Guidelines for Dakshina (Remuneration) for Priests as per Hindu Scriptures
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has received several requests for guidelines for remuneration of priests (often called Pundits or Gurus). Dakshina is a
Sanskrit term which refers an offering given to priest by the yajman. The Yajman is normally a family who commission a priest to perform a prayer.
Scriptural Rules for Dakshina
i) Rig Veda
The Rig Veda, the oldest scripture and ultimate authority, emphasises that priests must be compensated with gifts, groceries and other material rewards, as a symbol of gratitude and reverence for the gods:
• RV 1.23.20: “May the priests receive their share of our oblations, which they have earned with their holy song, with which they have kindled the flame.”
• RV 8.1.26: “May the priests receive the food, the oblation that we bring, so that our prayer may be well-accepted.”
• RV 8.100.13: “Let the priests receive from us a share of what is pressed, a share of what is offered, a share of what is poured.”
• RV 10.63.4: “Let the priests receive what is due to them, not as a burden, but as a reward.”
ii) The Śatapatha Brahmana
• It is a sin to host a prayer without giving Dakshina to the priest (S.B i ;2;3;4; S.B. ii 2;2;2.).
• Priests should not demand or impose a fee for a prayer (S.B. ix 5;2;16.).
• The Yajaman should be as generous as possible when compensating priests (S.B. ii 2;2;3.5).
iii) The Smṛtis
• The yajman should not engage a priest who is not an authority on the scriptures and one who demands an unreasonable fee (Āpastambha Smṛti ii;5;10;8).
• Any prayer/ritual that contradicts scriptural injunctions and without Dakshina to the priests, is considered to be in the mode of ignorance (tamas) (Bhagavad Gita 17;13.)
iv) The Purāṇas
• Dakshina must always be given to the priest according to means with faith and devotion after the performance of yajna, or else the prayer is rendered meaningless (Pancarātra – Pādma Samhita 11;267 – 269.).
It is difficult to impose tariffs and regulate payments for priests because commercial/corporate approaches cannot be imposed or transposed on religious and spiritual ceremonies.
It is evident from the scriptural guidelines that Dakshina is the mandatory compensation for the priest by the yajman. Any prayer or religious ritual is regarded as being incomplete unless Dakshina is offered to the Priest.
The Yajman are encouraged to display their generosity and give to their capacity. Some priests may also require transport/mileage and toll fees to be paid in addition to the Dakshina, depending on location. This should be included in the Dakshina.
By giving Dakshina, one is supporting the priests, (who are the upholders and teachers of Dharma), as well as sustaining their livelihoods.
SAHMS advises the public not to engage priests who impose exorbitant or unreasonable tariffs and demand advance EFT payments, which goes against scriptural injunctions.
Priests must possess the highest moral values, display exemplary behaviour, follow a pure (sattvic) lifestyle in accordance with Hindu scriptures, and provide religious and spiritual support for all followers of Hindu dharma, irrespective of their financial and/or social background. Rather than being prescriptive (because of varying socio-economic circumstances), SAHMS recommends that families should express their appreciation for the work of the priests by giving generously according to their financial means.
