. The symbol also appears in to address themes of and environmental . In , artist Vibhor Sogani's 2018 installation Kalpavriksha, a 35-foot of mirror-polished orbs forming a luminous , was commissioned for a residential development in , symbolizing growth and modernity while rooted in ancient mythology. Post-2020 exhibits, such as those tied to initiatives, have featured digital and mixed-media interpretations of the in galleries, reinforcing its role in global sustainability discourses.

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