Significance of Dakshina
Synonyms: Offering, Donation, Gift, Tribute, Contribution, Alms, Charity
In Dutch: Dakshina; In German: Dakshina; In Finnish: Dakshina; In Spanish: Dakshina; In Swedish: Dakshina; In Malay: Dakshina; In French: Dakshina; In Portugese: Dakshina; In Italian: Dakshina; In Polish: Dakshina
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Dakshina'
Dakshina in Buddhism can be interpreted as a reference to southern India, significant for Aryadeva's travels post-Ceylon, as hinted in various sources that allude to its attributes but lack explicit explanation.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Referring to the region of southern India, which plays an important role in the travels of Aryadeva after his time in Ceylon.[1] (2) Referred to in the context of different sources mentioning attributes but is not explicitly stated in the provided text.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Dakshina'
Dakshina in Hinduism signifies offerings or gifts provided to priests during sacrifices, reflecting gratitude and respect. It includes various forms of remuneration, emphasizing generosity in religious practices and the importance of honoring spiritual leaders.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Dakshina refers to the payment or gift that Harishcandra owes to Vishvamitra, which he is determined to pay in gold, showcasing his commitment.[3] (2) A ceremonial fee or offering made to a guru by disciples as a form of gratitude for their teachings.[4] (3) Remunerations or gifts given to priests and Brahmins during sacrificial ceremonies.[5] (4) A promised payment or offering that the King is required to give to Muni Vishvamitra as part of a debt.[6] (5) A form of offering or fee given to a priest or guru, in this context specifically related to the sacrifice that King Harishcandra is obligated to pay.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The form of renunciation, which is the gift of wealth in sacrifices.[8] (2) Dakshina is referenced as the best of all kinds in sacrifices, which is what the kine aspired to become through their austerities and penances.[9] (3) Gifts or offerings given to priests or officiants; in the context of battle, it references ceremonial aspects.[10] (4) Refers to the offerings or gifts given as a part of sacrifices, indicating the completion of rituals.[11] (5) Gifts or offerings given to a teacher or Brahmin, often accompanying sacrifices and rituals, signifying respect and gratitude.[12]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Honoraria or gifts offered to Brahmanas as part of religious ceremonies, which may include items like cows, gold, and cloth.[13] (2) Gifts or remuneration given to the officiating priests after the completion of rituals.[14] (3) Remunerations given to Brahmanas officiating at a Shraddha ceremony, reflecting respect and gratitude.[15] (4) A gift or offering made to a Brahmana at the conclusion of the worship.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) It is something that should be presented to the holy brahmins, enough to preserve them from want for the remainder of their lives.[17] (2) Refers to suitable offerings or gifts, particularly in the context of spiritual and charitable practices.[18] (3) Gifts or offerings given to priests as compensation for their services during the sacrifice.[19]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The fee or gift that Katha is expected to give to Bharadvaja in the form of marrying Revati.[20] (2) The monetary gift or offering, specifically referring to the Earth offered by the Adityas.[21]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Gifts or offerings traditionally given to a Brahmana as a token of respect, often in the form of money or valuables.[22]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A fee or offering given to a teacher, which Vamana seeks to provide to his Guru as a form of gratitude.[23]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) One of the twins born to Akuti and Ruci, who later married Yajna.[24]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A traditional offering, specifically a firstborn calf, given in the context of the ritual, symbolizing gratitude and reciprocity.[25] (2) A term referencing gifts or offerings, which is honored within the context of rituals.[26] (3) A gift or fee usually given during sacrifices, often in the form of gold or livestock.[27] (4) Gifts or offerings given to a priest or a deity in appreciation for performing rituals.[28] (5) A gift or offering given by the sacrificer, usually in the form of a bullock yoked to a cart.[29]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term that primarily denotes a fee given to a person for performing work; in this context, it encompasses all forms of gifts given, excluding cows, lands, and golden vessels.[30] (2) A term that stands for a gift, particularly in the context of religious or social customs.[31]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A kind address to a guest that symbolizes a form of sacrificial offering.[32]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A ritual offering or token of respect given to priests or deities as part of the sacrificial ceremonies; implies careful timing and consideration in the offering.[33] (2) Refers to gifts presented to priests, highlighting the transactional nature of the sacrificial rituals.[34] (3) The offering, or gift, given by the Sacrificer, such as a bow and arrows or a staff, symbolizing intent to dismiss negativity and sin.[35] (4) Dakshina is a form of sacrificial fee or gift given to a priest, which is significant for the performance and completion of a sacrifice.[36] (5) A form of offering or gift that should accompany the sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of giving as part of the ritual.[37]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A form of offerings or gifts traditionally given to priests during rituals as a mark of respect and gratitude.[38] (2) A term referring to a priestly reward or offering, given as a token of gratitude or respect.[39] (3) A traditional offering made to a guru, considered an essential act of gratitude and respect.[40] (4) A reference to the name associated with Krsna, implying generosity or offering.[41] (5) The offering that should be given, which signifies a gift or donation.[42]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) This is a term that indicates a customary offering or payment, something given, especially in a spiritual context, which is the central focus of the question posed.[43] (2) A form of remuneration or offering, often given to priests for their services during rituals.[44]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Dakshina signifies a donation or offering made to a teacher or guru as an expression of gratitude or in expectation of spiritual knowledge or blessings.[45] (2) Remunerations paid to the ritviks by the yajamana after the completion of yajnas.[46]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) This refers to the rewards distributed during a sacrifice, which can range from a single cow to an unlimited amount of wealth, given as offerings.[47]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Qualities such as austerity, charity, straightforwardness, nonviolence, and truthfulness, which are the special fee paid after the sacrifice.[48]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) One of the Upanishads, mentioned in a list of 108 Upanishads.[49]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The dakshina is something that the sacrificer should give, and if someone does not desire it, it should be given with wealth to one whom he hates.[50] (2) The individual should not set aside the horn of a black antelope prior to the removal of the dakshinas, which are essential elements in the ritual.[51] (3) The dakshina refers to a specific set of offerings, the oblations of which the Adhvaryu should offer, relating to the dakshina, which is a crucial part of the ritual.[52] (4) Dakshina is a gift, such as a garment or the first of the calves born after the ekashtaka, that the sacrificer should give away as part of the ritual. The sacrificer is required to give dakshina.[53]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) According to the text, after making the Brahmins utter Svasti, they are paid Dakshina, suggesting a payment or offering for their services.[54] (2) In the Citra Style of Procedure there should be three Matras, and in the Dakshina, its fourfold.[55]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Fees or offerings given to the officiant during worship ceremonies.[56] (2) The fees or offerings given to the priests for their services during the worship rituals.[57]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Dakshina, along with Narasimha and other gods, should have their images made in the smallest, intermediate, and largest types of temples.[58]
Jain concept of 'Dakshina'
In Jainism, Dakshina signifies both the direction south and the concept of the right side, symbolizing positivity and auspiciousness, which may reflect favorable actions and intentions within spiritual practices and rituals.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A term for south or the right side in directional context.[59]
The concept of Dakshina in local and regional sources
Dakshina represents gifts or fees given in various contexts, including sacrificial rituals to priests, student offerings to teachers as gratitude, and contributions in ceremonial sacrifices like the Asvamedha, emphasizing respect and gratitude in Vedic traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Also known as the right hand paths based on the character of observances.[60] (2) Fees or gifts presented to the Guru in return for spiritual services rendered, often collected during various ceremonies.[61] (3) The offerings made in sacrificial ceremonies, represented in Raghu’s narrative as part of the Asvamedha sacrifice.[62] (4) Presents or gifts given by students to their teachers as a mark of gratitude and respect after completing their studies.[63]