Significance of Sacrificial fee
In Hinduism, the term Sacrificial fee encompasses various offerings and payments made during rituals. It includes items such as cattle, barley, and monetary compensation given to priests for their involvement in the ceremonies. These fees, often known as Dakshina, are crucial for the completion of sacrificial acts and can determine the efficacy of the offerings made. The distribution of these fees typically varies based on the roles of priests and the nature of the sacrifices being performed, reflecting both respect and financial logistics within Vedic traditions.
In Dutch: Offergeld; In Finnish: Uhrimaksu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacrificial fee'
In Hinduism, the term "Sacrificial fee" encompasses various offerings, monetary compensations, and symbolic items provided during rituals, emphasizing respect towards deities and aiding spiritual merit through charity and devotion in sacrificial practices.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Compensation associated with a sacrificial act; in the context given, it refers to the unique aspect of 'abhaya-dakshinam' where security serves as the fee.[1] (2) A large donation made during sacrifices, which indicates the king's ability to perform services to the deities and secure favor.[2] (3) The term referring to the cows or other offerings that are to be distributed among the priests engaged in the sacrifice.[3] (4) Offerings made to deities or spiritual leaders as part of rituals and ceremonies while transitioning between life stages.[4] (5) Large payments made for the purpose of conducting various sacrifices.[5]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The offerings that must be made, such as a bull or brass vessel, according to the prescribed ceremonies after the study of the Parvans.[6] (2) A sacrificial fee is a tribute given by different castes, including an ox and a cow from a Brahmana, horses from a Kshatriya, and sheep from a Vaishya.[7] (3) The offering required for the ritual, explicitly mentioned as a cow at the conclusion of the second Prapathaka.[8] (4) A cow that is given as a fee for performing the sacrificial rites associated with the ceremony.[9] (5) A cow designated for use as payment in the sacrificial rites performed during the rituals of naming and worship.[10]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Items such as a cow, a cup of metal, and unwashed garments that are offered as a price for performing the ceremony.[11] (2) The offering given after satiating the Fathers, representing the payment or gift associated with the sacrificial rites.[12] (3) The payment or offerings made to priests for performing sacrificial rites, which can influence whether they accept to officiate.[13] (4) The payment made for the ceremony, in this case, involving an ox and a cow.[14] (5) Remaining portions of the Havis after offerings, regarded as a customary fee for the sacrificial rites.[15]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A limb of the animal is designated as the sacrificial fee in the context of performing a sacrifice.[16] (2) The cost associated with the sacrifice, specified to be a cow of the same age as the victim.[17] (3) Compensation offered in rituals to deities to invoke their support and to fulfill ceremonial obligations.[18] (4) The payment or offering made in the form of the two beasts that draw the chariot, which holds importance in religious or ceremonial rituals.[19]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The required offerings made in the form of animals during the animal sacrifice rituals.[20] (2) The payment made for a sacrificial act, which can include an ox, cow, pair of horses, or sheep depending on the caste.[21] (3) A form of payment or offering, typically in the form of a cow, given in exchange for the rites performed.[22] (4) The offering or payment made for performing a sacrifice, typically in the form of a full vessel or as much as one can afford.[23]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Dakshina, which means ‘sacrificial fee’, is the female child born to Ruci and Akuti and is described as inseparable from Vishnu.[24] (2) Refers to the offerings made to Brahmanas which enabled Nabhi to have a divine experience during his sacrifice.[25] (3) The payments made to the priests and participants at the conclusion of the Rajasuya sacrifice.[26] (4) The goods offered to Brahmanas as payment for their participation in the rituals, ensuring the proper conduct of sacred rites.[27] (5) Dakshinas, which are offerings made during rituals as a form of devotion.[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) An essential payment made during sacrifices which according to the text, determines the efficacy of the offerings.[29] (2) A form of offering given to a Pauranik Brahmana when someone provides them with the written text of the Devi Bhagavata.[30] (3) The symbolic offering associated with Maha Lakshmi in rituals, illustrating her importance in spiritual practices.[31] (4) The offerings made during Vedic rituals, representing respect and devotion to the cosmic forces.[32] (5) The Dakshina, which is a fee offered during sacrifices; crucial for the completion of Karmas according to Vedic tradition.[33]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Offerings or payments made to officiants during rituals, part of the economic aspects of Vedic ceremonies.[34] (2) The offering given to priests during significant rituals, highlighting the importance of ceremonial practices in divine favor.[35] (3) Regions given by Brahma as fees after the sacrifice, designating territories to different priests.[36] (4) The material offerings bestowed upon the priests who conducted the rituals at Brahma's sacrifice.[37] (5) A fee given to priests or for the performance of rituals as part of the sacrificial procedures.[38]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Payment made to the Ritwiks; the snakes intend to manipulate this aspect to disrupt the king's sacrifice.[39] (2) Monetary or material offerings required for the performance of sacrificial rituals.[40] (3) Offerings made during sacrifices, which in this context is the whole earth presented to a teacher.[41] (4) Gifts or offerings associated with a sacrifice, often used to honor the Brahmanas or priests.[42]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) It refers to Dakshina, the offering made during a Vedic sacrifice, mentioned in the context of Vishnu's form.[43] (2) The payment received for performing a ritual called Yajna, which in this context is associated with the actions of the great Vishnu.[44] (3) A reward or remuneration given to the Brahmanas at the conclusion of a ritual or sacrifice.[45] (4) Contributions made for performing sacrifices, traditionally should not involve the killing of animals as seen in the practices of King Vasu.[46]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) The payments or offerings made during religious sacrifices, which are meant to appease deities.[47] (2) A fee given to Brahmanas as a form of respect or payment for their services during worship.[48] (3) A monetary offering made to priests or Brahmanas for performing religious rituals and sacrifices.[49]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A traditional offering made as part of the Vedic rites, symbolizing gratitude and devotion to the divine.[50]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Wealth distributed during sacrifices, a key part of ceremonial practices among the kings.[51]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The reward or compensation that Vishvamitra demands from King Harishcandra for the Rajasuya sacrifice.[52]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Sacrificial fees are the offerings made to priests as part of the Vedic rituals, ensuring the maintenance of the sacrificial arrangements.[53] (2) A fee consisting of three gold pieces presented to the Brahman in respect of his role in the sacrificial process.[54] (3) The distribution of property and offerings assigned to different priests based on directional quarters and roles in the Purushamedha ritual.[55] (4) The symbolic payment for sacrifice that includes elements like the mare with a foal.[56] (5) Payments or compensation connected to rituals that, if bargained over, can deprive priests of their place in heaven.[57]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Attributes like Austerity, Charity, Uprightness, Non-Violence, and Truthfulness that strengthen the merit of the Sacrifice.[58]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A payment made in relation to a ritual that has significance in the story surrounding Brahman customs and offers.[59]
The concept of Sacrificial fee in local and regional sources
The Sacrificial fee encompasses gifts from a child to Brahmanas during Vidyarambha Samskara, monetary grants for sacred rituals, and compensations to priests, promoting migration and sustaining religious practices.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) Compensation given to priests or officiants after a sacrificial ritual, known as dakshina, which represents a formal aspect of dana.[60] (2) Compensations given to priests and organizers of sacrifices, often in the form of gifts or offerings of valuable goods post-ritual.[61] (3) Monetary grants or lands given to Vedic brahmanas as compensation for performing sacred rituals and sacrifices, which encouraged migration to centers of religious activity.[62]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) A gift given by the child to the Brahmanas during the Vidyarambha Samskara.[63]