ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

Hinduism is a religious belief that gives utmost importance to the concept of giving. Mainly there are three types of giving. They are Dakshina, Biksha, and Daan. Dakshina is a kind of repayment. Biksha means giving alms to people. Daan refers to charity or providing donations. Whenever someone imparts Daan, he or she must perform it wholeheartedly with a pure heart. The receiver must also be taking it sincerely. If we conduct Daan with regret or by boasting about it, it will have negative impacts. Daan, in simple terms, is akin to a loan written off.

Stories related to Daan: Rig Veda emphasizes Daan as help given to the needy. It can be in the form of food, knowledge, land, or protection. In Rig Veda, the best kinds of charity or Daan are feeding a hungry person and teaching someone. There are many stories and legends related to the concept of Daan as well. One of the most famous references to Daan is in Mahabharata. There are other stories, as well. Here we will be looking into some of the well-known narratives related to Daan or charity.

1. In Mahabharata, Karna is mentioned as Daan Veer because he engages in selfless charity. Karna, the son of Kunti and Surya Deva, has armor with the power to protect him from any form of danger. Indra, Arjuna’s father, to save his son’s life, asked for Karna’s armor as a Daan. Karna gave it to him without any second thought. This act of Karna has made him Daan Veer.

2. Another significant figure who is known for performing Daan is Emperor Harsha, who distributed the wealth he had gained to people once every five years.

3. Bali, the king of the three worlds, was known among his people for satisfying the needs of everyone. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Vamana as a saint seeking three feet of land to conduct his prayers. Bali agreed and asked him to measure the land required. Vamana grew into a giant. He placed his first foot on the Earth, his second on heaven, and there was no land left for the third foot. Bali allowed him to measure his last foot by pushing him into the underworld. Bali, thus, is a prominent figure in conducting charity and sacrifice in Hindu mythology.

These are some of the popular references concerning Daan. When we perform charity gladly, it can benefit us positively. It is one of the best ways to help a person. It can be in the form of money, land, food, education, clothes, ornaments, light, utensils, etc. Daan can not only benefit the person receiving it. But it can also help the person giving it achieve prosperity and happiness.

Significance of Daan: Daan or charity is a significant part of Hinduism. It is practiced all over India under various names. However, the result is providing something beneficial to someone who needs it gladly. There are several significances of performing Daan mentioned in different religious texts in Hinduism. Some of them are –

A) In Manusmiriti, there is an emphasis on the performance of Daan. Here, the giving of different items is associated with the significant changes that can bring in the life of the giver. They include-

1. Providing food to someone hungry can give us satisfaction.

2. Giving sesame seeds helps us in gaining healthy progeny.

3. Offering a lamp or light can bless you with good eyesight.

4. Presenting land can aid you in securing more land.

5. Giving silver can facilitate you with beauty.

B) In Bhagavata Gita, there is a discussion on when to perform and when not to perform Daan. A person can take part in Daan when he or she has a surplus income. Daan must be performed without making any expectations. One must always focus not to embarrass the person you are giving Daan.

C) In Bhavispurana, it states that when one gives a cow as a charity, it can help him or her gain wealth. When someone provides land, it can aid them in attaining income. When someone offers knowledge, he or she is rewarded with prosperity.

D) In Kumarika Khand of Skanda Purana, when Arjuna visits Narada, he explains to Arjuna about Daan. He states that one must perform Daan with devotion as Lord Siva can be pleased by our purity and sincerity. As per Naradha, there are three types of Daan based on what we give. They are

1. Dhana Daan – It is the provision of money, and it is the most popular form of charity.

2. Vastu Daan – It is the giving of materials like ornaments, utensils, etc.

3. Vastra Daan – It is the offering of clothes.

Naradha further classifies Daan into six varieties based on the purpose of performing it. They are-

1. Dharma Daan – Here, one provides it due to virtuousness.

2. Artha Daan – Here, one gives it as a purpose of utility.

3. Kaama Daan – Here, one does it as a favor to a woman.

4. Laaja Daan – Here, one gives Daan because of compulsion.

5. Harsha Daan – Here, one engages in Daan after hearing good news or due to happiness.

6. Bhaya Daan – Here, one gives Daan due to fear or to avoid any risk.

Based on the donors, there can be virtuous as well as evil people who engage in Daan. Even the receiver must have positive qualities like the person must lead a Satvik life. While performing charity, one can gain results in the Paralok or the current life. When you give Daan or charity, you must not regret it, and it is wrong to give it to someone lazy or unserved.

Daan or charity is one of the most important aspects of giving in Hinduism. It can aid you in improving your life as well as that of the person who receives help. The essential element is whether you perform Daan sincerely, wholeheartedly, without any regrets, doubts, or expectations.

Charity in Hinduism (Daan)

Daan (in Hindi) or Charity is a Sanskrit that is associated with an act of giving . 

In Hinduism, for Hindus, daan (giving) is an important part of one’s dharma (religious duty) .

Every individual has a duty or dharma towards their family, friends, extended family and society.

Hinduism emphasizes on charity or giving aimed at public benefit.This could be charity in the form of building a rest house, school, drinking water or irrigation well, planting trees, and building care facility among others.

Rig Veda emphasizes on the charity of knowledge. Knowledge is something that is said to grow by sharing with others. Rig Veda says charity imparting knowledge is the best.

Manusmriti, some of the interesting forms of charity and their benefits are as below-

Feeding Hungry person is said to give us great satisfaction.

Sesame Seeds, charity of sesame seeds help in healthy progeny.

An individual who gives lamp or some form of light is blessed with a good eye sight.

One, who donates land, receives land in return, and those who donate silver are blessed with beauty.

Bhagavata Gita talks about the instances when “daan” is proper and when it is improper.

Charity must be done only from the surplus income, that is to say only when you have enough for yourself first, should you consider doing charity.

Charity done without any expectation or reward is beneficial to both the giver and recipient.

Charity is harmful when the giver makes it look like a favour and embarrasses the recipient.

Bhavishyapura emphasizes on the following forms of charity  and states their benefits.

For wealth- charity of cow.

For source of income- charity of land.

For prosperity –charity of knowledge.

These benefits are believed to continue for seven generations.

Kanyadaan, in a Hindu wedding kanyādāna refers to the ritual where a father marries off his daughter to the groom, so he gives his kanya (daughter) as a “daan”.

The father asks the groom for a promise to adhere to his dharma towards his wife. The groom is expected to live a moral and lawful life, earn enough arth (wealth) to fulfil the material needs of  his lawful wife and give her kama(love) for the rest of their married life.

The groom promises the bride’s father that he will fulfill these promises in the presence of all the invitees who gather as witnesses . 

It is said that the giver will always benefit by doing the “daan” . It is said that the enemies loose hostility through daan. Vices are killed and a stranger may become a comrade through daan.

Above all, charity must be done with a lot of love, warmth and affection, expecting nothing in return.

In giving charity an individual must adhere to ethics and morality.

                     They who give have all things; they who withhold have nothing

What Is True Daan / Donation?

The Bhagavad Gita describes various types of daan in shlokas 17.20 through 17.22.

Donations reduce attachment to sensual pleasure. The detachment begins by donations and forgiveness.  However, if charity or donation is inadequate, done with repentance or given to ineligible, then it is worthless. In Vedas, service, charity and benevolence have been attributed to paramount religion. Rigveda (verse – 3.24.5) says, “शतहस्त समाहर सहस्त्र हस्त सं किर” means earn with hundreds of hands and donate with thousands of hands.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita has described four Yugas – Sat Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga and Kal Yuga – depending upon the nature of the collective consciousness of the people. It describes four pillars of Dharma and they are truthfulness (satya), hard work (tapas), purity of mind (pavitrata) and charity (daya and daan).

Whether a person is a Satyugi or Kalyugi is decided by presence of some or all the four characteristics as mentioned in Srimad Bhagawad: Truthfulness (Satya), Selfless hard work (Tap), positive thoughts (purity) and Daya & Daan (Charity).

• If all the four characteristics are present, the person is Satyugi.
• If truthfulness is absent, the person is Tretyugi
• If both truthfulness and hard work are absent, one is Dwaparyugi
• When only Daan & Daya are present, the person is Kalyugi.

This indicates that be it any type of person or any yuga, daan is an important component.

The Bhagavad Gita describes various types of daan in shlokas 17.20 through 17.22.

Sattvik Daan

दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |

देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् || 20||

dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe

deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam

-Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 17, Verse 20

Meaning : Charity given to a worthy person simply because it is right to give, without consideration of anything in return, at the proper time and in the proper place, is stated to be in the mode of goodness.

This kind of charity that is practised out of a sense of duty – simply because one feels it is the right thing to do – to a worthy person, at an appropriate time, with no expectation of reward or return from the recipient, is Sattvik Daan /charity.

यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुन: |

दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् || 21||

yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśhya vā punaḥ

dīyate cha parikliṣhṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛitam

-Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 17, Verse 21

Meaning : But charity given with reluctance, with the hope of a return or in expectation of a reward, is said to be in the mode of passion. This is Rajasik charity.

Tamasik Daan

अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते |

असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् || 22||

adeśha-kāle yad dānam apātrebhyaśh cha dīyate

asat-kṛitam avajñātaṁ tat tāmasam udāhṛitam

-Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 17, Verse 22

Meaning: And that charity, which is given at the wrong place and wrong time to unworthy persons, without showing respect, or with contempt, is held to be of the nature of nescience.

This kind of charity which humiliates the recipient, which is unsuitable or is laced with contempt, or charity which is practised towards an unworthy person, at an inappropriate time, is known as Tamasik charity.

Simply put, daan can be satvik (done and then forgotten), rajasik (done for one’s own satisfaction) or tamasik (done only to show off).

Satvik daan is true daan.  It can be paropkar for welfare of others (according to your will), dakshina (according to what you can afford) and bhiksha (giving to the hungry and needy).

WHAT ARE TYPES OF CHARITY / DONATIONS?

Dadashri: There are four forms of charity: food (ahara-daan), medical care (aushadha-daan), spiritual knowledge (Gnan daan) and The State Of Absolute Non-Violence (abhaya-daan  – conduct that raises no fear in any living being).

Charity Of Food 

First, comes the charity of food. When someone comes to your door at noon and says, “Brother, please give me something, I am hungry,” you should reply by saying, “Please sit down right here, and I will serve you food.” This is charity of food. 

Someone may interfere by telling you, ‘If you feed lunch this robust man, what about his dinner?’ God has said for one not to interfere in such matters. Because of your charity, that man will live at least one more day. 

Tomorrow he will find someone else to help him live. You do not have to worry about what will become of him tomorrow or in thefuture. When someone comes to your home, give whatever you can. At least he will live today, and that is what matters! 

Something else may be in store for him tomorrow. There is no need for you to worry.

Questioner: Is charity of food considered the most valuable?

Dadashri: It is considered good, but how much can you give? People will not keep giving forever. It is enough to feed someone just once. He will find his second meal somewhere else, but today he lives because of that one meal! Nevertheless when people give food, do they give fresh food or leftovers?

Questioner: They get rid of their leftovers. What can they do if they cooked too much?

Dadashri: At least they are making good use of it! When one gives freshly prepared food, then I will accept that it is correct. Surely there must be some rules of the science of the Enlightened Ones (Vitarag); it cannot be haphazard. Any other time you can get away with it, but not here. 

Charity of Medical Care 

Charity of medicine (donation of medicine, doctor’s bills or other medical help) is considered more valuable than charity of food. If a poor man falls ill and cannot afford to buy medicine, you should either give him the money to do so or go and buy the medicine for him. He may live a few more years because of your charity. Charity of medicine is more beneficial than charity of food. Do you understand which is better?

Questioner: Charity of medicine.

Dadashri: Charity of medicine is considered more valuable than the charity of food because it keeps a person alive longer and gives him relief from pain and suffering. Many of our women and children regularly give charity of food and medicine. It does not cost too much, but it should be done all the same. If a poor man comes to your doorstep give him whatever is ready at the time.

Charity of Spiritual knowledge (Gnan daan) Is More Valuable 

Gnan daan is even more valuable. Money donated towards books that guide people on the right path towards their salvation is all ‘gnan daan.’ By gnan daan one can progress to a better life form in his next life or can even attain liberation. God has said that gnan daan is the most valuable and highest daan (that can be carried out by ordinary people). Where money is not involved, He has talked about abhaya daan. As far as money is concerned, he has said to give gnan daan and those of ordinary means should give charity of medicine and food.

Questioner: But if people have a surplus of money, should they not make donations?

Dadashri: Giving of donations is the best. Give to reduce people’s misery and suffering and use the rest on a constructive path of charity. Gnan daan is the charity that leads people to the right path. That is the highest form of charity in this world!

You benefit so much from this gnan (knowledge) by understanding just this one sentence, so imagine how much more can be gained if people were to read a whole book?

Questioner: Now I understand exactly.

Dadashri: Yes, those who have more money should primarily do gnan daan.

But what kind of gnan (knowledge) should it be? It should be the kind that will help people of the world. The products of such charity are for the salvation of the world, not for entertainment. People enjoy reading books and fictions but it does not benefit them; on the contrary they regress in their spirituality.

Abhaya daan Is The Ultimate 

Abhaya daan is where one’s conducts is such that he will not raise fear in any living being.

Questioner: Can you explain abhaya daan some more?

Dadashri: Abhaya daan means that you do not hurt any living being in the slightest degree. Let me give you an example. When I was in my twenties, I used to go to the movies. It would be midnight by the time I would come home. Walking home, I would startle sleeping dogs with my footsteps because I had metal studs on the soles of my shoes. It occurred to me then, what kind of person I was to startle the poor, sleeping dogs. After that I would remove my shoes each time I walked past them. This is what I used to do even at that young age. Don’t you think the noise would startle the dogs?

Questioner: Yes and it would interrupt their sleep.

Dadashri: They used to get startled and naturally they would bark. Would it not have been better to let them sleep so that they would not disturb others as well?

So, for abhaya daan, one should first have the inner intention (bhaav) of not hurting any living being, even in the slightest degree. Only then will this come into practice. The Lord has called this the ultimate of all charities. No money is involved in this charity. This is the ultimate form of charity, yet people do not have the capacity for it. Even those who have money cannot give to this charity. Therefore they should perform their charity with money.

The Lord has said there are no other forms of charity aside from these four. People talk about other forms of charities, but they are all imaginary. There are only these four. As much as possible, your intention should be towards practicing abhaya daan. 

What is Gupt Daan?

In India, there is something called as Gupt Daan, which means a secret gift. It is when you donate or give someone something without telling anyone that you are giving. You don’t want your name to be put on the name plate which says that so and so donated this. When you quietly give, it is called Gupt Daan.

It is often said, “When the right hand gives, the left hand should also not know.” This should be the intention behind donation. People used to take pride in this. You should also take pride in the same thing. At least some time or another, do some service for which you are not expecting any return or recognition. This act brings you so much joy. Once you get the taste of such purely service, you will find it so blissful, so interesting that you will want to go for it again and again. So, every now and then, do some service without wanting any recognition for it.

For the other things that you do, it is quite natural to want recognition. You do some good work in your office and you want recognition, there is nothing wrong in that. When you find real fulfillment in life, you feel so contented, then you don’t mind whether someone recognizes you or not. You keep doing what is good for you.

Why we must share

We must share what we have. When you give to those who are in need, the relief they experience brings you merits. If you wipe out suffering where ever you find it, you will earn good karma – sharing brings you merit. Do not think about your sins, keep on giving.
And the receiver should take it thinking that it is God who is giving them. If one takes something with a thought of returning it back, then it becomes a burden.

How to deal with those who beg

To make a profession out of begging is not a good thing. Sometimes, when certain people are able to make money without any effort, they continue begging. Why would they worry about changing that profession? Begging should not be promoted. Yes, if you find some old people or handicapped people, then you should help them, but those who are strong and fit and are begging on the streets, are often quite not in need! People who have strength, who can do something, they should not be given a single cent or single rupee.

Back in the time of Buddha or Krishna, it was a different thing altogether. In those days, begging was done by students who would beg for food, or monks who were busy working for society the whole day and would go and beg for food. They needed very little food and would go to peoples’ houses and eat. In those days, people would feed the monks as they were doing good work for the society. Our scriptures also say that one should donate only to the deserving. Give onto to those who deserve what you are giving.

 

The Real Meaning of Daan and Charity: Understanding the True Impact of Giving

Real charity is not just giving money or food. It is about helping people who need it the most. Learn more about real daan/charity here!

Real “daan”, or charity, can be defined as giving without having a desire or demand. Charity should  be done without any intention of expecting something in return. When it is done only for mental  satisfaction and inner happiness without any selfish intent, then it is called “real daan” or charity.  This article will help you to understand what real daan i.e., charity.

Understanding the true meaning of charity

Charity, or real daan, is a simple method to show love and offer kindness to others. In today’s  scenario, charity is important as it helps to give people a quality life that is worth living and support  those in need. It helps to build stronger and more sustainable communities. Additionally, charity  fosters good values and motivates others to do good deeds. 

Your only goal should be to give. If you give with an expectation, then it is not actually giving.  Charities make one realize that giving is never wrong and always reaps good in one’s life, especially  of those in need. Your intention behind giving should be pure, and nothing other than doing good to  others. 

Giving without chauvinism is a noble gesture. Selfless generosity knows no race , colour, or  religion. Generosity is not the quantity given, but the manner in which it’s entrusted. 

What is the Real Daan in the Bhagavad Gita? 

A gift that is given out of duty at the proper place and at the proper time to worthy people, without  expecting anything in return, is considered to be real daan in the Bhagavad Gita. According to the Bhagavad Gita, charity is classified into three types: 

1. Satvik Daan: charity performed without expectation 

2. Rajasik Daan: charity done for one’s own satisfaction 

3. Tamasik Daan: a charity done to brag

SATVIK DAAN 

In the Bhagavad Gita, charity, or real daan, is mentioned as giving to a worthy person without  having the intention of expecting something in return at the proper time and in the proper place. You  should give because it is simply the right thing to do.

RAJASIK DAAN 

Charity done with the intention of receiving something in return or the expectation of a reward can  be said to be a mode of passion. This is Rajasik Daan, done to fulfil one’s own satisfaction. 

TAMASIK DAAN

Charity done at the wrong place and time to unworthy people without showing respect or with  defiance is an act of blindness, done with ignorance and not real daan. 

The Importance of Real Daan 

Real daan, or charity, is one of the most important characteristics of giving in Hinduism. It can help  you improvise your life as well as others’ by giving them a better life and being a helping hand to  them. The essential component is to perform charity sincerely, with the sole intention of giving and  not expecting anything in return. 

Charity is a blessing to humanity. It helps people in need, touches lives, and motivates people to do  better. We are not only doing good for others, but also for ourselves. Charity teaches future  generations about generosity. Charity gives self-satisfaction, gratification, and happiness to those  who help others in need. By sharing kindness, one would receive immense joy and love in return. 

So, with this article, we can conclude that not every daan is a real daan. Giving should be  unintentional. Charities bring rainbows to the lives of those who need them most. So everyone  should give. No one becomes poor by giving. 

How can you perform real daan? 

 Karma Points app enables donors to personalize their donation experiences and contribute with full  transparency. By donating through the Karma Points app, you can actually help a lot of women,  children, and elderly people, help in poverty eradication, and educate children. Not only this, karma  points also offer you exciting points after your donations, called “the karma points,” which is kind  of a reward for your good deed. These points can be redeemed on our website or on the karma points app with various brands such as Cultfit, Chaipoint, Nat Habit, and Ugaoo partnered with us.  

ANNA DAAN in Death Rituals in Hindu Religion-Importance and tradition’Nature is full of works on principle of “As you give, so shall you receive”, or simply put “good for good, bad for bad”.

The puraanas (scriptures) and epics hail the glory of Anna Daan. A yajna is considered incomplete without Anna Daan. The primary survival kit for humans comprises three basic necessities ‘Food, Shelter and Clothing’, and food is considered vital among them.

Anna Daan(food donation) :

Starts with 2000/- for 11 Poor people / Poor Brahmins. Maximum limits depend upon your wish and items to be served.

What Donate in Anna Daan :

Food (Grains )

Shelter

Clothes

Water

sitting mat (aasan)

Why Anna Daan donated in Hindu Religion

‘Anna’ meaning food (grain) and ‘Daan’ meaning donation/charity. Giving food to the needy is one of the greatest charities and is observed in Indian temples and monasteries to please the deities.

During Anna Daan, food is served on a plantain leaf or plate which is accepted by the person receiving Anna Daan. If the recipient does not take the plantain leaf or plate in which the food is served, it is considered to be harmful to the person donating the food. However in case of an ascetic or guests, the reverse holds good. Also, the host is supposed to remove crumbs / leftovers after the food is served.

Today, starvation is one of the key worries of the world. Mitigating starvation is a holy act. Our ancestors always advised giving food to the poor or beggars, instead of giving MONEY.

In obedience to nature’s principle “As you give, so shall you receive”, charity by giving money would get you money, but charity by giving food shall get you more money which covers the cost of food, as well as for buying shelter and clothing too.

Hence, Anna Daan is an important act of charity.

Daan Utsav – The Festival Of Giving

Right from childhood, we have always been encouraged to share everything with the people around us. The concept of giving has always been in our culture, no matter the form or type. Giving without expecting anything in return is the purest form of giving. 

Giving need not only be done on holidays or other special days. Every person you encounter can be thought of as someone to whom you can give something special. 

And out of all things you can give, the act of kindness is considered the most special. More than money and other materialistic things, people are in need of simple things like a kind word, a compliment, a helping hand, a piece of knowledge, or just support. 

And when it comes to giving or donating, the most important thing is your intention. You should always have good intentions and donate without expecting anything in return. By doing so, you will develop a pattern of happiness and joy in your life and the lives of others.

To celebrate the act of giving, India celebrates the “Daan Utsav”- the festival of giving. 

Decoding The History Behind ‘Daan’ in The Indian Context

In Sanskrit, the term “Daan” translates to “charity” or “the act of giving”. According to Hinduism, daan is a huge part of one’s dharma (religious duty).  

Hinduism places a strong emphasis on charitable giving and helping others. This could involve establishing a hospital, school, drinking water or irrigation well, trees, or another type of care facility, among other charitable endeavours.

The Rig Veda talks about daan in many forms- food, knowledge, land or protection. According to the Rig Veda, the most important kinds of charity include feeding a hungry person and imparting knowledge to someone.

There are also many stories related to charity in Indian mythology. The most famous and talked-about story is that of Karna in the Mahabharata. Karna is often referred to as Daan Veer due to his selfless nature of constantly giving to those in need. 

Other stories and mythological figures include King Harsha and King Mahabali, who have been appreciated for their selfless deeds, charity, and sacrifice. 

Even today, most charitable organisations and charity events talk about these characters in mythology, especially to teach future generations the art of giving. 

Daan Utsav- What is it?

Daan Utsav, or “The Festival of Giving”, is a one-week festival/event celebrated all across India to celebrate the act of giving. Formerly known as “The Joy of Giving Week” (JGW), this festival was first launched in the year 2009. Since then, it has been celebrated annually for one week, from October 2-6, commemorating the birth anniversary of Gandhi Jayanti. 

Everyone from CEOs to auto-rickshaw workers, prominent celebrities to schoolchildren, public figures to stay-at-home moms and media professionals join together during this “festival of giving” to donate their time, resources, money, or skills to society.

Numerous businesses, celebrities, and organisations have shown their support throughout these years by organizing awareness-raising, volunteer, and fundraising events for the Joy of Giving Week.

Who Can Participate in it?

That’s the best part about this festival! Anyone and everyone from across the world can participate in this festival. Just like Mother’s Day, Environment Day, or even festivals like Holi and Diwali, there are no rules as to who can or cannot participate! 

Irrespective of race, religion, age, or gender, everyone can take part in Daan Utsav without any restrictions.

However, a core group of volunteers oversaw the #DaanUtsav campaign in its early stages, established participation criteria, and promoted the initiative. But in terms of expanding this festival, you, the participant, play the most significant role.

How Can You Take Part in The Festival?

As mentioned above, there are no certain rules and regulations that you should follow to participate in this festival. Just remember the core of it – giving. Whether you buy food for a complete stranger or donate to a charity, even the smallest acts of giving count.

But in case you are looking for some ideas, here are 5 simple and non-traditional ways in which you can “give”:

Teach a Skill/Talent

Are you good at playing the guitar? Or painting? No matter how silly you think your talent is, there is someone who will always appreciate it. You can arrange a visit to a nursing home, an orphanage, or a school and teach your skill to the people there.

Give” Your Time

Simply spending your time with someone who needs it is also a worthy way to “give” back. It can be as simple as spending time with your mother/spouse/friend or visiting an old age home to hang out with them for a while.

Donate Used Items

This is one of the most classic and easy ways to donate. From sweaters and scarves to toys and books, you can literally donate anything you want. Remember, your used items can be someone else’s treasures!

Organize a Sale

If you are good at handmade craftwork, you can channel your creativity for a bigger purpose by organising a sale of all your work. And with its returns, you can donate it to a worthy and charitable cause.

 

Only By Giving Do We Receive More!

When you do good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you motivate those around you to do good things in their lives as well. And that’s exactly what we aim to achieve at Corwdwave – encouraging more people to donate!

By making fundraising completely open and easy, Crowdwave helps people identify communities that will support their efforts and assist in bringing about the necessary changes in the world.

If you are interested in donating to a cause, here’s how you can do it on Crowdwave:

• Click on browse fundraisers.
• Pick the cause you want to support.
• Make a contribution to the cause on our 100% secure payment gateway.
• That’s it, you have made an impact!

Types of Daan

Saatwik Daan – In whichever country, at whichever time, whatever thing is in scarce, giving the same to the needy people without expecting anything is called Saatwik Daan. In whichever country, whichever thing is scarce, the same thing is considered worth giving to serve people.

Many people give Daan with many intentions – some give with their heart, some give with force, some give with grace, some give with shame, some give with fear, and some give because of vow.

When to Donate

In [Padm Puraan, 2/6], Vishnu says to Vane – “There are three timings for Daan – Nitya Daan (done daily), Naimittik Daan (done for some purpose), and Kaamya Daan (done to fulfill some wish). Its fourth time is Praayik Daan (related to death).

(1) Nitya Daan – Who offers even water to see my part Soorya rising in the morning, one cannot praise enough his Nitya Karm which gives him lot of Punya. At that time who takes bath, worships Pitar and Devtaa and donates Ann, water, fruits, flower, clothes, betel leaf, ornament, gold according to one’s capacity, its fruit is limitless. Who donates food items at noon or afternoon, he also collects lots of Punya. Therefore one should donate something all the three times of the day. No day should be free from Daan. If somebody doesn’t donate food for one fortnight or one month, I also keep him starving for the same time. I give him such a disease that he cannot enjoy anything. Who has not donated anything, he should keep many fasts.

(2) Naimittik Daan – Now I tell you Naimittik time. Amaavasyaa; Poornimaa; Ekaadashee; Sankraanti; Vyateepaat and Vaidhriti named Yog; Maagh, Aashaadh, Vaishaakh and Kaartik Poornimaa; Somvatee Amaavasyaa, Yug starting Tithi, Gajachchhaayaa (Aashwin Krishn Trayodashee); father’s death date are said Naimittik times for Daan. Who donates anything in my name, I give him many things.

(3) Kaamya Daan – When a Daan is given in the name of Vrat and Devtaa with the wish to fulfill some desire, that is called Kaamya time for Daan.

Now I tell you about Aabhyudaayik Daan time – all auspicious occasions, marriage time, the rites times of a newborn baby, the time consecration of temple, Devtaa, pond, well, garden etc are said to be Aabhyudaayik times for Daan. This Daan gives all kinds of Siddhi. One should donate at the time of death knowing one’s body mortal. This Daan gives comforts on the way to Yam Lok.”

In [Padm Puraan, 3/5] Vyaas Jee says “Now I tell you about Daan Dharm. This was told by Brahmaa Jee to Rishi. Giving money or anything to a worthy person is called Daan (donation). Daan is of four types – Nitya (daily), Naimittik (for some purpose), Kaamya (with wish), and Vimal (clean). Vimal Daan is the best among all Daan. To give something daily to a Braahman who has not done any thing for the person, without any desire, is called Nitya Daan. Whatever Daan is given to a learned Braahman to pacify sins, is called Naimittik Daan. This is also a good Daan. Whatever Daan is given with a wish – to have health, wealth, children etc, that is called Kaamya Daan. And whatever Daan is given with a religious mind, without any wish, just to please Bhagavaan is called Vimal Daan.

Whenever one gets a worthy person, he must donate him something according to one’s capacity. Whatever remains from one’s family, one should donate only that thing. If something is donated before that, that Daan doesn’t give Daan’s fruits. One must donate to a person who studies Ved, or who belongs to a noble family, or who is polite, or who is a Tapaswee, or who is a poor. Bhoomi Daan (donation of land) is the greatest Daan. Only Ann Daan can be compared with it. Who donates Vidyaa to a religious Braahman, he goes to Brahm Lok. Who donates Ann to a Grihasth Braahman, he attains good Lok.

If, on Vaishaakh Poornimaa, after taking bath, one keeps fast, and worships 5 or 7 Braahman with black sesame seeds and honey with the feeling that Dharm Raaj will be happy with that. This destroys his all sins committed in the whole life.

If, on Vaishaakh Poornimaa, somebody donates a pitcher full of water along with Ann and Ghee, he becomes free from all kinds of fear.

If, on Maagh Amaavasyaa, somebody donates anything to a Tapaswee Braahman in the name of Vishnu, his all sins committed in seven lives are immediately destroyed.

If, on Krishn Paksh Ashtamee, or Chaturdashee or Amaavasyaa, somebody, after taking bath and feeding a Braahman, worships Shiv, he never comes back in this world.

Who keeps fast on Ekaadashee and feeds Braahman on Dwaadashee, he attains Parampad. Shukla Paksh Dwaadashee is Vishnu’s Tithi, so one should worship Vishnu by all means on that day.

Whatever Daan is given in the name of Vishnu and Shiv, its fruit is eternal. Whoever wishes to worship whoever Devtaa, he should worship Braahman in his name, this pleases that Devtaa. Devtaa live on the basis of Braahman’s body. Where Braahman are not available, there Devtaa live in idols. Idols give fruit very late, so one should worship Braahman only.

Specific Daan

There are some specific Daan –

(1) Bhoomi Daan – When one donates land to somebody, it is called Bhoomi Daan.

(2) Gau Daan – When one donates cow, normally to Braahman, it is called Go Daan. People normally do it at the time of their death or with some purpose.

(3) Kanyaa Daan – When one gives his daughter to groom without taking anything, it is called Kanyaa Daan.

(4) Tulaa Daan – When one gives the material equal to one’s weight, it is called Tulaa Daan

(5) Vidyaa Daan – When one teaches somebody without taking anything, it is called Vidyaa Daan.

(6) Deep Daan – Lighting a lamp or many lamps in a temple, or on a crossroad, or under a Peepal or Banyan tree is called Deep Daan. It is especially beneficial in Kaartik month.

(7) Gauree Daan –

(8) Shayyaa Daan – donating bedding

Three types of Daan are called “Ati Daan” (the highest Daan) —

Gau Daan (cow donation);

Bhoomi Daan (land donaion);   and

Vidyaa Daan (to educate somebody) – To donate books is like Vidyaa Daan

One should donate something on these days –

Dhanu (Sagittarius), Mithun (Gemini), Meen (Pisces) and Kanya (Virgo) signs Sankraanti are called Shadasheeti; and

Vrish (Taurus) Vrishchik (Scorpio), Kumbh (Aquarius), and Sinh (Leo) signs Sankraanti are called Vishnupadee.

Any Punya Karm (Daan etc) done in Shadsheeti Sankraanti gives 86,000 times fruits; and in Vishnupadee Sankraanti gives 100,000 (1 Lakh) times, and on Uttaraayan and Dakshinaayan Sankraanti gives millions of times. This Punya Karm, done on Uttaraayan and Dakshinaayan Sankraanti is eternal. On Makar (Capricorn) Sankraanti, in January, one should take bath before sunrise – this gives the fruit of 10,000 cows donation.

The Triteeyaa (third day) of Shukla Paksh of Maagh Maas is called Manvantar Tithi. Who donates anything on that day, it is all indestructible.”

[Padm Puraan, 1/32]

Donate warm clothes in winter – you will never get sick

Some Questions About Donation

The first question is when should one give? – We all know the famous incident from the Mahaabhaarat. Yudhishthir, asks a beggar seeking alms to come the next day. On this, Bheem rejoicing said, “It seems that Yudhishthir has conquered his death! For he is sure that he will be around tomorrow to give alms to that beggar.” Yudhishthir gets the message. One does not know really whether one will be there tomorrow to give! The time to give therefore is now.

The next question is how much to give – One recalls the famous incident from history. Raanaa Prataap was reeling after defeat from the Mugal king. He had lost his army, he had lost his wealth, and most importantly he had lost hope, his will to fight. At that time in his darkest hour, his erstwhile minister Bhaamaa Shaah came seeking him and placed his entire fortune at the disposal of Raanaa Prataap. With this, Raanaa Prataap raised an army and lived to fight another day. This incident answers to this question how much to give is “Give as much as you can!

The next question is what to give – It is not only money that can be given. It could be a flower or even a smile. It is not how much one gives but how one gives that really matters. When you give a smile to a stranger that may be the only good thing received by him in days and weeks!  Or you may give your company to a lonely person for some time, he needs it at that time. So you can give anything but you must give with your heart!

One also needs to answer to this question whom to give – Many times we avoid giving by finding fault with the person who is seeking. However, being judgmental and rejecting a person on the presumption that he may not be the most deserving candidate for his donation is not justified. Give without being judgmental, but if you can give anything to a needy person, that is most appropriate.

Next we have to answer how to give – Coming to the manner of giving, one has to ensure that the receiver does not feel humiliated, nor does the giver feel proud by giving it. In giving follow the advice, Let not your left hand know what your right hand gives? Charity without publicity and fanfare is the highest form of charity. Give it quietly! While giving, let not the recipient feel small or humiliated. After all what we give never really belonged to us. We come to this world with nothing and will go with nothing. The things gifted to us here were only with us for a temporary period (till our life existed). So why then take pride in giving away something which really did not belong to us? Give with grace and with a feeling of gratitude. When you help someone in need, give it before he asks for it; for if you place him under the necessity of stretching out his hand, you take away from him his self-respect which is worth more than the value of your alms. I this regard, there is a dialog in MBH serial by Chopra, Draupadee said in Viraat’s court – “I am the wife of those five Gandharv who gave the things so much to needy people, without their asking, so that the don’t feel embarrassment of asking and they can enjoy it for several generations.” This should be the spirit of giving.

What should one feel after giving? – We all know the story of Eklavya. When Dronaachaarya asked him for his right thumb as “Guru Dakshinaa”,  he unhesitatingly cut off his thumb and gave it to Dronaachaarya. There is a little known sequel to this story, that later Eklavya was asked whether he ever regretted the act of giving away his thumb, he replied, and the reply has to be believed to be true, because it was asked when he was dying, “Yes! I regretted this only once in my life. It was when Paandav were coming to kill Dronaachaarya who was broken hearted on the false news of death of his son Ashwatthaamaa and had stopped fighting. It was then that I regretted the loss of my thumb. If my thumb were there, no one could have dared hurt my Guru.” The message to us is clear. Give and never regret giving!

And the last question is How much should we provide for our heirs? – Ask yourself ‘are we taking away from them the gift of work’? – A source of happiness! The answer is given by Warren Buffet: “Leave your kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing!

So let us learn the Art of Giving, by quoting Sant Kabeer :

Paanee Baadhe Naav mein, Ghar mein Baadhe Daam,

Dono haath uleechiye, yah sadguru kaa Kaam

“When water fills a boat, and when the wealth increases in the house, Throw them out with both hands”

The concept of Daan in the form of Dakshinaa to the priests, cows etc., to deserving persons is mentioned in the Rig Ved itself. (see Rig Ved – 1.125.6).

Giving food to the hungry people (Anna Daan) is a highly extolled virtue. (see Rig Ved – 10.117).

Daan is a religious duty which helps one to conquer the greedy nature.

It is divine quality as indicated in the Bhagavad Geetaa (see. Geetaa 16.1. and 17.20-22).

The Dharm Shaastra and the Puraan have worked out the details of Daan.

There are four categories in the Daan –

1. Nitya Daan – eg Anna Daan.

2. Occasional – gifting useful things on occasions like eclipses etc,

3. During rituals as a part of Kaamya Karm – cows etc,

4. Gifts to saintly persons to please God. (also called Nirmal Daan).

While the gift of knowledge (Vidyaa Daan) – especially spiritual wisdom – is considered the highest, gift of cows (Go Daan) and gift of gold (Hiranya Daan) are considered special.

It is prescribed that any Daan should not be given with ostentation, rather it should be given unknown to others. It is said that what the right hand has given, even the left hand should not know it. And he must have Shraddhaa in giving.

The giver should have acquired the wealth by right means.

He should not gift beyond his means thus putting his dependents to trouble. (a limit of 10 percent of the earnings is fixed).

The receiver should be really in need. If the wealth being given is earned in an unrighteous way, it should not be received.

Individuals with evil characters – gamblers , cheats, drunkards, criminals etc, are not supposed to give Daan.

Gau Daan Puja

The Concept of Daan

The word “Daan” refers to gifting. Daan is intricately woven with the Hindu tradition and is performed with utmost devotion and belief to attain different goals, which may vary from person to person and context. The concept of Daan is comparable to  Newton’s third law, “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”. Similarly, there is a saying that “What Goes Around, Comes Around” indicating the more one gives, the more it comes back to one. It is projected that Gau daan is the biggest Daan among all Daans. It is believed that Gau Daan along with daan of gold, silver, emeralds, milk, food grains and land is known as Mahadaan.

Way of Daan

There is a belief that instead of inviting a needy person to one’s house for offering a daan,  going to his house and performing the daan will earn the donor more rich dividends. It is said that the person doing daan should face the east while doing the daan and the person receiving the daan should face the north so as to increases the life span of both the persons. Generally, daan is performed on auspicious days and even time as designated by the astrologer.

Gau Daan

The Sanskrit word ‘Gau’ has various meanings like ‘source of food’, ‘symbol of life’ and ‘senses’. The term ‘Daan’ means ‘gift’. The expression ‘Gau Daan’ therefore means ‘the gift of a cow, Gau Daan’, or the gifting of a cow to a Brahmin, is an ancient ritual of our ancestors with its deep roots in philosophy. Since ancient times cows have been donated by kings and other people to Brahmins and others. It is believed that at least one cow must be donated in one man’s lifetime. Generally, Gou Daan involves gifting a milking cow along with the calf. They are worshipped through puja using all sacred things and flowers and fruits during before the ritual of the daan and then gifted to the Brahmins along with other items at the end of the puja.

Benefits of Gau Daan

The benefits of Gou Daan  are simply endless. It is believed that there is no other donation in this world comparable to the donation of a cow. Gau Daan helps in making a person pure and leads him to attain the highest state of eternal bliss. It is said that donating grains, water, clothes, etc. or offering a cow as a gift to a needy person known to turn enemies into friends. This Daan also provides one a peaceful life after death. As per the Hindu beliefs, the Universe is one and anything that one gift to the Universe will ultimately return back to him or her and that is exactly defined as the purpose behind doing Daan.

24-Daan (Donations

Daan (Donations)

Agni Dev said – “Vashishth Jee, Now you listen to Daan Dharm. Daan is of two types – Isht and Poort. Who donates habitually, he attains everything.

Digging wells, building temples, planting gardens etc are called “Poort Dharm” which gives Mukti. Donations given in eclipse time, on Soorya Sankraanti days, and Dwaadshee etc Tithi – that is called Poort Dharm.

Agnihotra, speaking truth, studying Ved, felicitating A-Tithi are called “Isht Dharm” – this gives Swarg. Donation given in an appropriate country, at an appropriate time, and to an appropriate candidate multiplies the fruit million times.

Donations cane be made at the time of Uttaraayan and Dakshinaayan Sankraanti, in Vishuv times, Vyateepaat, beginning of Yug, 12 Sankraanti (Two Ayan (January and July), and two Vishuv (April and September) ; four Shadasheetimukhaa Sankraanti – Dhanu, Mithun, Meen and Kanyaa; and four Vishnupadee Sankraanti – Vrish, Vrishchik, Kumbh, and Sinh) (see also Sankraanti), Ashtamee, Dwaadashee, Chaturdashee, Poornimaa, Amaavasyaa, Yagya, any occasion, marriage, seeing bad dream, seeing Braahman.

Otherwise whenever one wants to donate anything can donate.

Sat Yug started on Kaartik Shukla Navamee, Tretaa Yug started on Vaishaakh Shukla Triteeyaa; Dwaapar Yug started on Maagh Poornimaa; and Kali Yug started on Bhaadrapad Krishn Trayodashee.

Starting dates of Manvantar should be known as :

(1) Aashwin Shukla 9,

(2) Kaartik 12,

(3) Maagh 3,

(4) Bhaadrapad 3,

(5) Phaalgun Amaavasyaa,

(6) Paush 11,

(7) Aashaadh 10,

(8) Maagh 7,

(9) Shraavan Krishn 8,

(10) Aashaadh Poornimaa,

(11) Kaartik Poornimaa,

(12) Phaalgun Poornimaa,

(13) Jyeshth Poornimaa, and

(14) Bhaum Manvantar will start on

Note

First of all there are 14 Manvantar and these dates are only for 13.

Second, Manvantar’s names are not given with the dates, so it does not explain which date is for which Manvantar. Even if we take them consecutively, they are 13 in number and do not match from Naarad Puraan.

The three Ashtamee occurring after Maargsheersh Poornimaa (2 Paush Ashtamee and 1 Maagh Ashtamee) – are called three “Ashtakaa”. Donation made on these Tithi is eternal.

Unsolicited donations made in Teerth – Gayaa, Gangaa, Prayaag etc are good. But this rule does not apply for Kanyaa Daan. Donor should face Eastward and the taker should stand facing North.

Whoever donates, his life increases, but the life of taker does not lessen. Donation should be made taking the names and Gotra of both the parties.

While in Kanyaa Daan, it is pronounced three times.

One should donate after taking bath, worship and taking water in hand with Sankalp.

(see last paragraph on previous page)

Gold, horse, sesame seeds, elephant, maid, chariot, land, house, Kanyaa, and Kapilaa cow – these are 10 Mahaa Daan. Money received from education, bravery, Tapasyaa, Kanyaa, Yajamaan, disciple and architecture is not Daan but is fee. (1) Money earned from interest, trade, by doing good to others, (2) by gambling, theft, playing drama, by doing any courageous work, and (3) cheating – these three types of earned monies are called Saatwik, Raajas and Taamasik respectively. Money received at the time of marriage, at the time of coming from in-law’s house, given by husband, brother, mother and father – these 6 types of wealth are called “Stree Dhan” (woman’s money). Money obtained by the kindness of Braahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya is “Shoodra’s money”.

Cow, house, bed, and woman should not be given to many people [only to a single person], it is sin. Once vowed to give, and then not given destroys 100 generations of the person who has taken vow. One should make all possible efforts to offer Punya earned at any place to Devtaa, Guru and parents. Donated money with the expectation to be returned does not give fruits. Dharm is completed by Shraddhaa only. If offered only water with Shraddhaa, it is eternal. Because of protecting and helping an ignorant person is called Paatra (candidate [for Daan]). Donation made to mother is 100-fold, and made to father is 1000-fold; while donation made to a brother or daughter is eternal; donation made to other human beings is equal and donation made to sinners is useless.

Donation made to Varnsankar gives double the fruit, donations to Shoodra gives four times the fruit, donations made to Vaishya or Kshatriya gives eight times fruit, donations made to a Braahman who is Braahman only for namesake gives 16 times fruit and donations made to a Braahman who reads Ved gives 100 times fruit. Donation made to whoever Guru makes Ved clear to you, Purohit, poor Braahman, and Yagya doer Braahman gives eternal fruit.

While making donation, first take the name of the thing, then say “give”, then give Sankalp water in the taker’s hand. Who accepts donation should say “Vishnu is giver, Vishnu is the thing, and I take this donation. May the giver get his desired wish fulfilled.” This the correct way of donating things. If somebody asks donation for any religious work, he should not use it for himself. One should not use Shoodra’s money in Yagya, because its fruit goes to Shoodra. A Braahman who has no means of living can accept jaggery, juice etc from a Shoodra, because Braahman is holy like Agni (fire) and Soorya (Sun) by nature, therefore there is no sin attached to teach, to do Yagya and to take donation from a lower grade person. In Sat Yug, one donates to a Braahman by going to his house; in Tretaa Yug, it is given by inviting him; in Dwaapar Yug, it is given when he asks for it; and in Kali Yug, it is given on insisting. One can find the limit of the sea, but not of donation.”

 

Types of Daan

Agni Dev said – “Now I will tell you all types of Daan.

There are 16 Mahaa Daan –

(1) Tulaa Purush Daan,

(2) Hiranyagarbh Daan,

(3) Brahmaand Daan,

(4) Kalp Vriksh Daan,

(5) Sahastra Go-Daan,

(6) golden Kaamdhenu Daan,

(7) golden horse Daan,

(8) Daan of chariot with golden horses,

(9) Daan of golden chariot with elephants,

(10) Daan of five ploughs,

(11) donation of land,

(12) Vishwa Chakra Daan,

(13) Kalp Latee Daan,

(14) seven seas Daan,

(15) gem cow Daan,

(16) water filled pitcher Daan.

hese things should be donated to Braahman on an auspicious day in a Mandal after worshipping Devtaa.

Meru (mountain) Daan is also auspicious.

They are of 10 types –

(1) grains Meru – 1,000 Drone is the best, 500 Drone is medium, and 250 Drone is the lowest.

(2) Lavanaachal should be made of 16 Drone.

(3) Gud (Jaggeey) Parvat is best when of 10 Bhaar, medium when is of 5 Bhaar and lowest when is of 2 and 1/2 Bhaar.

(4) Gold Meru is the best when is of 1,000 Pal, is medium when is of 500 Pal, and is the lowest when is of 250 Pal.

(5) Sesame seed Parvat is the best at 10, 5 and 3 Drone respectively.

(6) Cotton Parvat is the best at 20, 10, and 5 Bhaar respectively.

(7) Ghritaachal (Ghee Parvat) is the best at 20 Kumbh (pitchers).

(8) Silver Parat is the best at 10,000 Pal.

(9) Sharkaraachal is the best at 8, 4, 2 Bhaar respectively. (Here only 9 types of Parvat are given)

9 Dhenu (cow) Daan.

(1) Gud (jaggery) cow,

(2) Ghrit cow,

(3) sesame seeds,

(4) Jal (water) cow,

(5) Ksheer (milk) cow,

(6) Madhu (honey) cow,

(7) Sharkaraa (sugar) cow,

(8) Dadhi (yogurt) cow,

(9) Ras (juice) cow, and

(10) imaginary Krishnaajin cow. All liquids should be filled in pitchers and then should be donated, and others should be donated by weight.

5 Gunjaa = 1 Maashaa

16 Maashaa = 1 Suvarn (12 Maashaa = 1 Tolaa)

4 Suvarn = 1 Pal = (64 Maashaa = 5  1/3 Tolaa)

100 Pal = 1 Tulaa

20 Tulaa = 1 Bhaar

4 Aadhak (64 Pal) = 1 Drone

Agni Dev said – “Who has 10 cows, he should donate 1 cow; who has 100 cows, he should donate 10 cows, both get the same fruit.

Cow donation gives long life, health, good luck and Swarg. 30 Sticks (10 Haath long stick) land is called “Nivartan”.

10 Nivartan land is called “Go-Charm”.

Who donates this much land his all sins are destroyed.

Make a silver Chakra, keep it in water and do Hom for it, then donate it to Braahman. This is called “Kaal Chakra Daan”.

Who donates iron equal to one’s own weight, he does nor fall in Narak.

Who donates an iron rod weighed 50 Pal covered with cloth, he has no fear from Yam’s Dand.

Who desires for long life, he should donate fruits, roots and money together or separately.

Who donates a copper plate weighed 500 Pal [500 Pal = 5.33 Tolaa x 500 = 2665 Tolaa = 2665/80 Tolaa = 333+ Ser], or 250 Pal (approximately 167 Ser), or 125 Pal (approximtely 83.5 Ser), or even 62 1/2 Pal (approximately 42 Ser), he attains pleasures and Moksh.

Who donates cloth, he attains long life, health and eternal Swarg.

Who donates rice, wheat, Agahanee rice, or barley, he attains Swarg.

Who donates Aasan, metal pots, salt, sandal, Dhoop, betel leaf, iron, silver, he attains Swarg.

Ann Daan is the highest Daan, no other Daan is equal to even its 1/16th part.

Ghee, oil, and salt donation gives everything.

Cow, land and Vidyaa (education) Daan give fruits alike.

Who makes somebody fearless, he attains everything.

Who donates Puraan, Mahaabhaarat, Raamaayan etc, he attains both pleasure and Moksh.

Vidyaa Daan’s fruit is equal to the fruit of donation made in 1000 Vaajpeya Yagya.

To give away books is equal to Vidyaa Daan, that is why who donates Shaastra and Puraan, he attains everything.

Who reads religious books for others in temples he attains the fruits of all Daan.

There is no end of the fruit of donation of living (means of subsistence).

Who donates the Poojaa materials after worshipping Devtaa, he attains everything.

Who cleans, sweeps, washes temples, he becomes sinless.

Who draws Mandal in front of Devtaa idols, he becomes the Lord of Mandal.

Who bathes Devtaa with 1 Prasth Ghee (1 Prasth = 48 double handful) on Sankraanti day, he attains everything.

By giving bath to Bhagavaan with water, 10 crimes; by milk, 100 crimes; by both milk and yogurt, 1,000 crimes and by Ghee, 10,000 crimes are destroyed.

When gold is donated, one should give silver in Dakshinaa, in other donations, gold may be given as Dakshinaa. Besides gold, silver, copper, rice and grains are also good for Dakshinaa. Daily Shraaddh and Devtaa worship do not need any Dakshinaa.

In Pitar Karm, one should give silver Dakshinaa. Who donates land, he gets the fruit of donating all – gold, silver, copper, gems, pearls, etc.

All donations give fruits up to one life only. Gold, land, and Kanyaa Daan gives fruits up to 7 lives. Who donates Kanyaa, he uplifts his 21 generations and attains Swarg.

Various Kaamya Daan and Meru Daan

Agni Dev said – “Now I tell you about Kaamya Daan which fulfill desires.

I each month, worshipping everyday, a special worship is done on one day – this is called Kaamya Poojan (the worship done with some desire).

At the end of the year its Visarjan is done through Mahaa Poojaa.

Who donates flour horse and lotus flower in Maargsheersh Maas, he lives in Soorya Lok for long time.

Who donates flour elephant in Paush Maas, he uplifts his 21 generations.

Who donates flour bull in Phaalgun, he attains Swarg and is born as King.

Who donates seven grains in Vaishaakh, he attains Shiv’s Saayujya.

Who donates 200 fruits in Shraavan Maas, he uplifts his whole family and enjoys kingdom in his next life.

Who donates a milk or Ghee pot, he attains Swarg.

Who donates jaggery, sugar or Ghee in Kaarttik Maas, he lives in Swarg Lok and is born as king in his next life.

Meru Daan, land donation, and cow donation are not discussed here.

The Noble Act of Anna Daan and Paani Daan ( Donating Food and Drinking Water)

dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe

deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam

Says Lord Krishna in the 20th shloka of the 17th adhyaya in the Bhagavad Gita. This Sanskrit verse translates as:

Charity done for someone worthy because it is the right thing to do, without thinking about returns, at the right time and place is an act of goodness.

Charity or donation are noble acts because you give to others without getting any material gains in return. The noblest of all donations or charity are Anna Daan & Paani Daan.  

What Are Anna Daan And Paani Daan?

The word Daanam is the Sanskrit term for donation or charity. Anna means ‘food,’ and Paani means ‘water.’ Annadaan is the act of donating food, and Paanidaan implies donating water. The practice of these donations exhibits a good-hearted nature and an elevated state of mind of the giver. Anna Daan & Paani Daan have been an essential part of several cultures, predominantly in East Asia.

Donations can be in any form. You could donate money, clothes, gold, or even other articles of daily utility. But Anna Daan & Paani Daan are considered to be different and holy. Why is it so? 

Every person’s life is a perfect blend of their physical body, mind, and soul. The mind and soul govern the body; however, the soul is at a higher spiritual level than the mind. Material things like money and gifts may lead to a want of more and more for any person. The unending need for more is because the mind always wants more than it can have. But give food and water to anyone, be it a needy person who is starving or a rich man who has all the possible global cuisines at his disposal, and the person will eat and drink only as much as the body allows. They may take the remaining food and water and keep it with themselves, but they will not consume it immediately. 

The Concept Of Daanam In Hindu Religion

The Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, and the Puranas are sacred and highly revered scriptures in the Hindu religion. Adi Sankaracharya, a renowned and respected Hindu philosopher who lived in the 8th century A.D., also refers to daanam in one of his Sanskrit sthotrams.

Annapurne Sadapurne Sankara Pranavallabhe

Gyanavairagya siddhyartham bhiksham dehi ca Parvati

The translation of this Sthotram is as follows:

Annapurna Devi, Goddess of plenty, you are the eternal consort of Lord Shiva; give us alms together with wisdom.

Annadaan (donating food /donating water) holds great importance and is considered sacred in several Hindu religious ceremonies. Priests often suggest Anna Daan & Paani Daan as part of religious rituals like pooja and havan. Followers of the Hindu religion believe that offering a donation of food and water is a way to seek Punya  (a reward for virtuous deeds). 

Hindu devotees visit several religious places that serve Prasadam like sweet food, fruits, or other simple food. Prasadam is food offered to God in a temple or other places of worship. Prasadam is food blessed by the Almighty. It is distributed among all the devotees and visitors at the temple.

Prasadam may often be a form of Anna Daan & Paani Daan (donating food /donating water), done by people who perform a religious ritual or any other reason. People often arrange to distribute Prasadam in temples to mark their birthdays or other special occasions. Prasadam is always offered free of cost to devotees or anybody who visits the place of worship. Many temples offer extra Prasadam to display that they are not only satisfying your belly but want to please your soul too.

Anna Daan & Paani Daan is also possible by sponsoring meals at home for the aged, hospitals, and orphanages, to name a few. Every form of selfless donation of water and food is an act of greatness and humanity. 

The Concept Of Bhog

The word Bhog is synonymous with the concept of Prasadam. In the Hindu religion, Bhog is an offering of food given to the Gods. While Prasadam is usually a tiny portion of food, Bhog is generally large and can make a complete meal. The similarity between the two is that both are sacred foods offered to God. The one who consumes food prepared for Prasadam or Bhog is bestowed upon by the blessings of God. 

People from affluent families often bear the expenses of preparing food for Bhog. Some even participate in the actual preparation of food. Both these noble acts are a form of Anna Daan & Paani Daan.

Many Hindu religious places distribute the Bhog among the less privileged who cannot afford meals. Hindu temples built during the 15th century often had an attached dharma shala (where travelers or poor people could find free food and accommodation). Dharma sattra, satram, chhatra are some other words used for dharma shala. But the Hindus are not the only ones to perform Annadaan (donating food /donating water). 

Daanam As Practised By Sikh Community

Natural calamities, human-made crises, and wars always lead to a shortage of drinking water and food supplies. The Sikh community is known to step in and offer as much help as possible during such trying times. They have opened the doors of their Gurudwara (place of worship for Sikhs) to everyone irrespective of caste and religion during times of crisis. 

Langar is a community kitchen operated by members of the Sikh religion. This kitchen offers food and water to everyone irrespective of socio-economic status, caste, or religion. The meals are free of charge and typically served in huge community halls where everyone sits on the floor to eat. Practitioners of Sikhism also follow the concept of Bhog.

The Langar at the famous Golden Temple in Punjab is known to have one of India’s largest functioning community kitchens.

While the concept of Langars was prevalent in India before the fifteenth century, Guru Nanak (the highly revered founder of Sikhism) was responsible for preaching the importance of running Langars to his followers. Guru Nanak strove to preach and follow equality through the practice of setting up Langars. His successor Guru Angad worked towards establishing Langars in every Gurudwara. Guru Amar Das encouraged his followers to have a meal in the Langar before he addressed them. These great and revered Gurus embedded the concept of Langar into the Sikh culture.

Sufism And Langars

Long before Sikhs embraced the institution of Langar, the Sufi Muslims were practicing it. The practice of Langar was more prominent among Muslims residing in India and Pakistan before the 15th century. Offering food and water to the needy has always been a part of the Sufi culture. Like Sikh Langars, Sufi Langars serve everyone irrespective of their caste and religion. Muslim tradition involves reciting the word Bismillah while preparing food. This food is blessed, and the one to consume it will be the bearer of Barakat, which is the power that binds one to Allah spiritually. 

Many dargahs (shrines of Sufi Muslims) serve food in their Langars. The food is stored in huge pots called a deg. 

Jainism And The Act Of Daanam

Offering food and water in donations is a way to gain positive virtues and karma in Jainism. The ancient texts written about the Jain way of living use the terminology Ahar dana. Ahar is a Sanskrit word that means food. Therefore Ahar dana is synonymous with Anna Daan & Paani Daan.

Practise Of Daanam By Followers Of Buddhism

Selflessness is among the basic principles on which Buddhism bases itself. Selflessness is about going out of the way to do good for others without expecting anything in return. Anna Daan & Paani Daan (donating food /donating water) is one of the most selfless acts, and therefore it is a sacred act among followers of the Buddhist religion.  

Buddhist monks are highly revered people who possess excellent spiritual and religious knowledge by studying the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha. Since the establishment of Buddhism as a religion, monks have always led modest life. Offering food to the monks as alms is a virtuous act. The monks and ordinary folk within the Buddhist community are tightly bound to one another. The common folk takes care of requirements like food and clothing for the monks, while the monks bless the folk by sharing spiritual knowledge and working towards the upliftment of the community.

Offering food in the form of alms to monks allows the giver to become spiritually connected with the monks.

Gau means cow and “Daan” means donation, gift or charity.

For over 10,000 years a measure of a person’s wealth was calculated by how many cows that they owned. In ancient times bartering of goods was done using cows, not coins or money — The cow was seen as a “store of wealth”. Cows were donated by kings and other people to Brahmins and to others.

Gifting cows is considered as an important ancient ritual, which is practised even today.

As one prepares for the next phase of their spiritual journey beyond this world, gifting a cow is an important stage. It is believed that at least one cow must be donated in a man’s lifetime.

Gau daan is to be done by a person during his lifetime itself, it is best not to leave it to his / her children, therefore, better to be done when one is young and able. If it is to be done by their sons, gau daan should be done within 1-year one year of death. Sons should take on this important responsibility especially if they’re departed family member did not own, sponsor, gift or donate a cow during their lifetime.

What does the scriptures about donating a cow (Godan)?

(Garuda Purana, Chapter II)

One must travel across Vaitaraṇî river (River of Hell). To cross the river easily, one must do a Gaudaan or Gift a Cow during his lifetime. Those doing so are believed to be taken across the river quickly, but those who do not do this are made to swim in the river of blood, pus, urine and filled with deadly animals and crocodiles.

Regardless of their karma — even those who are meant to go to the higher dimensions must face this obstacle. One must eventually cross this river to meet Lord Yamraj where the deeds of one’s past life are judged.

(Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 78)

Bhishma on his deathbed, recounted a story from a much earlier ancient period when king Saudasa asked Rishi Vasishtha what in the 3 worlds was the most scared. There Rishi Vasishtha discoursed upon the mystery relating to cow:

“Donation of cows is superior to all others. Cows are supreme and sacred.”

“They who make gift of cow succeed in transcending all sins which they may have committed and all kinds of calamities into which they may fall.”

(Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Section 80 – 83)

“There is no gift in this world that is superior to the gift of cow.”

“Men of wisdom succeed in attaining to Heaven by making gifts of cow.”

“They who make gift of cow succeed in transcending all sins which they may have committed and all kinds of calamities into which they may fall.”

(Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Section 83)

Of all kinds of gifts, the gift of cow is applauded as the higher. Cows are the foremost of all things.”

It is said that the Sun, Moon, Varuna, Agni, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva salutes the person who donates cow benevolently.

“They who make gift of cow succeed in transcending all sins which they may have committed and all kinds of calamities into which they may fall.”

What we will do

Gau Daan

Gau Daan can be done during Pitra Paksh for your past ancestors, or for your recently departed family member. Conducting yagyas, performing gau daan and seva for pitras is a major कर्म कांड in our shastras.

 

Daan: Its Significance & Types

In an article I shared some time ago, I talked about the power of daan. Today I will talk about the same in detail and how you can benefit from it.

The greatest dharma in various yugas was/is as follows:

Satyuga(also called as krit yuga) – Tapasya

Treta yuga – Gyaan i.e. wisdom (not the same as knowledge)

Dwapar yuga – Yagya

Kali yuga – Daan or Donation

In Kali-yuga, Daan is the most powerful and quickest in showing results. That is why one should donate every day. 

Kali-yuga is the yuga of karma. Anything did by you, positive or negative quickly shows its effects on your life in this age. Many say that there are people in powerful positions who are doing crimes or awful deeds yet nothing is happening to them. However, in reality, they definitely pay for their deeds very soon after doing it. But it won’t necessarily be visible to the world. 

Whenever you will try to go away from a truthful and honest way of living – either by trying to cause loss to others or by sacrificing your own self – you will have pain. This is what bad karma really is. To do good karma is to say, do and think what is true & honest – nothing more than the truth, nothing less than the truth. If you say/do/think more than what things really are by exaggerating it – it will cause pain to others and in turn, you will feel the effects of this. If you compromise with the truth and say/do less than the truth – you will betray your own self and get hurt in life. Life is about balance. Anything in excess – including love, power, strength, money, food, medicine – are all bad. 

This way sadhaks, every person suffers from their karmas. It is my experience, that no matter how many angles the outside world may look at, it is always someone’s wrong actions that lead him to pain. Wrong actions don’t mean just criminal actions, but anything that is opposite to the laws of nature and wellbeing of the people influenced due to that action – and this includes you yourself. 

It is mentioned in purans that at any given moment, we are carrying sins of not just few births, but of billions and billions of Kalpa. One kalpa is equal to 4.32 billion years. So, how many years in crores of kalpas? And what would be total number of sins? Uncountable. Yet, there is one good aspect of sins. That the moment a person accepts his deeds, he is quickly forgiven. But, since the number of sins are practically uncountable, even if one simply goes on and on asking for forgiveness, his entire life will be not suffice.

By chanting mantras, you can speedily remove all your sins. Yet, they are still not that fast to burn sins of crores of kalpas and need decades of continuously chanting that one mantra alone. Havan is more powerful than japa, yet, doing havan with thousands of aahuti every day for even a few days is not feasible. Vrats are way more powerful than mantras for burning sins. Yet, even they require you to fast on every specified tithi for atleast one decade for complete freedom from sins.

However, daan is the most powerful out of them all. When you give away even simple things like just 1kg of rice or other similar grains, you burn every single sin of dozens to hundreds of births instantly. Those who donate with belief in the power of God, will physically experience like a weight has been lifted off your head, and instantly feel relaxed.

Donation doesn’t just burn sins, it increases punya, increases sukh, makes you attractive, creates saubhagya, gives courage and victory. That is why sadhaks, do daan. Donate as much as you can. 

Shastras have mentioned various daan according to a person’s wishes. Whatever you want, you should donate it first, then it will come to you. This is the rule. For wishes where donating something first is not possible, shastras have mentioned what should be donated instead. Today I will be mentioning them all. Only certain things can be donated for burning sins. All others are for specific wish fulfilment. Sadhaks, whatever we donate in this life is what we receive when we die. I won’t mention this benefit in the paragraphs ahead and should be understood for each item. Also, burning sins doesn’t automatically increase your punya. So you should be specific about what you want.

1. Grains & Water – The most powerful daan among all is the daan of grains and water. Grains should always be donated with water. Donating grains and water removes our sins of hundreds of births, increases punya, gives strength and radiance, gives saubhagya and fulfils all material wishes.

2. Salt – Donating salt increases appetite and gives good health. When a person on death bed is not dying and unnecessarily suffering, then salt should be donated for him. That will give him swarga or moksha very soon.

3. Jaggery – Donating jaggery gives vigour and sweet foods in life.

4. Ghee – Donating ghee gives physical strength, improves the wellbeing of your entire kul and gives sadgati to pitrus.

5. Black sesame – Donating black sesame gives strength and removes the fear of death. It burns the sins of thousands of births. It pleases all the navagrahas and brings their blessings.

6. Money – Donating money will attract more money. 

7. Clothes – Donating clothes give beauty and saubhagya.

8. Bells – Donating bells remove laziness, dumbness and build intelligence, sharpness and understanding.

9. Khadga – Donating the weapon khadga gives victory and success. Especially, it brings the blessings of Rahu.

10. Books – Donating religious books increase punya, gyaan and devbhakti. Donating educational books increase punya, knowledge, fame, patience and remove addictions.

11. Gold – Donating gold increases Shri & aishwarya.

12. Silver – Donating silver gives beauty and increases sperm count.

13. Rudraksha – By donating Ekadash mukhi Rudraksha to the right person, he/she for sure achieves moksha after death.

14. Bed – Donating bed gives love/marriage. 

15. Medicines – Donating medicines gives good health and ensures that your family will never face any big health issue.

16. Kanya daan – Kanya daan is done only during marriages. Kanya daan burns away sins of crores and crores of births and gives great punya. Now, shastras say that one should not do kanya daan again. But, in case the husband dies or they both divorce, then kanya daan should be done again. Shastras say kanya daan shouldn’t be done at many people i.e. she shouldn’t be marrying multiple men at the same time. But it doesn’t mean she can’t marry again if the ex-husband dies or gets divorced.

 17. Bhumi – Donating land has the power to burn sins of crores of kalpas. In that, if a person donates a fertile land then even better. The person who donates land to the needy will never go to narak. But a barren land should never be donated.

18. Cow – Donating cow is one the only daan which has the power to wipe out almost all your sins of crores and crores of kalpas. The moment of donating a cow should be considered as a moment of reincarnation of the sadhak. The person who donates a cow wipes out all his sins, gets the punya of feeding thousands of brahmins. After death he surely goes to swarga or gets moksha. Also, after death, the cow donated by him comes as a vehicle for crossing the vaitarini nadi, and instead of taking him to narak the cow takes him to vaikunth.

In this, if the sadhak donates a cow with his calf, then its punya is infinite. It will same as doing pran pratishtha of hundreds of shivling, donating hundreds of acres of land, feeding millions of brahmins and donating lacs of kanya daan. The person who has donated a cow with a calf has truly freed himself all the chains and shall live happily thereafter.

19. Diya – One of the easiest things to donate are diyas. Deep daan cures diseases, increases eyesight and radiance, attracts Lakshmi maa, and gives victory over enemies. Use ghee when you want to attract wealth. Use sesame oil when you want to cure diseases, increase eyesight & radiance, getting victory over enemies.

Other than this, whatever you want, you should donate it and it will come to you. Do this and you will see the magic happening. But don’t doing by being attached to the outcome. Donate it with gratitude. Thank god that even though your condition is bad, it is not bad as the person you are donating it to. And donate so that the needy person gets support. By doing this, God will support you. Sadhaks, I have seen huge miracles through donations. Things that could take months to happen, happened in just a few weeks when people started donating.

The benefits I mentioned above are the list of benefits. Donating, say foodgrains, is not going to automatically give you all of the listed benefits. Depending upon your wish, you should take the sankalp and do a donation for that specific wish/es.

 

Gau Daan is one of the very divine Daans anyone can do in their lifetime. Gau means cow and Daan means to donate.

In Vedic Shastras, there are 7 mothers for every human: 1. Our own mother 2. Rajapatni 3. Mother earth 4. Brahmin 5. Guru Patni 6. Nurse and 7. Mother Cow. The cow gives milk similar to the mother. Every product of cow such as Milk, Curd, Ghee, Gaumaya(cow-dung), Gaumutram is known as Pancha Gavyam. This is very essential in a person’s life to get a pure and chemical-free life.

In Garuda Purana, under the 47th chapter of the Preta Khanda mentioned the Vaitarni River. After the soul leaves the body, it must cross this river after death. Persons who have done good karmas and daans in their lifetime can easily cross the river. It is believed that people who do Gho dhanam never fall into the Vaitarni river after death.

Gau Daan Charges:

We perform Pratyaksha Gau Dan where Indian Cow (Desi Cow and Calf having Surya-Ketu Nadi) is purchased on your behalf and given Daan to Brahmin family where they can take care of the cow.

• Charges of Good milk giving Cow Starts from 55000 to 120000 depending on breeds.
• Fodder Charges: 3 months –  Rs.3000 ;  6 months – Rs.8000 and 1 year – Rs.15000
• We perform donations at locations: Bangalore, Srirangapatna, Vellore, Gokarna, Rameshwaram.

Note: A person who wants to offer Gau Daan can come and perform this donation or else Harivara.Com will perform on your behalf and send a video to you.

Benefits of Gau Daan:

• Gau Daan helps to get rid of Papa Karmas or Sins.
• It helps to clear the debts and to attain forgiveness.
• It helps to attain Moksha after death.

 

What is Pind Daan Puja?

Respect for family and ancestors is a pillar of Vedic culture the Hindu religion is filled with reverential worship and rituals to Gods Goddess and Ancestors; departed and loved ones. Most of these rituals are aimed to ease the journey of the person towards final salvation Moksha. The Hindu way of life covers concepts of life and the afterlife in one continuous and seamless process. Hinduism has unique and complex rituals related to last rites. Last rites rituals in Hinduism are almost same throughout the Indian sub-continent. It is called  Pind Daan, it is one of the most important Hindu rites. Pind Daan is considered as a way to salvation, performing Post death ceremony in Hindu family is considered a must to do obligation for every Hindu.

The custom of Pind Daan dates back to the time when the Vedas were written. The word “pind” means a body. The word “daan” denotes charity or giving. Therefore, Pind Daan means giving charity to the body of the deceased.

When a person dies, the soul leaves the body. To end the relationship between the soul and the body, the body is consigned to flames where it is converted into ashes. These ashes are consigned to a holy river like the Ganga if you cannot make your trip to Ganga than to one of the rivers near you. Thereby, nothing remains of the physical body, but the soul waits for a new body. It is said that it  takes ten days for the deceased to enter a new situation. On the 11th and 12th day the food is offered to the deceased through the shraddha ceremony to be eaten. It is believed that on the 13th day the messengers of death usher the deceased into Yamaloka, the abode of Yama. When the last rites are performed with devotion, the deceased enters Yamaloka happily, after which he may be given a pleasant or uplifting situation. To Hindus this is important. Therefore, the food (pind daan) that is offered is accepted by the deceased through the scent of smell, not that it is actually or physically eaten. The scent of smell and sound, and the transfer of emotions can still be felt by the deceased from those who remain on the physical plane. The pind daan and the shraddha ceremony are utilised to serve this purpose.

It is explained in the Yoga Vashistha, (3/55/27): At this stage the soul is aware that the old body is dead and that it is through the pind daan offering by family members  that a new body is created and relieved of any distress. This experience is conveyed through feelings and sentiments. The physical rites are only symbolic. These sentiments embrace the deceased.

On receiving pind daan the soul or deceased feels happy and content, and after giving blessings proceeds to Yamaloka in an improved situation.

It is believed that it was Brahma who first performed the pind daan ceremony in Gaya. Since then this tradition has continued. This is a step toward the reconstitution of a more substantial physical body (yatana ṡarīra) around the disembodied soul (preta) of the deceased. A tiny trench is dug in a ritually purified piece of land by a river, and the presence of Vishnu is invoked. Ten balls of barley flour mixed with sugar, honey, milk, curds, ghee, and sesame seeds are then placed, one by one, in the soil. As the first ball is offered, the priest says (and the son repeats after him), “May this create a head”; with the second ball, “May this create neck and shoulders”; with the third, “May this create heart and chest”; and so on. The 10th request is for the ball to create the capacity to digest, thereby satisfying the hunger and thirst of the newly created body.

The Kurma Purana (34/7-8) also explains: All forefathers appreciate a pilgrimage to Gaya by their successors. Once the Pind Daan is performed in Gaya, one achieves liberation. One becomes free of rebirth. If one visits Gaya even once and offers Pind Daan to the forefathers, they become free from hell and other dreadful destinations and achieve salvation.

The Kurma Purana also explains that whoever goes to Gaya for Pind Daan is blessed and seven generations from the paternal and maternal side are benefited along with the personal self who achieves liberation.

Deep Daan in Dhanteras

It is mentioned in ‘Skanda Purana’ that the one who donates a lamp on Dhanteras is overcome by premature death. Worshiping Lakshmi outside on Dhanteras gives wealth, happiness and peace and inner love. The wealth which is useful in the attainment of God, in Narayan, that wealth takes a person to famine happiness, to a famine man, whether it is money – money, whether it is cow-wealth, gajdhan, intellect or people. – Have contact money. You will light diyas on Dhanteras….You may be a little happy from outside, even moths will rejoice more than you, but in a short time they will flutter and die due to water-penance. To find fulfillment in oneself, in divine happiness, to be equal in happiness and sorrow, to light the lamp of knowledge – this is the real Dhanteras, the spiritual Dhanteras.

Which “Dhanam” is Supreme ?

Importance of DAAN in different Yugas

Srimad Bhagwad Gita has described four Yugas – Sat Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga and Kal Yuga – depending upon the nature of the collective consciousness of the people. It describes four pillars of Dharma and they are truthfulness (satya), hard work (tapas), purity of mind (pavitrata) and charity (daya and daan).

Whether a person is a Satyugi or Kalyugi is decided by presence of some or all the four characteristics as mentioned in Srimad Bhagwad: Truthfulness (Satya), Selfless hard work (Tap), positive thoughts (purity) and Daya & Daan (Charity).

If all the four characteristics are present, the person is Satyugi.

If truthfulness is absent, the person is Tretyugi

If both truthfulness and hard work are absent, one is Dwaparyugi

When only Daan & Daya are present, the person is Kalyugi.

This indicates that be it any type of person or any yuga, daan is an important component.

Various types of DAAN

The Bhagwad Gita describes various types of daan in shlokas 17.20 through 17.22.

दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्विकं स्मृतम् || 20||

dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇedeśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam

Meaning: Charity given to a worthy person simply because it is right to give, without consideration of anything in return, at the proper time and in the proper place, is stated to be in the mode of goodness.

यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुन: |दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् || 21||

yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśhya vā punaḥdīyate cha parikliṣhṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛitam

Meaning: But charity given with reluctance, with the hope of a return or in expectation of a reward, is said to be in the mode of passion.

अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते |असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् || 22||

adeśha-kāle yad dānam apātrebhyaśh cha dīyateasat-kṛitam avajñātaṁ tat tāmasam udāhṛitam

Meaning: And that charity, which is given at the wrong place and wrong time to unworthy persons, without showing respect, or with contempt, is held to be of the nature of nescience (ignorance).

Simply put, daan can be satvik (done and then forgotten), rajasik (done for one’s own satisfaction) or tamasik (done only to show off).

Satvik daan is true daan. It can be paropkar for welfare of others (according to your will), dakshina (according to what you can afford) and bhiksha (giving to the hungry and needy).

Every religion mentions daan or charity and prescribes that a certain percentage of income should be donated.

Different Types of DAAN

Our shastras have described different types of daan: godana (donation of a cow), bhudana (भूदान; donation of land), vidyadana (विद्यादान; sharing knowledge and teaching skills), aushadha dana (औषधदान; charity of care for the sick and diseased), abhaya dana (अभयदान; giving freedom from fear – asylum, protection to someone facing imminent injury) and anna dana (अन्नदान; giving food to the poor, needy and all visitors).

As per the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

3.9.3: कतमे वसव इति; अग्निश्च पृथिवी च वायुश्चान्तरिक्शं चादित्यश्च द्यौश्च चन्द्रमाश्च नक्शत्राणि चैते वसवः; एतेषु हीदं वसु सर्वं हितमिति तस्माद्वसव इति ॥

katame vasava iti; agniśca pṛthivī ca vāyuścāntarikśaṃ cādityaśca dyauśca candramāśca nakśatrāṇi caite vasavaḥ; eteṣu hīdaṃ vasu sarvaṃ hitamiti tasmādvasava iti ||

Meaning: Vasus are those who help others to live

5.2.3: तदेतत्त्रयँ शिक्षेद् दमं दानं दयामिति

Meaning: Learn three cardinal virtues – temperance (dam, self restraint), charity (daan) and compassion (daya) for all life.

The Chandogya Upanishad in volume 23 of Chapter 2 has described charity to those in distress (Dana) as among other ethical duties: personal duties such as education and self-study (svadhyaya, brahmacharya), social rituals such as yajna.

त्रयो धर्मस्कन्धा यज्ञोऽध्ययनं दानमिति प्रथम; स्तप एव द्वितीयो ब्रह्मचार्याचार्यकुलवासी तृतीयो

ऽत्यन्तमात्मानमाचार्यकुलेऽवसादयन्सर्व एते पुण्यलोका भवन्ति ब्रह्मसँस्थोऽमृतत्वमेति ॥ १ ॥[52]

Skanda Puran (स्कंद पुराण) says one should earmark 10% of one’s justly earned income for good deeds or works of public benefit.

Islam has Zakat and Sadaqah. Zakat is giving a fixed portion (2.5% annually) of accumulated wealth by those who can afford it to help the poor or needy, while sadaqah is optional charity, which is practiced as religious duty and out of generosity.

Christianity says, “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42)

Daan is one of three duties of Sikhs. Examples of daan in Sikhism include selfless service and langar.

Jainism has four types of daan: Ahara-dana (donation of food), Aushadha-dana (donation of medicine), Jnana-dana (donation of knowledge) and Abhaya-dana (giving of protection or freedom from fear, asylum to someone under threat).

There can be another aspect to daan. It can be external daan (what you give) or internal daan.

Internal daan can denote discarding (giving away) all the inner negative thoughts and emotions or desires or as Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha and Ahankara, as classified by the Bhagvad Gita. Reducing one’s ego can also be considered a form of daan. This can be done by appreciating others.

Sutra: “Do an act of charity and forget about it, but if somebody does you an act of kindness or helps you, never forget it.”

Concept of DAAN

Dharma means the values which sustain the whole universe. As a sloka in Sanskrit says – “Shreyaan swa dharmo vigunaha para dharmaat anusthitaah”.

The entire concept of donating alms is different in the four different eras.

In satya yuga, the giver went out, in search of a recipient to whom he could give something.

In treta yuga, the recipient had to come to the givers house before he would be given anything.

In dvapara yuga, the giver never gave anything without being asked for it by the recipient.

And in kali yuga, the giver gives only to those who are servile to him.

Whenever a Daan is made one must think as an offering to GOD.

Even this is in forced by Lord Krishna to Karna in the battle in Mahabharata. Karna in spite of his supreme charity during his entire life, he had not performed them as an arpan (offered) to the God. This limits the benefits he eventually derived out of that punya. So when he donates all his Karmaphal to Lord Krishna (who came as Brahmin), his action elevated his Daan to a supreme level, as a Bhagavath Arpana.

Why did Krishna do this? Why did he ask Karna for Dhaan even at that desperate moment? Why did he take away all his punya? Is it a cruel act of Krishna? No. It is very easy to get misled by such erroneous thoughts or misunderstanding. It is actually an act of karunya by Lord.

Throughout his life Karna indeed did limitless Daan. But he had not performed them as an Arpan (offered) to Lord Krishna (God) this limits the benefits he will eventually derive out of that punya. But Krishna by asking for and accepting all his punya, makes Karna do the supreme dhana, that of donating all his punya to Bhagavan Himself. This elevates his Daan to a supreme level, as a Bhagavath Arpana. (Krishna Aarpanmasthu).

To bless Karna with his bhagya is the real intention of Lord Krishna, while He himself risks being seen as heartless. This is the true karunya nature of God Sri Krishna.

Daan is an offering to God

Whenever a Dhaan is made one must thing as an offering to GOD

Sri Rama had once taught Lakshmana about the duties of a king.

The duties of king are fourfold. Firstly, he has to earn wealth. Secondly, he has to increase it. Thirdly, he has to protect it. And fourthly and finally, he has to donate it.

Sri Sri Ravishankarji says

“Rice is purified by a drop of ghee on it”. In the same way the money gets purified by charity. When you give a portion of what you have earned for a good cause then the rest of the money that you have is pure money.

What Bhagavat Gita Says

According to the Srimad Bhagavat Gita “Daan” is the original word in Sanskrit for donation meaning selfless giving. In the list of the ten Niyamas (virtuous acts), Daan comes third.

In the Gita, Bhagavan Krishna states that the wise have described three main paths to achieving fulfillment- ’Yagyo daanam tapaschaiva, paavnaani maneeshinaam’.

. Yagya relates to sacrifice, whereby an individual relinquishes something. Daan may be described as a charitable act or donation of something for a good cause. Through organ donation, even those devoid of worldly wealth can accomplish these merits by giving the ultimate gift of life.

The noblest method of giving is “Saatvik,” whereby the donor gives unreservedly and not anticipating anything in return. Indeed the recipient should be one who (as in the case of a patient requiring an organ) cannot return the favor and this verse from the Gita corroborates this point:

“Daatavyam iti yad daanam diyate ’nupakaarine deshe kaale ca paatre ca tad daanam saattvikam smritam”

That gift, which is given out of duty, at the proper time and place, to a deserving person, and without expectation of return, is considered to be charity in the mode of goodness.” (Bhagavad-Gita Gita 17.20).

Making gifts or Daan is indeed a character-building exercise, because if genuinely done, it is supposed to encourage humility, a sense of community, a sense of duty and a spirit of compassion and sharing.

aharas tv api sarvasya

tri-vidho bhavati priyah

yajnas tapas tatha danam

tesham bhedam imam shrinu

Bhagavad Gita 17.7

“Even the food each person prefers is of three kinds, according to the three modes of material nature. The same is true of sacrifices, austerities and charity. Now hear of the distinctions between them.”

aphalakanksibhir yajno

vidhi-disto ya ijyate

yastavyam eveti manah

samadhaya sa sattvikah

Bhagavad Gita 17.11

“Of sacrifices, the sacrifice performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, by those who desire no reward, is of the nature of goodness.”

abhisandhaya tu phalam

dambhartham api caiva yat

ijyate bharata-srestha

tam yajnam viddhi rajasam

Bhagavad Gita 17.12

“But the sacrifice performed for some material benefit, or for the sake of pride, O chief of the Bharatas, you should know to be in the mode of passion.”

Blood Donation

Blood donation is noble act , but it should be done without any reward

Vidya donation

Nowadays no one teaches the other without some sort of reward.

Vidya donation to an ignorant is noble provided it is done without any reward

Anna Daan

People make give food for hungry to ward off their sufferings. Also it makes the receiver lazy to work.

Deserving poor may be offered food without any motive.

Narayanan Krishnan has served more than 1.2 million meals to India’s homeless, destitute.

Krishnan said the name Akshaya is Sanskrit for “undecaying” or “imperishable,” and was chosen “to signify [that] human compassion should never decay or perish. … The spirit of helping others must prevail for ever.” Also, in Hindu mythology, Goddess Annapoorani’s “Akshaya bowl” fed the hungry endlessly, never depleting its resources.

Krishnan’s day begins at 4 a.m. He and his team cover nearly 125 miles in a donated van, routinely working in temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

He seeks out the homeless under bridges and in the nooks and crannies between the city’s temples. The hot meals he delivers are simple, tasty vegetarian fare he personally prepares, packs and often hand-feeds to nearly 400 clients each day.

Krishnan carries a comb, scissors and razor and is trained in eight haircut styles that, along with a fresh shave, provide extra dignity to those he serves.

He says many of the homeless seldom know their names or origins, and none has the capacity to beg, ask for help or offer thanks. They may be paranoid and hostile because of their conditions, but Krishnan says this only steadies his resolve to offer help.

“The panic, suffering of the human hunger is the driving force of me and my team members of Akshaya,” he said. “I get this energy from the people. The food which I cook … the enjoyment which they get is the energy. I see the soul. I want to save my people.”

The sacred daan (donation) of gold

One of the most distinguished aspects of rich Indian culture is “Daan” (donations), noble act that has been adopted by every religious and spiritual Indian since ancient era. The motives behind Daan are diverse, as are the ceremonies and rituals to perform the donations.

The Daan ceremony is a grand event in which the donations are made followed by a feast for the relatives and guests. It is believed that the money donations give fruits up to one life only, however, Gold, land, and Kanya Daan (a ritual in Hindu wedding of giving away the daughter) gives fruits up to seven lives.

The yellow metal is considered incorruptible and auspicious; a gold donation is regarded as one of the most respected Daan. In this article, we bring you the various types of Daan involving gold donation according to the ancient Hindu texts. These Daans are part of the sixteen Maha Daan mentioned in the Vedic texts.

• Tula Purush Daan

In this Daan, the donor or the person will sit on one side of the weighing scale with full body armour and weapons, while pure gold is on the other side of the scale. The weight may attain 125-200 kilograms. This pure gold is donated to the Brahmins present in the ceremony. The golden weighing scale which is used for this ceremony is also donated to the Brahmins.

• Hiranyagarbha Daan

Donation of a golden pot which represents the divine womb; the pot should be 54 inches tall and 36 inches wide with a golden lid. Around 40-50 kgs of the yellow metal is required to construct this pot which is filled with ghee and milk.

• Brahmand Daan

This involves the donation of a replica of our universe crafted with gold. This miniature can range from 1.25 kg to 62.2 kg, according to the donor’s will and capacity. After the ceremony, the miniature is divided into ten parts, of which two are donated to the Guru (teacher) and rest are distributed to the Brahmins.

• Kalp-Padap Daan

In this Daan, the person gives a golden miniature of Kalpavriksha (a wish-fulfilling divine tree). This tree should be decorated with fruits, flowers, birds, ornaments and even garments. The golden tree is donated to the Guru and his disciples. Similarly, Kalp-Lata Daan involves the donation of ten divine creepers, including Kalpavriksha, which are decorated with fruits and ornaments.

• Hiranya Kaamdhenu Daan

Kamadhenu is the divine cow, regarded as the cow of plenty and the mother of all cows. The Daan ceremony involves donating a golden miniature of Kamadhenu with a suckling calf. This cow is decorated with gold ornaments.

• Hiranya Ashv Raath Daan

The donor constructs a golden replica of a chariot with two to eight horses. The horses are adorned with gold ornaments. Similarly, a Daan of a chariot drawn by four elephants is called Hem Hasti Rath Daan.

• Dhara Daan

Dhara is the holy mother Earth; this Daan requires a golden miniature of earth depicting the sacred rivers, mountains and oceans.

• Sapt Sagar Daan

Seven gold pots filled with sugar, salt, milk, ghee, curd, jaggery and sacred water are donated. These pots represent the seven symbolic oceans.

These are few ways of doing Daan, that involves the donation of gold to the Gurus, the Brahmins or other respected people. They showcase the rich and royal culture of India.

WHAT ARE TYPES OF CHARITY / DONATIONS?

Dadashri: There are four forms of charity: food (ahara-daan), medical care (aushadha-daan), spiritual knowledge (Gnan daan) and The State Of Absolute Non-Violence (abhaya-daan  – conduct that raises no fear in any living being).

Charity Of Food 

First, comes the charity of food. When someone comes to your door at noon and says, “Brother, please give me something, I am hungry,” you should reply by saying, “Please sit down right here, and I will serve you food.” This is charity of food. Someone may interfere by telling you, ‘If you feed lunch this robust man, what about his dinner?’ God has said for one not to interfere in such matters. Because of your charity, that man will live at least one more day. Tomorrow he will find someone else to help him live. You do not have to worry about what will become of him tomorrow or in the future. When someone comes to your home, give whatever you can. At least he will live today, and that is what matters! Something else may be in store for him tomorrow. There is no need for you to worry.

Questioner: Is charity of food considered the most valuable?

Dadashri: It is considered good, but how much can you give? People will not keep giving forever. It is enough to feed someone just once. He will find his second meal somewhere else, but today he lives because of that one meal! Nevertheless when people give food, do they give fresh food or leftovers?

Questioner: They get rid of their leftovers. What can they do if they cooked too much?

Dadashri: At least they are making good use of it! When one gives freshly prepared food, then I will accept that it is correct. Surely there must be some rules of the science of the Enlightened Ones (Vitarag); it cannot be haphazard. Any other time you can get away with it, but not here. 

Charity of Medical Care 

Charity of medicine (donation of medicine, doctor’s bills or other medical help) is considered more valuable than charity of food. If a poor man falls ill and cannot afford to buy medicine, you should either give him the money to do so or go and buy the medicine for him. He may live a few more years because of your charity. Charity of medicine is more beneficial than charity of food. Do you understand which is better?

Questioner: Charity of medicine.

Dadashri: Charity of medicine is considered more valuable than the charity of food because it keeps a person alive longer and gives him relief from pain and suffering. Many of our women and children regularly give charity of food and medicine. It does not cost too much, but it should be done all the same. If a poor man comes to your doorstep give him whatever is ready at the time.

Charity of Spiritual knowledge (Gnan daan) Is More Valuable 

Gnan daan is even more valuable. Money donated towards books that guide people on the right path towards their salvation is all ‘gnan daan.’ By gnan daan one can progress to a better life form in his next life or can even attain liberation. God has said that gnan daan is the most valuable and highest daan (that can be carried out by ordinary people). Where money is not involved, He has talked about abhaya daan. As far as money is concerned, he has said to give gnan daan and those of ordinary means should give charity of medicine and food.

Questioner: But if people have a surplus of money, should they not make donations?

Dadashri: Giving of donations is the best. Give to reduce people’s misery and suffering and use the rest on a constructive path of charity. Gnan daan is the charity that leads people to the right path. That is the highest form of charity in this world!

You benefit so much from this gnan (knowledge) by understanding just this one sentence, so imagine how much more can be gained if people were to read a whole book?

Questioner: Now I understand exactly.

Dadashri: Yes, those who have more money should primarily do gnan daan.

But what kind of gnan (knowledge) should it be? It should be the kind that will help people of the world. The products of such charity are for the salvation of the world, not for entertainment. People enjoy reading books and fictions but it does not benefit them; on the contrary they regress in their spirituality.

Abhaya daan Is The Ultimate 

Abhaya daan is where one’s conducts is such that he will not raise fear in any living being.

Questioner: Can you explain abhaya daan some more?

Dadashri: Abhaya daan means that you do not hurt any living being in the slightest degree. Let me give you an example. When I was in my twenties, I used to go to the movies. It would be midnight by the time I would come home. Walking home, I would startle sleeping dogs with my footsteps because I had metal studs on the soles of my shoes. It occurred to me then, what kind of person I was to startle the poor, sleeping dogs. After that I would remove my shoes each time I walked past them. This is what I used to do even at that young age. Don’t you think the noise would startle the dogs?

Questioner: Yes and it would interrupt their sleep.

Dadashri: They used to get startled and naturally they would bark. Would it not have been better to let them sleep so that they would not disturb others as well?

So, for abhaya daan, one should first have the inner intention (bhaav) of not hurting any living being, even in the slightest degree. Only then will this come into practice. The Lord has called this the ultimate of all charities. No money is involved in this charity. This is the ultimate form of charity, yet people do not have the capacity for it. Even those who have money cannot give to this charity. Therefore they should perform their charity with money.

The Lord has said there are no other forms of charity aside from these four. People talk about other forms of charities, but they are all imaginary. There are only these four. As much as possible, your intention should be towards practicing abhaya daan. 

Type of Daan or donation to purohit while doing pind daan or death rituals in Hindu Religion in India

It is believed in Hinduism that daan or donation to Lord is one kind of effort to get desires fulfilled. Thus, offerings in the form of (Cows, calf, gold, grains and other material goods) are presented to Brahmin (a suitable person according to Scriptures).

These donations are offered as per the Vedic Hindu Tradition. Here we mention several important types of daan or donation while performing pind daan or death rituals.

Baitarni Cow Daan

Anna Daan

Sejiya Daan

Baitarni Cow Daan :-

Baitarni Cow Daan is one of the most important donations in Hinduism while performing pind daan. In Baitarni Cow daan Cow is donated to Brahmin priest to cross the River Baitarni which flows in Nark or Hell. It is believed that everyone who has committed sins has to cross the River after they reach hell.

Anna Daan :-

Second important donation while doing pind daan is Anna Daan or donation of grain while doing last rites rituals to relieve and satisfy the soul of departed person.

Sejiya Daan :-

Third important donation is Sejiya Daan in which all the used materials by departed souls are donated to the needy or Brahmin.

Types of Daan or Donations?

Some of the Daanam’s practiced and followed by are as follows:

JALA DAANAM: This form of charity involves giving water with betel nut and dakshina to a Brahmin, and it is done for wealth.

SHAYANA DAANAM: Giving bed to a needy, is done for general happiness.

VASTHRA DAANAM: Giving clothes to needy, will ensure a long life to the giver.

KUMKUM DAANAM: When a woman donates kumkum, she ensures a long life for her husband.

CHANDANA DAANAM: Donating sandalwood will prevent accidents.

NAARIKELA DAANAM: Donating coconuts will ensure that the last seven generations attain salvation.

BUTTERMILK DAANAM: Donating buttermilk will give you knowledge and enlightenment.

PADARAKSHA: Donating slippers to the need will keep the giver away from hell.

CHATRA DAANAM: Donating umbrellas on the other hand will help remove obstacles from the giver’s path.

Popular Donations:

Blood Donation is noble act, but it should be done without any reward.

Vidya Donation to an ignorant is noble provided it is done without any reward

 Story – Why Karna is Daanveer and Not Yudhishtira?

Karna of Mahabharata is always referred as Daanveer Karna but Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, is never referred as Daanveer. One who performs philanthropy, charity or almsgiving even during the toughest situations in life referred as Daanveer. ‘Daan’ means alms and ‘Veer’ is a mentally and physically courageous person.

Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, was jealous of Karna because he threatened his title of greatest archer. Therefore he used keep an eye on all activities of Karna.

One day, Arjuna asked his best friend and Guru, Sri Krishna, Why Karna is Daanveer and not my elder brother Yudhishtira. My brother never hesitates when an opportunity to help arrives. He has performed donation as per his capacity.

To give the answer to Arjuna and to clear his doubts, Sri Krishna asked Arjuna to get a makeover. Both of them dressed like poor saints. It was the rainy season and there was torrential rain.

Both Arjuna and Sri Krishna in the guise of poor saints reached the home of Yudhisthira and asked him for dried sandalwood for havan. Yudhisthira said that due to heavy rain he would not be able to provide dried sandalwood as everything is drenched. They can come after the rains to collect dried sandalwood from him.

Next Arjuna and Sri Krishna went to the house of Karna and made the same demand of dried sandalwood.

Karna first asked them to take rest and have food. He promised them that he would arrange for dried sandalwood.

Arjuna wondered how Karna would be able to get dried sandalwood pieces in this heavy rain.

After the poor saints had their food, Karna broke his main door and bed. They were made of sandalwood.

Karna thus fulfilled the wish of the two saints and donated the number of dried sandalwood pieces they needed.

Arjuna then realized why Karna is known as Daanveer and Not Yudhishtira.

Why is Karna known as Danveer?

Story Behind “Karna”

Karna was the son of Kunti from the Sun God. The story is that Kunti, while still very young, had occasion to serve Rishi (sage) Durvasha. She looked after him with great dedication. Durvasha was highly pleased.

Mantra to Kunti

He gave Kunti a mantra(chant) and said that whichever God she would think of after reciting the mantra, would appear before her and bless her with a son endowed with his own godly qualities.

Sun God and Kunti

Kunti got scared and wanted the Sun God to go away, but he pleaded his helplessness against the power of mantra. Surya however assured Kunti that even after being blessed with a son, she would still remain a virgin and would not have to suffer any opprobrium.

How Karna Born?

And so Karna was born with kavach and kundal (armor which would make him invincible). Kunti was nevertheless afraid of social stigma and therefore she abandoned the child. She put Karna in a basket.

Karna’s Birth

And placed the same in the Ganges river, the basket was seen by Adhirath, a charioteer, who had no issues. He picked up the baby and brought him up. That is why Karna is also sometimes referred to as Sarathiputra.

Married to Pandu

Kunti was later married to Maharaja(King) Pandu. One day when Pandu had gone for hunting, he killed a deer with an arrow. Actually, it was a Rishi who had taken the form of deer and was enjoying with his mate.

Cursed King

The Rishi cursed Pandu that he would similarly die whenever he would mate with his wife. Maharaja Pandu thereupon retired to the forest and started living a life of abstinence.

Rishi Durvasha

At this stage, Kunti confided in him the blessing given by Rishi Durvasha. Pandu exhorted her to use the mantras. That is how her other sons Yudhishthir, Bhim and Arjuna were born. (Nakul and Sahdeva were born off Madri).

Brahmastra and Karna

Karna was keen to acquire the Brahmastra mantra from the great teacher Parshuram. However, he knew that Parshuram gave instructions to Brahmins (the priestly tribe) only.

Parshuram and Karna

So he disguised as a Brahmin and beseeched Parshuram to accept him as a shishya(disciple). Parshuram accepted him as such and started giving him instructions. One day when Parshuram was resting in Karnas lap, it so happened that a bee stung Karna on the lower portion of his thigh.

Parshuram Woke Up

It was very painful and he started bleeding. However, fearing that if he moved his legs, he would awaken Parshuram, he did not move at all and continued to suffer. When Parshuram woke up, he saw Karna bleeding.

Physical pain

He asked, Son, tell me truthfully who you are? A Brahmin cannot suffer so much physical pain. Only a kshattriya (the warrior tribe) can endure so much discomfort. Karna was obliged to disclose his identity. Parshuram was greatly annoyed because he was a sworn enemy of Kshattriyas.

Cursed Karna

He therefore cursed Karna that as he had learnt through deceit, he shall forget the vidya (skill) which Parshuram had taught him at the crucial juncture.

Kauravas

Duryodhana and his 99 brothers were jealous and sworn enemies of their cousins, the Pandava brothers (King Panadava’s sons). Meanwhile Duryodhan, the son of Pandus brother (and now king) Dhritrashtra patronised Karna and made him the king of Angadesh.

Duryodhan and Karna

Duryodhan, in fact, built him up as a counterweight to Arjuna. On the eve of the famous Mahabharata battle, Lord Indra, the rain God and king of heavens, disguised as an old Brahmin went to Karna and asked for his Kavach and Kundal in daan (donation).

Indra and Karna

Indra was apprehensive that Karna, by virtue of his phenomenal skills as a warrior, may be able to overwhelm Arjuna. He therefore asked for this gift so as to reduce his strength.

Sun God’s Son

Karna had been cautioned by the Sun God that Lord Indra was going to make some such move. But Karna was so large hearted that he could not refuse anyone.

Karna known as Danveer

Knowing fully well, that Indra was playing a trick on him disguised as a Brahmin, he yet parted with his Kavach and Kundal, which were parts of his body since birth and which made him invincible.

Very Powerful Karna

Lord Indra was taken a back at Karna’s capacity to give away anything asked for. He said, Karna, what you have done today, no ordinary mortal could have done. I am immensely pleased with your generosity. You can ask for any vardaan.

Very Potential

Karna said, If you are really pleased with me, then you may kindly give me your weapon Shakti which has the potential to destroy any enemy. Lord Indra gave Shakti to Karna with the proviso however that he could use it only once and that thereafter the weapon shall return to him (Lord Indra).

Face to Face

Pashurams curse was to prove Karnas undoing. At the Kurukshetra battle, when face to face with Arjuna, Karna forgot the Brahmastra mantra taught to him by Parshuram.

Arjuna Defeated Him

The wheels of his chariot sank in soft earth and he was immobilised. At that time, Arjuna defeated him. While Karna was on his deathbed, Lord Indra and Surya had a dispute regarding Karna’s generosity and to settle the same they came disguised as beggars.

Karna’s Effect

Karna responded to the beggars by saying that he had nothing left to give, to which the beggars replied that he still had some gold in his tooth which would be valuable to them.

Broke the Tooth

On realizing that fact, Karna took a stone and broke the tooth with the gold and gave it to the beggars, epitomising the “way of life” he led.

 End of Karna

That was the end of Karna, one of the greatest warriors of Mahabharata who was also the greatest daanveer.

Karna: The Daanveer

A man who would never refuse the request for any gift or donation, howsoever costly that might be and irrespective of the consequences of giving to his own well being or security.

The Unsung Hero Karna Role in Mahabharatha

Everyone who has heard of the Mahabharatha knows about Karna. He was known not just for his prowess in war and his skills in archery, but for his habit of donating whatever anyone asked of him. That’s why he was known as Daanveer. There are a few stories in the Mahabharatha that clearly reveal what a generous soul he was.

5 Inspiring Stories Of Karna in Mahabharatham

1. Yudhisthira vs. Karna

Once it so happened that Arjuna asked Krishna why he is called the Danveer and Yudhisthira the Dharamraj. As always, Krishna just smiled and did not say anything. He disguised himself and Arjuna as Brahmins and paid a visit to Yudhisthira first. He asked for sandalwood to cook food. Yudhisthira tried his best to procure dry sandalwood, but since it was raining heavily, he could not. He apologized profusely to the ‘Brahmins’ and they had to return empty handed. The next visit was obviously to Karna. Krishna demanded the same thing of Karna too – dry sandalwood. Karna too could not find a dry log of sandalwood. But he did not turn the Brahmins away with an apology. He cut down the doors of his palace that were made of sandalwood and handed the pile of wood over to the Brahmins. Arjuna was rendered speechless, to say the least.

2. Arjuna vs. Karna

Though Krishna was very close to Arjuna, he admired Karna a lot and used to praise him a lot in front of Arjuna. Arjuna was not much pleased with this and asked Krishna why he did so. In response, Krishna turned two mountains into gold. He gave one each to Karna and Arjuna and told them to divide the gold equally with the nearby villagers.

Arjuna in a quest to prove to Krishna that he was better than he began to dig the gold from the mountain and began to divide it among the villagers. No matter how much gold he dug and gave away, the mountain remained the same and did not reduce a bit. Arjuna started feeling tired. In the meantime, Karna called two villagers and told them to divide the gold equally among the villagers and went on his way.

The omniscient Krishna explained to Arjuna what had happened. He said that Arjuna was not giving away the gold willingly as the villagers had not done anything to deserve the gold. He also wanted to be the one giving away the gold. Karna, on the other hand, did not care about the gold and just gave it away without a moment’s hesitation and walked away.

3. Duryodhana vs. Karna

Duryodhana too was jealous of the fame of Karna as a Daanveer. So heeding the advice of his Uncle Shakuni, he tied a dharm daja (flag) and started donating to people. He told the people to go around and tell everyone what a great Daanveer he was. Karna, on the other hand, did not care about any fame or name. So the people still said good things about Karna. As was his way, Lord Krishna took the guise of an old, ugly looking Brahmin with blood oozing out of his body in many places and went to Hastinapur to meet Duryodhana first. When Duryodhana asked him what he wanted, he said that he was going on a yatra (journey) and that he wanted to go on foot.

He also said that he wanted to switch bodies with Duryodhana with a mantra he knew so that he could have a healthy body to walk with. He also said that once he completed his yatra, he would give back his body to him.

Duryodhana immediately replied that he would have to ask his Banumati who was the master of his body, first. Banumati on seeing the ugly old Brahmin screamed and shouted at her husband how he could even think of switching bodies with the ugly old man. She also asked him to take down the dharm daja and stop giving away gold. Krishna went away saying that Duryodhana should not pretend to be daanveer anymore.

He then went to meet Karna and put forth the same demand to him. Karna did not hesitate even for a single moment. He offered his body to the Brahmin instantly. But Krishna in the guise of the Brahmin said that Karna has to seek his wife’s permission. Karna replied that to do good deeds, one need not seek the wife’s permission. But when Krishna insisted upon it, Karna sought his wife’s permission. Karna’s wife also did not hesitate and told her husband that he could go ahead and give the Brahmin his body. When Krishna asked her why she wanted to switch her husband’s body with such an ugly body, she calmly replied: Please accept my husband’s body.

When you go on a yatra with my husband’s body, it will be purified. In the meantime, I will be able to take good care of your body as well. When he offered Karna a boon, all he asked was his Bhakti and to see him at his death. Karna’s wife too wanted the same.

4. Karna’s daan on the eve of the Kurukshetra war

Lord Indra, Arjuna’s father was apprehensive about Karna’s phenomenal skills as a warrior. He appeared before he disguised as an old Brahmin on the eve of the Kurukshetra war. Then he asked him for his Kavach(armor) and Kundal (earrings) in daan. Indra, therefore, asked this daan to reduce Karna’s strength. In spite of being cautioned about his by his father Surya, the ever generous Karna tored off his Kavach and Kundal off his body and donated them to Indra. Lord Indra was immensely pleased with his generosity and blessed him.

5. Karna’s final daan

In an ultimate test of his daan, Krishna, disguised as a beggar, came to Karna when he was on his death bed and asked for alms. Karna who did not have anything with him and asked the beggar to go to his wife and get anything he desired. However, the beggar indicated that Karna had a golden tooth. He immediately took a stone and broke his golden tooth and offered it to the beggar. However, the beggar said that the tooth was dirty. He shot an arrow and made it rain and washed the tooth and gave it to the beggar. Lord Krishna who had appeared as promised earlier at Karna’s time of death blessed him saying that he would always be remembered for his daan and veer.

Thus Karna was always such a generous soul who did not hesitate in giving to others what he had. Is Karna your favourite character from Mahabharatha too? 

True Daan: A Combination of Detachment and Desire

 Understanding Daan

“Giving back to the community” takes on different meanings for different people. To some, it can be simply volunteering at the local library. For others, it could mean making a $10 donation to an animal shelter in their town. No matter what form it takes, the act of giving involves letting go. This practice of detachment, or Aparigraha, is one of the core pillars of Jainism. Aparigraha is emphasized through Daan (charity), and it revolves around letting go of materialistic attachments. There are 4 types of Daan: Ähär Daan (giving food), Aushadh Daan (giving medicine), Shästra Daan (giving knowledge), and Abhaya Daan (giving shelter).

While one kind of Daan isn’t considered to be more worthy than the other, the merits of one’s charitable act can be considered in the context of one’s circumstances. The story of Bhimo Kundaliyo, which took place around 900 years ago, shows how even the smallest acts of charity can be memorialized forever.

Purushartha: The 4 Aims of Human Life

“If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you. If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.” ~ Christ

The Purusharthas are the inherent values of the Universe: Artha (economic values), Kama (pleasure), Dharma (righteousness), and Moksha (liberation). The Purusharthas are the blueprint for human fulfillment. Working with them helps you create a satisfyingly balanced, meaningful life at the deepest and most holistic level. They offer a way for evaluating your life and making good decisions. Knowing your goals brings meaning to your spiritual practice.

Purushatha means “for the purpose of the Self. Take a moment and ask yourself, ‘Am I managing my life in a way to support my spiritual growth?’ and ‘What do I really, really want at the level of my Soul?’”

The original Vedic texts only suggested the three goals of Dharma, Artha, and Kama. In the later Upanishadic era, when people began to seek higher consciousness, the fourth goal of Moksha was added. Although the first three are somewhat interwoven, it is felt that the “right action” of Dharma is a necessary requirement for Artha to be meaningful and the abundance of Artha will be needed to support Kama. The path to liberation or enlightenment of Moksha is supported by the harmonious interaction of Dharma, Artha, and Kama.

1. Dharma

Dharma means truth, the right way of living, and human behaviors considered necessary for the order of things in the world. On a grander scale, it refers to the cosmic law or rules that created the Universe from chaos.

On an individual level, you can think of Dharma as your true purpose in life or the ethical basis on which you live your life. It is also:

Being conscious in your actions, words, and thoughts.

Having compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others.

Being awake to the existence of the Divine within you.

Ultimately, Dharma leads you to remember who you really are.

Dharma also brings stability and order, a life that is lawful and harmonious, and the striving to do the right thing, to be virtuous, to be helpful to others, and to interact successfully with society. The great Indian text, The Bhagavad Gita says, “The greatest dereliction of Dharma is to desert the helpless in their time of need.”

Vedanta tells us that you can discover your Dharma by studying sacred teachings from the examples of highly evolved people, reflecting on and following what satisfies your heart, and listening to your deepest inner feelings.

We suggest asking your heart, “What is my purpose, how can I serve?” Just silently ask the question and listen to whatever answer arises, without evaluation or judgment. We also recommend making two lists, one of all the things you are good at and the other of all the things you really enjoy doing. The items that are on both lists will give you a clue to your Dharma or the path to follow.

The Bhagavad Gita also says, “Better your own Dharma though imperfect than the Dharma of another done perfectly.” This means that you need to find your own truth and even though you may make mistakes along the way, this is still preferable to trying to copy others.

Vedanta tells us that you will know when you are in Dharma when your actions are spontaneously correct, you automatically know what to do in any situation, you are in harmony with and your life is supported by everything around you, you feel complete within yourself, and life becomes effortless.

Dharma is considered the first of the Purusharthas because without it, Artha and Kama can easily become self-destructive. However, Artha and Kama, when balanced, also serve to support your Dharmic Path and eventually your outward Dharma leads you to inner Moksha.

2. Artha

Artha is the security of having the material comfort you need to live in the world with ease. While some people think that to be spiritual means to be poor, Artha is not about rejecting the world, but being content with the things you own. It’s to live skillfully in a world of material objects that exist for your benefit.

Artha is one of the basic human dignities—to have enough assets to live on and care for your family, without hoarding or being greedy. Artha guides you to ask the question, “What do I see as truly valuable?”

Needs vary from person to person. Artha includes everything in your environment that allows you to live a fulfilling life and also the means to achieve it. It includes knowledge, friendships, love, career, skills, good health, and prosperity. The Upanishads tell us, “There is no joy in smallness, joy is in the infinite.”

Artha provides the foundation for Dharma and Kama. Without prosperity and security in society or at the individual level, both moral life and sensuality become difficult. However, it’s important that your “worldly success” doesn’t violate the moral responsibility of your Dharma and your journey toward Moksha (spiritual liberation).

Ultimately, Artha is the pursuit of activities and means necessary for a joyous and pleasurable life. Vedanta says that you should:

Discover a way so money runs after you and not vice versa.

Do work that is compatible to your nature and capabilities.

Do work that serves society.

Do work you really love.

Trust in the infinite organizing power of the Universe.

Paramhansa Yogananda said, “Seek spiritual riches within. What you are is much greater than anything or anyone else you have ever yearned for. And remember, the fear of not having, disguises the reality that we have everything.”

3. Kama

The desire for pleasure is what drives human behavior. A life without pleasure and enjoyment is hollow and empty.

Kama relates to this pleasure, which can be sensuality, but is also art, music, beauty, love, intimacy, affection, fellowship, and kindness—it’s what brings a sense of delight to your life. The right kinds of pleasure lead you toward your Dharma and help you fulfill it with passion. Kama is good and necessary when it exists to support Dharma and becomes part of the richness of life. However, excessive Kama can lead to overindulgence, addiction, sloth, greed, and lust.

To successfully practice Kama, you must ask, “Are my pleasures aligned with my life’s purpose?” The Upanishads tell us, “As is your desire so is your will, as is your will so is your deed, as is your deed so is your destiny and You are what your deep driving desire is.”

Many Westerners were introduced to Kama when the ancient Indian text, The Kama Sutra, became popular. Unfortunately, it was generally misinterpreted as a sex manual; it is actually a guide to a virtuous and gracious living that discusses the nature of love, family life, and other aspects pertaining to pleasure-oriented faculties of human life. In truth, it depicts Kama as an essential and joyful aspect of human existence.

To practice Kama from a yogic perspective means to practice being fully present with whatever you’re experiencing. Kama is a total sensory experience that includes discovering the object, learning about the object, establishing emotional connection, learning the process of enjoyment, and experiencing the resulting feeling of well-being before, during, and after the experience.

Vedanta warns us that Kama should be followed with thought, care, caution, and enthusiasm, and be free from worries and egotistical problems. Know and seek which pleasures are saturated with Divine Consciousness and are drenched in the ecstasies of the soul. Ultimately, the highest Kama is the longing for Oneness with the Divine.

4. Moksha

When you live your Dharma, fully supported by Artha and Kama, Moksha or the final liberation dawns.

Moksha is your true nature—it’s who you really are. It includes:

Emancipation.

Liberation.

Freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Freedom from ignorance.

Self-realization and self-knowledge.

Consciousness of the Oneness of the Supreme Soul.

The removal of obstacles to an unrestricted life.

Access to our full human potential of creativity, compassion, and understanding.

Vedanta tells us that liberation comes to those who know Brahman as that which is the origin and end of all things, the universal principle behind and at source of everything that exists, and the consciousness that pervades everything and everyone.

Such realization comes from self-knowledge and self-discipline. Moksha is self-discipline that is so perfect that it becomes unconscious, second nature, an unworldly understanding, and a state of bliss. This liberation comes from a life lived with inner purity, alert mind, led by reason, intelligence, and realization of the Supreme Self who dwells in all beings. As the poet Rumi says, “The whole Universe exists within us, ask all from yourself.” While Lao Tzu tells us, “Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.”

Moksha is seen as a final release from life’s illusion. The Upanishads describe the liberated individual as one who treats others with respect (regardless of how others treat him/her); returns anger with soft and kind words; doesn’t expect praise from others; never injures or harms any life form; is as comfortable being alone as in the presence of others; and is humble of clear and steady mind, straightforward, compassionate, and patient.

Your journey through the Purusharthas is beautifully summarized by Swami Chinmayananda, “May your life be simple and pure so you know only beauty. May your mind be clear and quiet so you speak only of Truth. May your heart be filled with love and compassion so you radiate Light to all you meet. May all you do be blessed with Divine Grace.”

“If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you. If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.” ~ Christ

The Purusharthas are the inherent values of the Universe: Artha (economic values), Kama (pleasure), Dharma (righteousness), and Moksha (liberation). The Purusharthas are the blueprint for human fulfillment. Working with them helps you create a satisfyingly balanced, meaningful life at the deepest and most holistic level. They offer a way for evaluating your life and making good decisions. Knowing your goals brings meaning to your spiritual practice.

Purushatha means “for the purpose of the Self. Take a moment and ask yourself, ‘Am I managing my life in a way to support my spiritual growth?’ and ‘What do I really, really want at the level of my Soul?’”

The original Vedic texts only suggested the three goals of Dharma, Artha, and Kama. In the later Upanishadic era, when people began to seek higher consciousness, the fourth goal of Moksha was added. Although the first three are somewhat interwoven, it is felt that the “right action” of Dharma is a necessary requirement for Artha to be meaningful and the abundance of Artha will be needed to support Kama. The path to liberation or enlightenment of Moksha is supported by the harmonious interaction of Dharma, Artha, and Kama.

1. Dharma

Dharma means truth, the right way of living, and human behaviors considered necessary for the order of things in the world. On a grander scale, it refers to the cosmic law or rules that created the Universe from chaos.

On an individual level, you can think of Dharma as your true purpose in life or the ethical basis on which you live your life. It is also:

Being conscious in your actions, words, and thoughts.

Having compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others.

Being awake to the existence of the Divine within you.

Ultimately, Dharma leads you to remember who you really are.

Dharma also brings stability and order, a life that is lawful and harmonious, and the striving to do the right thing, to be virtuous, to be helpful to others, and to interact successfully with society. The great Indian text, The Bhagavad Gita says, “The greatest dereliction of Dharma is to desert the helpless in their time of need.”

Vedanta tells us that you can discover your Dharma by studying sacred teachings from the examples of highly evolved people, reflecting on and following what satisfies your heart, and listening to your deepest inner feelings.

We suggest asking your heart, “What is my purpose, how can I serve?” Just silently ask the question and listen to whatever answer arises, without evaluation or judgment. We also recommend making two lists, one of all the things you are good at and the other of all the things you really enjoy doing. The items that are on both lists will give you a clue to your Dharma or the path to follow.

The Bhagavad Gita also says, “Better your own Dharma though imperfect than the Dharma of another done perfectly.” This means that you need to find your own truth and even though you may make mistakes along the way, this is still preferable to trying to copy others.

Vedanta tells us that you will know when you are in Dharma when your actions are spontaneously correct, you automatically know what to do in any situation, you are in harmony with and your life is supported by everything around you, you feel complete within yourself, and life becomes effortless.

Dharma is considered the first of the Purusharthas because without it, Artha and Kama can easily become self-destructive. However, Artha and Kama, when balanced, also serve to support your Dharmic Path and eventually your outward Dharma leads you to inner Moksha.

2. Artha

Artha is the security of having the material comfort you need to live in the world with ease. While some people think that to be spiritual means to be poor, Artha is not about rejecting the world, but being content with the things you own. It’s to live skillfully in a world of material objects that exist for your benefit.

Artha is one of the basic human dignities—to have enough assets to live on and care for your family, without hoarding or being greedy. Artha guides you to ask the question, “What do I see as truly valuable?”

Needs vary from person to person. Artha includes everything in your environment that allows you to live a fulfilling life and also the means to achieve it. It includes knowledge, friendships, love, career, skills, good health, and prosperity. The Upanishads tell us, “There is no joy in smallness, joy is in the infinite.”

Artha provides the foundation for Dharma and Kama. Without prosperity and security in society or at the individual level, both moral life and sensuality become difficult. However, it’s important that your “worldly success” doesn’t violate the moral responsibility of your Dharma and your journey toward Moksha (spiritual liberation).

Ultimately, Artha is the pursuit of activities and means necessary for a joyous and pleasurable life. Vedanta says that you should:

Discover a way so money runs after you and not vice versa.

Do work that is compatible to your nature and capabilities.

Do work that serves society.

Do work you really love.

Trust in the infinite organizing power of the Universe.

Paramhansa Yogananda said, “Seek spiritual riches within. What you are is much greater than anything or anyone else you have ever yearned for. And remember, the fear of not having, disguises the reality that we have everything.”

3. Kama

The desire for pleasure is what drives human behavior. A life without pleasure and enjoyment is hollow and empty.

Kama relates to this pleasure, which can be sensuality, but is also art, music, beauty, love, intimacy, affection, fellowship, and kindness—it’s what brings a sense of delight to your life. The right kinds of pleasure lead you toward your Dharma and help you fulfill it with passion. Kama is good and necessary when it exists to support Dharma and becomes part of the richness of life. However, excessive Kama can lead to overindulgence, addiction, sloth, greed, and lust.

To successfully practice Kama, you must ask, “Are my pleasures aligned with my life’s purpose?” The Upanishads tell us, “As is your desire so is your will, as is your will so is your deed, as is your deed so is your destiny and You are what your deep driving desire is.”

Many Westerners were introduced to Kama when the ancient Indian text, The Kama Sutra, became popular. Unfortunately, it was generally misinterpreted as a sex manual; it is actually a guide to a virtuous and gracious living that discusses the nature of love, family life, and other aspects pertaining to pleasure-oriented faculties of human life. In truth, it depicts Kama as an essential and joyful aspect of human existence.

To practice Kama from a yogic perspective means to practice being fully present with whatever you’re experiencing. Kama is a total sensory experience that includes discovering the object, learning about the object, establishing emotional connection, learning the process of enjoyment, and experiencing the resulting feeling of well-being before, during, and after the experience.

Vedanta warns us that Kama should be followed with thought, care, caution, and enthusiasm, and be free from worries and egotistical problems. Know and seek which pleasures are saturated with Divine Consciousness and are drenched in the ecstasies of the soul. Ultimately, the highest Kama is the longing for Oneness with the Divine.

4. Moksha

When you live your Dharma, fully supported by Artha and Kama, Moksha or the final liberation dawns.

Moksha is your true nature—it’s who you really are. It includes:

Emancipation.

Liberation.

Freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Freedom from ignorance.

Self-realization and self-knowledge.

Consciousness of the Oneness of the Supreme Soul.

The removal of obstacles to an unrestricted life.

Access to our full human potential of creativity, compassion, and understanding.

Vedanta tells us that liberation comes to those who know Brahman as that which is the origin and end of all things, the universal principle behind and at source of everything that exists, and the consciousness that pervades everything and everyone.

Such realization comes from self-knowledge and self-discipline. Moksha is self-discipline that is so perfect that it becomes unconscious, second nature, an unworldly understanding, and a state of bliss. This liberation comes from a life lived with inner purity, alert mind, led by reason, intelligence, and realization of the Supreme Self who dwells in all beings. As the poet Rumi says, “The whole Universe exists within us, ask all from yourself.” While Lao Tzu tells us, “Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.”

Moksha is seen as a final release from life’s illusion. The Upanishads describe the liberated individual as one who treats others with respect (regardless of how others treat him/her); returns anger with soft and kind words; doesn’t expect praise from others; never injures or harms any life form; is as comfortable being alone as in the presence of others; and is humble of clear and steady mind, straightforward, compassionate, and patient.

Your journey through the Purusharthas is beautifully summarized by Swami Chinmayananda, “May your life be simple and pure so you know only beauty. May your mind be clear and quiet so you speak only of Truth. May your heart be filled with love and compassion so you radiate Light to all you meet. May all you do be blessed with Divine Grace.”

Goodwill from the charity, healing from nonviolence and service to Brahmins leads to the attainment of state and extreme bravery. A person gets renewable fame by donating water. By giving food, man gets full satisfaction from work and enjoyment. A Giver receives all meaning, work and salvation in life. Any donation given in Kali-yuga is salvation. The end of the glory of charity is not the end of Karna from the world.

When a person has any aspect of Saturn in the lagna, third, eighth or destiny place and any kind of Guru’s vision on that, then such people lead a life of convenience. Along with this, planetary yoga also gives them success and value in life.

According to Skandpuran, food is Brahma and everyone’s life is reputed in the food itself. Therefore, it is clear that food is the main basis of life. Annadan is considered to be the best and virtuous. In religion, no chanting, penance or sacrifice etc. is complete without a food donation. Food is the only thing that satisfies the body as well as the soul. That is why it is said that if you have to donate something then donate food. Giving food is very beneficial.

Donation should always be done as per your wish. Donation made under any pressure never gives auspicious results.

Whatever items are given in charity, they should always be of the best class or at least the same as you use yourself. Low-class items should not be donated.

donations should always be given to the person who is deprivation and deserving. Donating to a rich person is not fruitful.

If you want to donate to a Brahmin, then keep in mind that the Brahmin is sattvic, virtuous and a devotee of God. Donating to a Non-religious Brahmin is fruitless.

If you have to donate for the planets, then donate the same planet which is troublesome. Donating to favourable planets can put you in trouble.

Before donating to an outsider, consider whether there is an absence in your family. First, arrange a dependent on yourself, then donate.

Donation is considered the simplest and best means to get rid of all the misdeeds done in life. The importance of charity is described in the Vedas and Puranas. This is the reason that in the thousands of years old Hindu religion, even today the ritual of donating various things is followed. Nowadays donations are generally done keeping in mind astrological remedies.

Charity work

You must have heard that in order to pacify the different planets of the horoscope, different types of charity work are done. We donate things according to what astrologers tell us.

According to our scriptures, if the world’s largest donation is anything, it is Annadan(food). This world is made of the food itself and its creations are being followed only with the help of food. Food is the only thing that satisfies the body as well as the soul.

The Significance of Pind Daan:

Introduction:

Cultures are the integral part of humans in Hindu religion, throughout human history, cultures and societies have held a deep reverence for their ancestors. Today in this article we are going to talk about one of the most profound rituals that underscores this reverence is the practice of Pind Daan, a sacred pooja that is performed in various parts of the world. Pind Daan is a ritual that is offered as an honor to departed ancestors, for their salvation ( to free their souls from the cycle of rebirth) and bestow them with eternal peace. This article delves into the significance of Pind Daan.

Understanding Pind Daan:

Pind Daan, also known as Pind Pradhan, Tarpan or Shraadh, is an integral part of Hindu funeral rites. It is based on the belief that the soul of a departed person enters the realm of Pitru-loka (ancestral realm) after death. In this ceremony, food, water, and other items are offerd to appease the departed ancestors. The term “Pind” refers to a round dough-like ball made of barley flour, while “Daan” means offering or gift. Together, Pind Daan symbolizes the act of giving sustenance to the souls of departed ancestors in the afterlife.

Cultural Significance:

In Hinduism, Pind Daan holds immense cultural significance and is considered a sacred duty of the living descendants. It is believed that performing Pind Daan helps maintain the bond between the living and the deceased, fostering a sense of continuity and unity within the family. By honoring their ancestors, Hindus acknowledge the debt of gratitude and seek blessings, guidance, and protection from the departed souls.

Spiritual Beliefs:

The underlying spiritual belief behind Pind Daan is rooted in the concept of karma and the cycle of birth and rebirth from the world(samsara). Hinduism teaches that a person’s karma in this life influences their subsequent rebirth, and performing Pind Daan is thought to influence the spiritual journey of the departed souls. By offering Pind to ancestors, it is believed that their negative karma may be mitigated, potentially leading to a freedom from the cycle of birth.

Release from Earthly Ties:

Pind Daan also serves as a way to release the souls of the departed from their earthly ties. The rituals are performed on specific dates, such as during the Pitru Paksha period in Hinduism, when the boundaries between the realms of the living and the dead are believed to be thin. This ritual act helps ensure that the souls of the ancestors can move on to the afterlife without any lingering attachments, allowing them to rest in peace.

Emotional Closure and Healing:

Beyond its spiritual and cultural significance, Pind Daan holds profound emotional importance for grieving families. The ceremony provides a structured way for families to express their love, gratitude, and remembrance for their departed loved ones. Through the act of offering food, water, and prayers, families find a sense of closure and healing, knowing that they have fulfilled their responsibilities towards their ancestors. Pind Daan is a ritual that aids in the grieving process and helps individuals come to terms with loss.

Conclusion:

The practice of Pind Daan stands as a constant reminder of the enduring connection between the living and the departed. It is confluence of beliefs, culture, and spirituality that defines Hinduism and provides a profound mechanism for paying homage to one’s ancestors. Pind Daan not only holds cultural and spiritual significance but also offers emotional healing and closure to families grappling with the loss of loved ones. In a world where traditions evolve, the enduring practice of Pind Daan continues to serve as a bridge between the realms of the living and the dead, a testament to the enduring power of ancestral reverence.

Things to remember while doing Daan

The concept of daan

The concept of daan is based on a simple Newton law —- “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”. Also, there is a saying that “what goes around, comes around” — the more you give, the more it comes back to you. However, before you do any kind of daan, keep these things in mind.

The lucky Daan

It is said that donating grains, water, clothes, sitting mat (aasan) or feeding a cow or horse is known to turn enemies into friends. This daan also gives you a peaceful life after death.

Family members

A person who does daan while hurting his wife, son and family will never redeem the effects of the Daan, in fact the Daan will have a negative effect on him.

Going to a person’s house

It is said that instead of inviting a needy person to your house, going to his house and doing daan will earn you rich dividends.

Stopping someone

It is said that a person who is donating things to a cow, brahmin or a sick person should never be stopped from doing so. A person who does this will be cursed

Donating from the hand

It is said that the process of donating sesame seeds, water and rice should be done with hand and not in any container.

The directions

It is said that the person doing daan should face the east while doing the daan and the person receiving the daan should face the north — it is said that doing so increases the life span of both the persons.

Rice daan

Whenever you donate some rice, make sure to donate some til (sesame) seeds as well with it. This will double the effect of the daan.

Daan

Apart from physical daan, a person should also invest in other forms of daan, such as getting a school or hospital constructed or paying for the meal of poor children.

One person

It is said that only one person at a time should be given things like clothes or food. After that person’s turn is over, the next daan can be done.

Cow-daan

It is said that gau daan is the biggest daan of them all — if you can’t manage a gau daan (feeding the cow), then you could feed the poor, sick or wash the feet of a learned and religious man.

Mahaan Daan

Any daan done for the poor, orphan, blind, deaf and mute, handicapped or sick is considered to be maha daan.

Learned Brahmin

It is said that a learned Brahmin should not do the usual daan — he could however do other types of daan such as getting a school or hospital constructed.

Negating your sins

It is said that gau daan along with daan of gold, silver, emeralds, milk, food grains and land is known as mahadaan. Not only these, feeding a girl child or a poor, sick and handicapped person is also known as maha daan.

How does Daan work?

It is said that the Universe is one —- anything that you give to the Universe will ultimately come back to you and that is exactly the whole theory behind doing daan.

Just like the ocean

It is said that just like the ocean does not keep anything that is given to it, similarly no daan goes unnoticed — anything you give to the Universe will come back to you, in one way or the other.

The Law of Karma

More than Newton’s law, the law of karma comes into force through daan — do good and then wait for the Universe to give it back to you.

Don’t think

Daan also works on this theory — if you see a poor person in need, you should immediately help him, without thinking how he got into that condition and how doing the daan will help you. You should not think of the circumstances while doing daan.

Non judgemental

So basically, while doing daan, don’t be judgemental and keep going good . If your heart is pure, then the good will come back to you.

Peace of mind

Finally, doing daan will give you peace of mind and a sense of happiness — what more you get out of it depends on your karma and the purity of your heart.

Hindu Dharma and Organ Donation A guide to organ donation and Hindu beliefs

Organ donation

Organ donation is the gift of an organ to help someone else who needs a transplant. Hundreds of people’s lives are saved each year by organ transplants. Organs that can be donated by people who have died include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small bowel. Tissue such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas can also be used to help others.

When can organ donation take place?

 Doctors and nurses are committed to doing everything possible to save life. Organs are only removed for transplantation once all attempts to save life have failed and after death has been certified by a doctor or doctors who are entirely independent of the transplant team.

Most donated organs come from people who die from a severe brain injury and who receive treatment on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. The brain injury damages vital centres in the brain stem which are essential to maintain life. No one can live once these centres have been destroyed. Tests can show conclusively when this has happened

 In some circumstances, patients who die in hospital but are not on a ventilator may also donate. They are called non-heartbeating donors.

Sometimes people who do not die in hospital can become tissue donors.

Consent

The consent, or lack of objection, of those closest to the patient is always sought before organs can be donated. This is why it is so important for people to discuss their wishes with their loved ones. Donation is an individual choice and views differ even within the same religious groups. Many families who agree to organ donation have said that it helps to know some good has come from their loss.

Care and respect

 The removal of organs is carried out with the greatest care and respect. The family can see the body afterwards and staff can contact a chaplain or local religious leader if the family wishes.

Hindu Dharma and organ donation

There are many references that support the concept of organ donation in Hindu scriptures. Daan is the original word in Sanskrit for donation meaning selfless giving. In the list of the ten Niyamas (virtuous acts) Daan comes third.

Life after death is a strong belief of Hindus and is an ongoing process of rebirth. The law of karma decides which way the soul will go in the next life

 

Daan – Makara Sankranti (Donate)

The festival of Makar Sankranti is dedicated to the sun god. It is observed by Hindus on 14th January each year. The auspicious day marks the transit of the sun into the Capricorn, also known as Makara. The day also marks the beginning of Uttarayana, a six-month auspicious period.

One of the most special aspects of this festival is to do charity and help the needy and poor. People donate various items to the underprivileged. Some of the main items which are donated on this day include warm clothes, blankets, food, metal utensils and so on. For Hindus donation is an important part of one’s religious duty (dharma) and each person has dharma towards the society, the whole world and all the living beings besides his own family. Although we can do charity on any day of the year, the value of doing charity on this day is considered to be much more fruitful.

Through a simple act of donation (dana) you can spread joy among the deprived people and enrich your own self. So, donate on Makar Sankranti selflessly and increase the effectiveness of the dana.

What is Pind daan

Introduction:

Hinduism is often referred to as a “way of life” or a “family of religions” rather than a single, organized religion because it embraces a wide range of religious ideas. Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic, worshiping a single deity known as “Brahman” while recognizing the existence of other gods and goddesses. Hindus believe in concepts such as sansara (the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation) and karma (the law of cause and effect). The fundamental belief in Hinduism is the existence of the soul, referred to as atma (soul) which is considered part of the supreme soul.

What is pind daan?

According to Hinduism, after the death of someone, soul of that human being remains in this materialistic world because of the loss of body someone cannot detach himself. someone cannot detach himself from this world. The kindness, affection for his / her family, friends, relatives for the materialistic world prevent him from ultimate departure. Just because of this, being in a bodiless state that man does not get salvation. They cannot make themselves free from this materialistic world. According to Hindu religion Pind daan Gives them an ultimate relief and paves the way for their departure to the ultimate world of Peace. There are few places where Pind daan is performed and the major places are Varanasi, Gaya, Avantika, Pushkar etc. but Gaya is Holiest place for offering Pinds. Pinds are offered on the Footprint of Lord Vishnu to appease him, on Akshaya Vot and beside the river Falgu these after life rituals are majorly performed for the salvation of their departed loved one’s. If someone dies with unnatural death like accident, suicide, murder or get killed then his/her unsatisfied spirit can never be free from this materialistic world. That person’s soul comes in many ways to frighten their loved one’s so let them be free from this materialistic world Pind daan is performed.

How Pind daan is performed?

There are three rins for which pind daan is performed:

1.PitraRin: This debt is acquired from ancestors, and it is believed that as one enjoys the name, fame, and wealth earned by their ancestors, they are equally indebted to them. Performing Pind daan ritual helps them to repay this debt.

2.DevRin: This debt refers to the obligations towards deities who provide the necessities of life.

3.RishiRin: Rishi Rin includes few things like offering of hospitality and respect and charitable donations.

Way Of Performing Pind daan:

To perform Pind Daan, it is said that it should be done with the guidance of expert purohits who can understand the specific requirements and perform all the rituals according to religious procedures. Pind daan involve offering pinds (rice balls) and performing pooja on the holy banks of river Ganga. Performing Pind Daan in Kashi/Gaya is believed to purify the deceased soul and aid in its journey towards salvation. In all the best pind daan places in India our foundation helps you to perform all these after life rituals in a pious way with their scholar purohits. Mahatarpan works at every major pind daan place in both ways online and offline, if you cannot come to perform these rituals, our purohits perform these pujas on your behalf.

Conclusion:

Pind daan is a tradition that is performed for the liberty of the souls from the cycle of rebirth of our departed elders, pind daan is performed on the basis of the place where it is performed but there are some famous places where this ritual is performed such as Varanasi, Gaya, Ujjain, Prayagraj and Haridwar. This ritual can be performed in both way either in person or remotely. There are many foundations working for the traditions of Hindus so that this community can be connected with their religion, “Mahatarpan is one of the best foundation having the learned purohits who helps hindus living in any corner of the world to perform all kind of rituals in a affordable price”.

What is Dana? (Donation)

Dana (दान) is a Sanskrit word which means giving up the ownership of  something  which the provider considers as his own and provides it to the recipient without expecting anything in return.

Note the word – “provider considers his own”.

Now what do you really own?

When you donate money to a street beggar, you are just transferring the currency to someone you think needs it. He will use it as he pleases but in this case, you did not give up something which you own. You do not own that currency, you are just a bearer and you have to pass that currency to someone else in exchange of goods.

Hindu mythology never considers donating money (“Artha”) as a “Donation” since money is basically a token of value which nobody owns. Even the Government does not own “Money” since “Money” or “Currency” has no physical existence of its own. It is just a container of “value” which is supposed to be exchanged with someone in exchange of something which has real world “value”.

There are 7 types of Donations, as per Hindu Mythology

1. Bhoomi Daan – The donation of land which the donator has acquired through his own merit, not inheritance.

2. Gau Daan – When one donates a cow, normally to a Brahman. The cow which has to be donated must be nourished by the man in his own house since its birth.

3. Kanyaa Daan – When one gives up his own daughter to a suitable groom. A Man’s Dharma is not complete unless he performs “Kanyadaan” so if he does not have a daughter of his own, he is supposed to adopt a girl child who is without a father and perform “Kanya daan” to a suitable groom.

4. Tulaa Daan – When one gives the material equal to ones weight which the provider has acquired by his own merit. Inherited products or goods cannot be donated to the recipient.

5. Vidyaa Daan – When one teaches somebody, something which he has learned through years of discipline and research.

6. Deep Daan – Lighting a lamp or many lamps in a temple or house by giving up lamps of his own house.

7. Shayyaa Daan – Donating bedding, especially to a girl when she is married to her husband OR to a dead man who is about to be cremated. The provider has to donate his own bedding and only then it will be considered a donation. If he goes to the market and purchases a bed, it becomes a “Gift”(“upahara”).

Please note that all the above donations are made without asking anything in return. So let’s say you are teaching a student and taking Rs.1000 as tuition charges per month. In that case, you are not doing “Vidya daan” since you are taking a remuneration in return. In this case, it becomes a “Fee” (“Dakshina” दक्षिणा).

There are many other types of Daan e.g “Ahara daan” (donating food) and “Aushadha-daan” (donating medicines) but some schools reject these donations on the basis that “Food” is not something which anyone can claim as his own. Food is produced by mother earth so it cannot be a “Daan”. It belongs to everybody.

There is a reason why there is no such thing as “Artha Daan” (the donation of money)

The reason is – when you donate money, the recipient can do whatever he wants to do with it, which defeats the very purpose of donation. A donation is considered a very pious act and the recipient should not disgrace it in any way. None of the above 7 donations can be disgraced in any way. But if you give money, the recipient can drink alcohol with that money or use that money for Gambling.

So if a Beggar is Hungry, you should not give him money. You should donate food to him. Better, donate him a source of food (“cow”). Donating a cow is better than giving him a meal since a cow will ensure he can use it for farming and then he can produce food for his entire family.

Helping those in need is the essence of daan. It could be one who is hungry, in need of knowledge, land or protection from danger. Feeding the hungry or teaching someone the Vedas are said to be the best types of daan. If a hungry man comes to your door, you should not immediately give him money. You should first perform “Ahara daan” (give him some food), then perform “Gau daan” (give him tools and resources so that he can fetch his own food and then do “Vidya daan” (enlighten him through knowledge).

Through this blog, I am doing “Vidya daan”. Whatever I have learned, I am giving it away for free. However, if I put advertisements on this website, it will defeat the whole purpose and it would not remain a “Daan”. Also note that I am delivering it to the one who asks for it, and not to just about anybody or lecturing my friends.

In short, you should donate to the ones who are in need and the donation needs to be proper. Your donation should provide value to the bearer and not just temporary solution. So if someone is failing to pass an exam, do not just donate a book. Take that student, understand where he is struggling, give him knowledge, take classes, observe his progress and slowly uplift the subject. That is the true form of “Donation”.

And to answer the last bit of your question, you should donate to anybody who is in need.  This could include your enemies and people you hate. There is no such thing as you should not donate to X and Y for Z reason. Donations should be made to anyone who is in need and the donation has to be proper.

Merely giving a book or a passing a 10 Rupee note is not a donation but maybe counted as “Giving alms” (“Bhiksha”). There is a huge difference between “Bhiksha” and “Dana”. “Bhiksha” does not count towards “Punya” but “Daan” does. Anyone can give “Bhiksha” but not everybody can give “Daan”.

According to Hindu scriptures, “Dana” is considered one of the building blocks of Virtuosity and character building. Vedas state that a virtuous life requires: Tapas (asceticism), Dana (charity), Arjava (straightforwardness), Ahimsa (non-injury to all sentinent beings) and Satyavachana (truthfulness).

Yaksha: Mrityu ke sameep hue purush ka mitra kaun hai? (Who is friend of the person close to his death?)

Yudhisthir:  Daan (Charity)

In hindsight, Yudhisthir is telling Yaksha that a person who does not donate has no real “Punya” to be earned and is soon forgotten after his death. “Daan”, in any form, keeps the subject alive even after his death.

Annadaan: Hindu Mandirs, Mathas, & Sansthans keep up the age-old Hindu tradition of feeding the hungry

 

Annadaan is considered to be the Sarva Shrestha of all Daanas in Hindu Dharma and is known as Mahadaan. Shastras say Annadaan earns merit and destroys sins of several births. Annadaan is a combination of the words Anna meaning food and Daan meaning to give or donate.

Importance of Annadaan

Our ancestors believed that hunger was the biggest evil and misfortune that could strike any person. The enjoyment derived from materialistic Daanas is short-lived and one may not be satisfied, food is the only item that completely satisfies the receiver.   

All Hindu Granthas including the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Dharma Sastras, among others emphasize the need for doing Annadaan. Puranas liken our stomach to the Agni Kund where Agni, which is one of the five elements that make up our body, resides. This belly fire regularly requires food.

The Vedas say Annadanam Samam Danam Trilokeshu Na Vidhathe meaning no Daan or charity is comparable to Annadaan making it the supremest of all forms of charity. Taittriya Upanishad says Annam Vai Pranah meaning all life force emerges from food.

We have often seen people and even animals irritated and frustrated due to hunger. When food is offered to any hungry being it not only fills the stomach but also satisfies the soul. “Annad Bhavanti Bhutani”, Bhagwan Krishna says in His Gitopadesh meaning all creation is nourished by food or has evolved from food. Therefore, Hindu Dharma regards satisfying any being’s hunger as the greatest form of Daan and Punya.

The importance Hindu Dharma gives to Annadaan is evident from the following shloka:

Gaja turaga Sahasram | Gokulam koti danam |

Kanaka Rajatha patram | Methini sagarantham |

Upaya kula vishuttam | Koti kanya pradanam |

Nahi nahi bahu danam| Annadanam samanam ||

Meaning: Even if one gifted 1000 elephants, horses or gifts 10 million cows or any number of vessels of silver and gold, gifts the entire land till the sea, offering the entire services of the clan, helps in the marriage of 10 million women, all this is never equal to Annadaan (feeding the needy).

“One who gives food gives all that is worth giving in this world”, Sri Varaha says in the Varaha Purana. “Do not send away anyone who comes to your door, without offering him food and hospitality”, advises Taittiriya Upanishad.

Story of Mata Annapurna

Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Parvati were once playing dice in Mount Kailash. In the course of the game, Bhagwan wagered and lost all His possessions one by one to Devi including His Trishul, serpent Vasuki, and Rudraksha among others. Humiliated by the defeat, Bhagwan wandered off to the Deodar Forest. Bhagwan Vishnu learned of Mahadev’s defeat and assured to help Him.

Mahadev went back and enticed Devi for another round of dice. This time He succeeded in winning back all that He had lost. Devi got suspicious and accused Mahadev of cheating. An argument ensued between them, and Sri Hari Vishnu arrived to pacify the couple. He said that the dice had been moving as per His (Vishnu’s) wishes and that everything was an illusion (Maya).

Mahadev told Mata that the entire nature and even food was a Maya. Since Mata was the mother of all material things including food, She was angered by this statement. “If I am just an illusion, let’s see how you and the rest of the world get along without me”, Devi angrily remarked and disappeared. Her disappearance created havoc in the universe and in the absence of food, all living beings, even Devas, suffered from terrible pangs of hunger.

Unable to see the sufferings of all beings, Devi appeared as Annapurna in Kashi and cooked and fed everyone including Mahadev. Bhagwan Adi Shankara extols Her in the Annapurna stotra. Adi Shankara says – Annapurne sadapurne sankara-pranavallabhe gyanavairagya siddhyartham bhiksham dehi cha Parvati meaning Annapurna Devi, Devi of Plentiful Food, you are Bhagwan Shiva’s eternal Consort, give us alms along with wisdom.    

Annadaan in Temples

In keeping with the age-old Hindu tradition every Hindu temple and Matha across the country has Annadaan seva. Most big temples have Nitya Annadaan (daily) while smaller ones might do it on certain special occasions. While most of us are aware of the langar seva in Gurudwaras, the Hindu temples silently feed the hungry.

Here are some temples, Mathas, and Sansthans where Annadaan is done every day:

1. Shegaon Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple Trust, Maharashtra: around 25,000 to 30,000 devotees are fed Mahaprasad at Shegaon alone.
2. Puri Jagannath Mandir, Odisha: The kitchen feeds 25,000 devotees on a normal day and up to a lakh on festive days. Devi Mahalaxmi Herself is believed to cook in the kitchen.   
3. Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu: The board serves meals to lakhs of pilgrims who trek to the Shrine. Bhandaras are held at checkpoints set up on the way to the Mandir.
4. Udupi Dharmasthala Manjunath Mandir, Karnataka: At a time, 2500 devotees are served food in the dining hall. More than 10,000 devotees are fed daily.
5.  Tirumala Tirupati Mandir, Andhra Pradesh: the famous Bhagwan Balaji Mandir feeds thousands if not lakhs of devotees every day through its free Annadaan seva.
6. Vaikom Mahadeva Kshetram, Kerala: The Mandir not only does Annadaan seva daily but also calls out thrice at night before closing the temple to see if any person is hungry and needs to be fed.
7. Kukke Subramanya Mandir, Karnataka: The Subramanya Mandir in Karnataka feeds thousands of devotees daily.
8. Kashi Annapurna Mandir, Uttar Pradesh: The Kashi Annapurna Annakshetra Trust runs free Annadaan for devotees.
9. Shirdi Sai Sansthan, Maharashtra: The Sansthan provides meals to more than 40,000 devotees every day.
10. Panchkula Mata Mansa Devi Mandir, Haryana: The mandir has a dedicated hall to serve meals to the devotees every day.

We have not even touched the tip of the iceberg, this is merely an indicative/representative list and by no means an exhaustive one. Hindu Mandirs and Mathas have been feeding the needy for millennia in keeping with the teachings of Hindu Dharma.

Why Do Hindus Believe In Giving Charity/Daan?

Hindus have a strong tradition of giving charity, known as daan in Sanskrit. Charity and compassion have been the two pillars of Indian culture through the ages. The concept of daan is one of the oldest religious concepts propagated in ancient India. The practice of charity and selfless giving is deeply ingrained in the Hindu way of life and finds mention in numerous scriptures. There are multiple reasons why Hindus believe in and practice the virtue of daan.

One of the main reasons is that charity is seen as a religious duty according to the Hindu scriptures. The Vedas, the oldest and most sacred scriptures of Hinduism, extol the virtue of charity. The Rigveda mandates daan as an obligatory duty, stating “Give, O generous one! The prosperous who gives freely enjoys life to the full. One of the hymns of the Rig Veda states: ‘Wealth of a person never diminishes by charity.’ To give without asking is the attribute of God, who gives light to all through the sun, provides water to sustain life through rivers, and the vital air to breath. When a man practises charity, his behaviour is likened to that of God. In return, nature rewards a man by compensating tenfold for his beneficent acts.

The Bhagavad Gita follows the Upanishads in upholding the virtues of charity. It speaks of three kinds of charities: satvik, rajasik and tamasik. Satvik charity is given out of a sense of social duty, without any expectation of repayment. Rajasik charity is given with the desire of begetting some result. And tamasik charity is one which is given insultingly.

Giving food and water is considered the highest form of charity. The Mahabharata enjoins people to build water reservoirs and dig wells. Planting trees is also considered an altruistic act.The ‘Shanti Parva’ from Mahabharata prohibits the householder from enjoying wealth and fruits of labour alone.

In the past, people built dharamshalas, orphanages and temples as great acts of daan. Certain days were prescribed when acts of charity were mandatory. For instance, on the day of nirjala ekadashi, people offer water or sherbet to passers-by. Similarly, on eclipse days, Hindus offer grains, salt and money to the underprivileged.

Wealth or money for charity must be earned through honest ways; otherwise the donation will bear no result, thus states the Garuda Purana. Donations should only be given to genuinely needy and deserving people.

Feeding animals, birds, insects and watering plants and trees are also considered a form of donation. These activities heal our karmas and help take away some of our problems. When these life forms share our food, kitchen and water resources, they in return share our sorrows too, and thus reduce our karmic debts.

Giving charity is upheld as a religious duty and virtue in Hindu scriptures. The Vedas and Upanishads extol the virtue of daan as an obligatory duty that leads one on the path of liberation. Charity is seen as an expression of spirituality since it is given selflessly, without attachment. It leads to purification of mind and accrues positive karma for future lives. Through charity, a person fulfills his dharma and helps uphold social balance and harmony. Practicing daan is considered the mark of a noble soul according to Hindu philosophy.

The spirit of sharing inherent in daan exemplifies the idea that “there is more happiness in giving than receiving.”

Significance of Donations in Vedic Culture-:

Donation mentioned in our scripture as daan is a part and parcel of Vedic culture. Our ancient scripture says about the importance and the necessities of donation in leading a blissful life. To offer wealth with devotion is called donation (daan). Donation offers enjoyment in this world and moksha in the other world (life after death). But the wealth for donations much be earned through honest means and through ethical ways, says the Garuda Purana. Other wise the donation produces no result.

What is the real donation?
All donations don’t produce results. The donations should be a real one. People should not expect anything in return while giving donations and only such a donation produces results. If the donor donates something and expects something in return, it is not called a donation. No condition should be linked to any donation. The donor should be free from any hesitation while giving away something as donation. For the forgiveness of the sin, people donate wealth to the people who are engaged in social welfare activities.

Types of donation
Donations given away expecting child, victory, prosperity and for heavenly abode is called dharmavetta rishigana daan. Donations given to please God is called Vimala daana. This type of daan generates welfare.

Get rid of birth cycle through donation:
People come to this world again and again. People die and take rebirth Garuda Purana shows us a way to come out of the birth cycle .If fertile plot of land full of green crops is donated to a Vedic scholar brahmana, the donor will not take rebirth and attain Moksha

The greatest donation:
Garuda Purana says us abut the greatest donation. To offer land is the greatest daan. No other daan can be equivalent to this. Land is one of the greatest asset that one possesses. And giving away land as dana is regarded as the greatest dana in our scripture. Land is a permanent asset. It’s timeless. And the person is also blessed for life.
To offer education to needy people is very pious. One can ensure a place in brahmalok by offering education to the needy people. If someone offers education to the needy, he can wash away all of his sins.

Donations for getting rid of fear
If someone donates purified butter (ghee), rice, and water in the month of Basisakh, he can get specific results.   The donor can get rid of all types of fear. In the dvadashee thithi (2nd day of Hindu Calendar), a person should fast and worship Vishnu who destroys all the sins.

The donations as their results
As per the Garuda Purana, a person can expect the following results on the basis of the goods he offers as donation.

Donation Result

Water Satisfaction

Rice Everlasting happiness 

Til Child

Earthen Lamp Good eye sight

Land All desired things

Gold Long life

Home Good palace

Lotus Beauty

Besides, if a person aspires to get happiness in the life after death, he should donate his favourite things. Uttarayan, dakshinayan, maha vishuvatkaal, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse are the special time to donate. The donor can get fruitful results. Donations given on religious places have special significance. To donate is the greatest religion in the world, says Garuda Purana.

Whom NOT to donate?
A person who does not have knowledge or perseverance should not accept any donation. If a person without knowledge accepts donations it degenerates his personality. It also produces no result for the donor. Donation should be given to the suitable person only. On some incidents like solar eclipse, lunar eclipse or any other incident showing bad omen, more donations should be given to negate the evil effects.

Gau Daan

Significance Of Gau Daan

In Hindu mythology, the 47th chapter of the Preta Khanda in the Garuda Purana talks about Vaitarni River which must be crossed by the souls of the dead; it is incumbent on all mortals to witness the mighty river after death. People who had donated gifts in their lifetime can cross the river easily, others simply sink into it. Those who donate a cow to a Brahmin never fall into the Vaitarni River, clinging to the tail of the cow; the helpless soul will be able to cross the river. The Gau is considered very sacred and can lead a person to heaven or swarga.

After the death of a person the family will perform the gau daan to enable the soul of the deceased to cross the Vaitarni River and attain Moksha.

The meaning of pind daan:

A pind as per Hindu religious text is something that is in a circular form. And, this is how pind daan got its name in which food made in circular-ball form is offered to the soul by his/her relatives during shradh karma.

The material that is used to prepare pind during shradh is made up of kneading rice or barley flour. These pinds are made in circular form and is offered to the deceased during pind daan karma.

Importance of Pind Daan

Below are some reasons for pind daan being so important rituals:

• Post-death, when souls are still wandering on earth get peace when pind daan is offered to them by their relatives.
• Pind daan brings freedom to deceased those having a materialistic inclination and finding it difficult to leave the earth and their loved ones.
• It is believed that post pind daan souls are relived from the torchers of hell leading him/her to Moksha.
• Relatives of the deceased offering pind daan receive blessings from the soul, which is believed to have the strongest positive influence in one’s life.
• Pind daan brings success, peace, and prosperity to people’s life.

Pind daan places

There are many places across India that has significance in the Hindu religion for Shradh karma.

Here are some of the famous places in India:

• Gaya, Bihar 
• Bodhgaya, Bihar
• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
• Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
• Haridwar, Uttarakhand
• Prayraj, Uttarakhand
• Ujjain, MP
• ​Jagannath Puri, Odisha 
• Dwarka, Gujrat
• Pushkar, Rajasthan

Among all, Gaya Ji is regarded as the most sacred place for pind daan.

Importance of Pind Daan in Gaya: Pitru Paksha Mela

Here are some of the reasons as to why Gaya is so important for pind daan as per Hindu belief:

• Gaya has a strong rich history, let it be ancient, middle, or modern. Particularly, for Hindu, Gaya is the land of salvation.
• As per Buddhist belief, Gaya is called the land of enlightenment when the Lord Buddha preached his teaching under the famous Banyan tree located in Bodhgaya.
• Bodhgaya, not so far from Gaya (around 10 KM) is another important place for Hindus for pind daan offerings.
• As per Hindu’s religious text, Lord Rama visited Gaya Ji around 12 lakh years ago during Treta Yuga to offer pind daan for his father Dasaratha.
• Gaya organizes Pitru Paksha Mela (Ceremony) every year for 18 days during the month of monsoon seasons (September-October) for pind daan.
• Lakhs of people around the world visit Gaya Ji during the months of pitru paksha mela to offer pind daan.
• During Mahabharata, Gaya was known by the name of Gayapuri and got its name from the name of a demon called Gayasur who got the blessing of Lord Vishnu.
• In the heart of Gaya flows the famous Falgu river which has the significance of offering pind then at its bank.
• Gaya is very famous for the temple called Vishnupad which the prime location for people to offer pind daan.

How pind daan is done?

• Pind daan is generally offered by the eldest male family members in the family. But in some cases, females are also allowed.
• Pind daan is done after taking a holy bath at the river Falgu, Ganga, etc according to the place it is being performed.
• It is required to wear white holy clothes during shradh karma like traditional dhotis, kurta, etc.
• Pind daan is done offering rice, jaggery, sweets, etc under the guidance and mantras of brahmins.
• The one who is performing shradh karma offers food and clothes to pandits and receive blessings from them. It is believed that pitra or souls get satisfied when pandits are fed during pind daan.
• There are 43 vedis in Gaya which are covered during the pind daan process. The number of vedis to be covered is based on the types of pind daan your are performing.
• Shradh should always be done in the afternoon and is regarded as the most appropriate time.

Famous places and vedis in Gaya for Pind Daan

There are many places in and around cities that are covered by devotees for pind daan.

Some of the famous places and vedis in Gaya for Pind Daan are:

Vishnupad Temple         Pind Vedis        Gaya Sarovar

Garhyapatyaagni pad    Falgu River       Waitarani Sarowar

Brahma pad      Brahmakund      Suryakund

Surya pad         Pretseela          Rukmini Talab

Indra pad          Ramsheela        Brahma Sarowar

Chandra pad     Gadhadhar Vedi            Pitamaheswar

Rudra pad         Sharswati Vedi  Godawari

Sitakund, Ramgaya , Gaytri Ghat, Ramgaya   Akshay wat    Brahmakund, Bodhitaru, Kaakbali, Jihwal       Ramsheela

There are other places as well which is not listed in the table.

Pind daan cost and expenses list

Here is where and how you may incur pind daan cost in order to pay homage to the departed soul.

When it comes to pind daan there are different expenses you have to keep in mind and it actually varies with the individual needs.

Pandit Ji charges for pind daan

This may vary to one’s particular requirements. Charges may vary here based on how many vedis at Gaya Ji you want to visit for pind daan.

Four vedis in Gaya are visited and it gets completed in a few hours. For all 43 vedis, it takes around 16-17 days.

It may cost you anywhere around as low as approx. 100 rupees to a few thousand of rupees, 1500, 1200, 10,000, etc

Can women do pind daan at Gaya?

The quick answer is “yes”, ladies can offer pind daan. This is the most common question asked by many people.

The long answer is in the video below where Pandit Jagdish Das of Iskcon Gaya has explained it beautifully.

He has explained taking the example of Mata Sita who visited Gaya to offer pind daan for King Dasaratha.

Further in the video, you will find that why Akshay Vat holds so much importance in Gaya for pind daan.

Why Do Hindus Believe in Giving Charity?

Charity and compassion have always been the two strong pillars of Indian culture for ages.

Charity and compassion have always been the two strong pillars of Indian culture for ages. In the following excerpt, you would know to understand the concept of charity. Hindus follow this ritual very religiously and soulfully. Let’s discuss the details of why do Hindus believe in giving charity its purpose and the deep meaning behind it.

The Concept – Why Do Hindus Believe in Giving Charity?

The concept of dana or charity is probably the oldest religious concept that one propagates in ancient India. One of the hymns of the tenth canto of the Rig Veda states: ‘Wealth of a person never diminishes by charity; nobody helps one who fails to be charitable. So, Why Do Hindus Believe in Giving Charity?

Well, to give without asking is the attribute of God. He is thy who gives light to all through the sun and provides water to sustain life through rivers, and the vital air to breath. When a man practises charity in his or her life, his behaviour and attitude are likened to that of God. In return, there is one thing that nature does. He rewards a man via compensating tenfold for his beneficent acts.

The Divine Design -Why Do Hindus Believe in Giving Charity?

According to divine design, if you give something to nature, you will benefit it great manifolds. The Gita follows the Upanishads in upholding the valuable virtues of charity. These virtues speak of three kinds of charities: satvik, rajasik and tamasik.

• Satvik charity

Satvik charity is that which is given out of social duty, without any expectation of repayment of any kind.

• Rajasik charity

Rajasik Charity is that which is given as a repayment of certain obligations. And with the desire of begetting some result out of the

charitable act.

• Tamasik Charity

Tamasik charity is one which is given to someone

insultingly. Dharmashastras differ considerably about the amount one should spend on charity out of his income.

The Highest Form Of Charity

Well, one considers giving food and water as the highest form of charity from the scriptures. The Mahabharata enjoins people to build water reservoirs and dig wells. These acts are acts of great social charity. On the other hand, planting trees is also an indeed altruistic act. The epic advises that man should nurture trees as if they were his own sons.

The ‘Shanti Parva’ of the Mahabharata prohibits the householder from enjoying the fruits of his labour and wealth all along. In the past, people built dharamshalas or free guest houses, orphanages and temples. These were great acts of dana.

Specific Days -Why Do Hindus Believe in Giving Charity?

However, in ancient religious texts, one prescribes certain days when acts of charity were mandatory. For instance, on the day of nirjala ekadashi, people offer water or sherbet to passers or random people. Similarly, on the day of an eclipse, Hindus offer grains, salt and money to the underprivileged people. When people go on pilgrimages, they readily involve themselves in acts of charity.

But one must earn wealth or money for charity only through honest ways. Otherwise, the donation will bear no result and it would merely turn a waste. Thus this is exactly what’s the state in the Garuda Purana.

What To Take Care Of While Giving Donation

Another important instruction about giving donations is that one should give it only to genuinely needy and deserving people. Feeding animals, birds, insects and watering plants and trees are also a perfect and great form of donation.

These activities heal our karmas and even help take away some of our craziest problems. When these life forms share our food, kitchen and water resources, they in return share our sorrows too. Yes, you heard that right! And thus it reduces our karmic debts.

With time, modern man has also realized the pleasure of giving. He or she has seen celebrating the ‘Joy of Giving Week’ and giving donations and gifts to the less privileged. Organ donation is one of the modern acts of charity. Donation to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund during national calamities is another way of modern donation. Well, some may do so to avail of income tax rebate. But it’s still worth it!

 Different Types of Charity(Dharma, Dhanam) in Hinduism

Adi Sankaracharya in his stothram praising Annapurna, the personification of plentiful food,

says:

AnnapurnesadapurneSankaraPranavallabhegyanavairagyasiddhyarthambhikshamdehicaParvati

Goddess of Plenty, Annapurna Devi, you are Lord Shiva’s eternal Consort, give us alms together with wisdom.’

The Annadaanam has gained its own importance mainly because; humans can be satisfied only in this. Also, this dhaanam specifies the significance of hunger and poverty.

Gajaturaga Sahasram | Gokulamkotidanam | Kanaka Rajathapatram | Methinisagarantham | Upayakulavishuttam | Kotikanyapradanam | Nahinahibahudanam | Annadanamsamanam

Meaning: Even if one gifts 1000 horses,  elephants or gifts 1 crores cows or any number of gold and silver, gifts the entire Land till sea, offering the entire services of the clan, helps in the marriage of 1 crores women, all this is never never equal to Annadhaanam (Poor Feeding)

The higher than explicit sloka has over lighted, however why??? simply to show the minds towards the annadhana, it’s been aforesaid like this.

The same musician in a very song can say no god is there higher than Parvathi, within the terribly next song he can say constant to Hindu deity. We should not get confused because of these slokas and carry on with our Dhaanams that are helpful to the society. It doesn’t mean that other dhaanas are cheap. But it insists us to do annadhanam.

When decided to give something, then why should there be classifications and gradations??? If our neighbour came to our house and ate one day, and similarly, our brother came to your house and ate one day. Will these be considered as annadhana??? (Certainly no; because, they are all not come under the “dhaana” category, as one other day we also will go and eat in their home). Similarly, the rich person’s does not need our annadhana also. But we know, even some millionaires have eaten like beggars in temples as a “Prarthana”. Also there is nothing wrong that we can donate the same to Orphanages, old age homes etc. or even some beggars in the street.

In Tamil there is a proverb saying, “Vaai Vaazhthaavitalum Vayiru Vaazhthum”. (Even if the mouth which eats doesn’t bless you, the Stomach which digests will surely remember you) and by doing this, will certainly bring calm and steadiness in your mind.

The Sanskrit word Annadanam literally means the offering or sharing (Danam) of food (Annam).In sanskrit the word “Annam” means food and “Daanam” means to donate. Thus “Annadanam” means feeding the hungry and needy. Taittiriya religious writing declares, All elan vital comes from food. (Annamvaipranah) and Let food be produced in plenty (Annambahukurveet). In Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna declares, From food all beings are evolved (Annadbhavantibhutani).Even in Vedas, Upanishad, Ramayana, or Mahabharata during all these periods feeding a hungry person was treated as a greatest service to man kind. ANNA DAANAM MAHAA DAANAM [offering food is the best DAANAM in the world] is a very popular Sanskrit verse which has motivated millions of Indians to perform this divine act and in ancient Asian country in most of the temple premises there have been annadana centers

Annam Para Brahma Swarupam. Food solely will support the body to achieve Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. The person, who participate in this sacred “Annadanam”, will be blessed by divine Gods. Creatures cannot live without food, hence the donors of Annadanam are also considered as donors of pranadanam. Pranadanam means to offer all things as donation, accordingly they are blessed. Annadanam is a sacred activity. It is said that the sacred works done by the people with the energy acquired by food bestows half of its effect to the donor of food and the rest is to that person. Many positive results like this may acquire from the Annadanam.

Deserving poor could also be offered food with none motive. there’s news that some noble persons in down South – Thirunelveli and Madurai giving free food for mentally challenged persons while not expecting any reward, a real Dhaanam to its that means.

Some of the Dhaanam’s practiced and followed by are as follows:

JALA DAANAM

 This form of charity involves giving water with betel nut and dakshina to a Brahmin, and it is done for wealth.

SHAYANA DAANAM

 Giving bed to a needy is done for general happiness.

VASTHRA DAANAM

  Giving clothes to needy will ensure a long life to the giver.

KUMKUM DAANAM

When a woman donates kumkum, she ensures a long life for her husband.

CHANDANA DAANAM

 Donating sandalwood will prevent accidents.

NAARIKELA DAANAM

Donating coconuts can make sure that the last seven generations attain salvation.

BUTTERMILK DAANAM

Donating milk can provide you with knowledge’s and enlightenment.

PADARAKSHA

Donating slippers to the requirement can keep the giver removed from hell.

CHATRA DAANAM

 Donating umbrellas on the other hand will help remove obstacles from the giver’s path.

Blood Donation

Blood Donation is noble act, but it should be done without any reward.

Vidya donation

Vidya donation to AN ignorant is noble provided it’s steer clear off any reward.

The Health edges you may Receive by Donating to Charity.

Improved Self-Esteem & Self-Worth Are Health Benefits of Charitable Giving.

Positive Moods and Low Depression Rates Due to The Psychology of Generosity.

Longer Life Expectancy Is a Result of The Psychology of Giving to Therapy.

Importance of doing charity on Tuesdays

• Tuesdays are meant for the planet ‘ANGARAGAN’ , donations if done on Tuesdays will remove the evil effects of those who are suffering from (Chevvai) Angara Dosha.
• Tuesdays are meant for Amman and Murugan worship also. Any charity made on Tuesdays will bring happiness in the life of the donor and Amman’s and Murugan’s blessings also will be there.
• Tuesdays are very auspicious days. Many people observe fasting and will do charity by giving food and clothes to the poor on Tuesdays.
• Any charity if done on Tuesdays, will be give more benefit to the donor, than on any other days.
• Those who born on Tuesdays and who do charity continuously on Tuesdays will never take rebirth again in this world as per the verses of Hindu Puranas.
• Any person who prefers a better job, and if he does any charity on Tuesdays, he will get immediate change in his life and his wishes will be fulfilled.
• Charity if done on Tuesdays, will bring health, wealth and better prospects in the donor’s life.

 CONCLUSION:-

In general, doing charity on all the days in a week  is important. Particularly, if a person does any charity on Tuesdays, it will yield better results in his life. Hence we have to do charity on all the seven days in a week as per our financial background. If we give more donation on Tuesdays, than on any other day in a week, we will be blessed by the divine devas from the heavens.

GITA CHAPTER 17: SRADHHATRAYA VIBHAYA YOG

Synopsis

In this chapter, Krishna explains What is faith and its different types?

• Satvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik

He explains the three types of Yagna (offerings), Daan (donations), and Tap (penance) linked to Satvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik nature of beings.

Relevance

The type of faith that you practice depends on what you are and your personality. Depending on your nature (Satvik, Rajasik, Tamasik), you choose the best suitable faith for yourself. It is challenging to understand faith and more difficult is to practice it. Your conditioning and nature define the type of activities that you do throughout the lifetime to bear the fruits accordingly. Attaining a balance of nature should be our ultimate goal. We should avoid extremities of any type of nature.

There are three types of faiths:

• Satvik faith prays to God.
• Tamasik faith prays to the Dead.
• Rajasik faith prays to Rakshas.

The food that you eat defines you. There are three food types:

• Satvik food is steady and nutritious. This diet keeps us calm and loving.
• Tamasik food is uncooked, has a strong odor, and is spoiled. This diet leads to sickness.
• Rajasik food is bitter, sour, salty, and hot. This diet leads to sickness and restlessness.

The prayers that you offer also depend on your nature. There are three types of prayers that you can offer:

• Yagna (offerings)
• Daan (donation)
• Tap (penance)

There are three types of Yagna:

• Satvik Yagna is renouncing ourselves for no returns.
• Rajasik Yagna is for an outcome, which is kind of a deal with God.
• Tamasik Yagna does not follow any righteous set rules.

There are three types of Tap (penance):

• Satvik tap is offered through all three types – body (tan), speech (Vani) and mind (man) that is selfless and compassionate.
• Bodily tap is offering prayers to Dev (God), Bhraman (learned one), Guru (teacher, mother, father, elder); to respect the elders and parents, simplicity and non-violence.
• Speech tap is when your speech is for the good of all, is calm, sweet, and truthful. It shouldn’t harm or hurt anyone. The speech shouldn’t be excited, and it should state the facts and utter God’s name.
• Mind tap is when the mind is cheerful, stable, peaceful, has God’s presence in it.
• Rajasik tap is offered to felicitate and exhibit power. The result of this type of tap is temporary.
• Tamasik tap is offered for stupid, stubborn reasons to harm/hurt others.

Types of Daan (donation):

• Satvik Daan : When we donate to fulfill the critical needs is called Satvik Daan. The feeling that I have offered a donation shouldn’t be there.
• Rajasik Daan : When we donate with the intention of an outcome, it is called Rajasik Daan. We do not donate happily and are forced to do it.
• Tamasik Daan : When we donate when the need is not there, it is called Tamasik Daan. For example, if you donate to a thief, it’s a waste. This type of daan is called Tamsik daan.
• Krishna instructs us to use Om, Tat, and Sat for making Yagna, Daan, and Tap exceptional.
• The duties that you perform to reach God is through Yagna, Tap, and Daan.

Om, Tat, Satt point towards the Brahma (the supreme power).

• OM: Yagnya (holy offering) , Brahman (holy one), and Ved (holy scriptures) originate from OM. OM is Bhramha naad (the sound during the big bang). Om is our ultimate truth, our soul.
• Tat means ‘Him.’ It indicates surrender – the renunciation of our prayers, ourselves to ‘Him’.
• Satt means ultimate truth, which can never be deferred. It is God. There is nothing more significant than God. Respect and accept the fact.

When the foundation is lies, anything that you do to attain salvation is of no value.

Selfless deeds without outcomes are the truth that gives us access to God.

Real Bharat – the importance of giving Daana & Dakshina to devotional bards, pujaris and Dharmic scholars

Daana and Dakshina are essential practices of Hindu Dharma. Some sections of the society were ordained to spend their lives in the study and spread of Dharma. This includes various classes of brahmins, sanyasis, bards, and others. It was (and is) the duty of a Dharmic Hindu to provide Daana and Dakshina to them for their sustenance and livelihood.

Daana is an offering or donation given to worthy and/or needy receivers out of willingness. Dakshina is fees paid for religious service rendered by the person. Shastras state that a ritual/ceremony is complete only when Dakshina is given to the Brahmin priest(s) conducting it. Daana is mostly in the form of objects/in-kind (non-monetary) while Dakshina is usually monetary. Daana earns punya/merit but no punya is associated with Dakshina. However, Dakshina is required as a covering fee for and to complete Daana.  

The Kaumarika Khand of Skanda Puran mentions the Vanvas of Pandavas in which it mentions Arjun’s visit to Mahamuni Narad’s Ashram. The Muni described the two hetus (drivers/push factors), six Adhishtaans (reasons), six Angs (parties/components), two Parinaams (end results), four Prakars (kinds/types), three bhedas (classifications), and three Vinash Saadhanas (negative results/nullifiers).

Shraddha (dedication and devotion) and Shakti (capacity) are the two driving factors of Daana. Dharma (without strings attached), Artha (for some purpose or utility), Kama (for favours or benefits), Lajja (due to public or societal compulsions), Harsha (out of happiness), and Bhaya (out of fear, compulsion or avoiding risks) are the six Adhishtaans of Daana. Donor, acceptor, purification, appropriated object for donation, time, and place are the six components of Daana.  

Punya for Paralok (rewards enjoyed in heaven) and use in Ihalok (rewards enjoyed in this world) are the two Parinaams (fruits/end results). Dhruv (public welfare works), Nitya/Trik (given on daily basis or for daily utility), Kamya (to fulfil one’s desires), and Naimittik (motivated) are the four Prakars or types of Daanas. Best, medium and least are the three bhedas while regret, unsuitability of the receiver, and lack of devotion/sincerity in giving (ashraddha) are the three nullifiers of Daana.  

The concepts of Daana and Dakshina elaborated in Hindu Granthas are vast with several nuances and many shades of opinions. To briefly sum up what the shastras state – Daana is a donation given respectfully (a lot of emphasis is laid on this) to a suitable recipient for one’s own benefit (earning punya).    

The importance of Daana has been repeatedly emphasised in numerous Hindu Granthas such as Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Smriti, and even poetry by eminent ancient scholars. Atharva Veda says “collect with a hundred hands, and give away with a thousand hands”.

Matsya Puran has an entire chapter praising Daana. Atri Smriti describes Daana as the best friend of the donor. Ramcharitmanas says “as you slay enemies with a battle axe, so you slay sins and hardships with Daana”. Bhartruhari states that the hands of the worthy look better when adorned by Daana, and not just by gold bracelets. Thiruvalluvar says that the wealth of a wise philanthropist is the village pool filled with water, and the village tree laden with fruits.

Numerous sects and communities kept traditions, history, stories, and religion alive. Daana and Dakshina by householders sustained these sects and communities. As society progresses towards ‘modernity’ certain traditions are slowly dying and along with it the livelihood of those who kept the traditions alive is also being lost.

The Chakulia Panda, a Vaishnava sect of bards, is a case in point. They are devotional bards of Odisha who recite religious compositions from ancient Odia literature in the vernacular dialect. Male members of the sect went door-to-door singing these compositions and at times enacted humorous plays known as Suangas in return for rice and vegetables offered by householders.

“Tradition of Chakulia Panda (round-bellied priest) is very unique to coastal districts. Usually, they put on sandalwood paste on their foreheads, wear turbans (Pagadis) and hold ‘Chhatris’ (palm-leaf umbrellas), to protect themselves from tropical heat and rain. They are attired in saffron clothes and carry Gamchha (loincloth) shaped like a carry-bag (Jhula), which is meant to collect alms. It is not unusual for a Chakulia Panda to have a companion during the tour. As soon as one finishes a stanza the other one takes over and recites, complimenting each other. On occasions, one of them plays Kendera (a country-made musical instrument) to the tune of his companion”, highlights Orissa Post.

We have just cited the example of one community but there are numerous such sects and communities that are sustaining Dharma. Hence the onus to provide for and sustain such communities was placed on society, particularly householders who had a stable income. Even if religious reasons (punya) were accorded to the act of giving, the basic idea was supporting each other – religious communities keeping Dharma alive and householders ensuring that those who sustained Dharma were taken care of.

Hinduism

Dāna (Sanskrit: दान) means giving, often in the context of donation and charity.

In other contexts, such as rituals, it can simply refer to the act of giving something.

Dāna is related to and mentioned in ancient texts along with concepts of Paropakāra (परोपकार)

which means benevolent deed, helping others; Dakshinā (दक्षिणा) which means fee one can afford and Bhikshā (भिक्षा),

which means alms.

Dāna is defined in traditional texts as any action of relinquishing the ownership of

what one considered or identified as one’s own, and investing the same in a recipient without expecting anything in return.

While dāna is typically given to one person or family, Hinduism also discusses charity or giving aimed at public benefit,

sometimes called utsarga. This aims at larger projects such as building a rest house, school, drinking water or irrigation well,

planting trees, or building a care facility, among others.:

Hindu treatises on dāna

Mitākṣarā by Vijñāneśvara is an 11th-century canonical discussion and commentary on dāna, composed under the patronage of Chalukya dynasty.  

The discussion about charity is included in its thesis on ācāra (moral conduct).

Major Sanskrit treatises that discuss ethics, methods and rationale for charity and alms giving in Hinduism include, states Maria Heim the 12th-century Dāna Kānda “Book of Giving” by Laksmidhara of Kannauj, the 12th-century Dāna Sāgara “Sea of Giving” by Ballālasena of Bengal, and the 14th-century sub-book Dānakhanda in Caturvargacintamani “The Gem of the Four Aims of Human Life” by Hemadiri of Devagiri (modern Daulatabad, Maharashtra).

The first two are few hundred page treatises each, while the third is over a thousand-page compendium on charity, from a region that is now part of modern-day eastern Maharashtra and Telangana; the text influenced Hindus of Deccan region and South India from 14th to 19th centuries

Dāna in Hindu texts

The Rigveda has the earliest discussion of dāna in the Vedas.

The Rigveda relates it to satya “truth” and in another hymn points to the guilt one feels from not giving to those in need.

 It uses da, the root of word dāna, in its hymns to refer to the act of giving to those in distress. Ralph T. H. Griffith, for example, translates Book 10, Hymn 117 of the Rig veda as follows:

The Gods have not ordained hunger to be our death: even to the well-fed man comes death in varied shape,
The riches of the liberal never waste away, while he who will not give finds none to comfort him,
The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat,
Hardens his heart against him, when of old finds not one to comfort him.

Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food, and the feeble,
Success attends him in the shout of battle. He makes a friend of him in future troubles,
No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing.

Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway,
Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling,
The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food – I speak the truth – shall be his ruin,
He feeds no trusty friend, no man to love him. All guilt is he who eats with no partaker.

 Rigveda, X.117, 

The Upanishads, composed before 500 BCE, present some of the earliest Upanishadic discussion of dāna. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, in verse 5.2.3, states that three characteristics of a good, developed person are self-restraint (damah), compassion or love for all sentient life (daya), and charity (dāna).

तदेतत्त्रयँ शिक्षेद् दमं दानं दयामिति
Learn three cardinal virtues — self restraint, charity and compassion for all life.

 Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, V.ii.3,

Chandogya Upanishad, Book III, similarly, states that a virtuous life requires: tapas (asceticism), dāna (charity), arjava (straightforwardness), ahimsa (non-injury to all sentinent beings) and satyavacana (truthfulness)

Bhagavad Gita describes the right and wrong forms of dāna in verses 17.20 through 17.22.

It defines sāttvikam (good, enlightened, pure) charity, in verse 17.20, as that given without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person. It defines rajas (passion, ego driven, active) charity, in verse 17.21, as that given with the expectation of some return, or with a desire for fruits and results, or grudgingly.

It defines tamas (ignorant, dark, destructive) charity, in verse 17.22, as that given with contempt, to unworthy person(s), at a wrong place and time. In Book 17, Bhadwad Gita suggests steadiness in sattvikam dāna, or the good form of charity is better; and that tamas should be avoided

These three psychological categories are referred to as the guṇas in Hindu philosophy.

The Adi Parva of the Hindu Epic Mahabharata, in Chapter 91, states that a person must first acquire wealth by honest means, then embark on charity; be hospitable to those who come to him; never inflict pain on any living being; and share a portion with others whatever he consumes.

In Chapter 87 of Adi Parva, it calls sweet speech and refusal to use harsh words or wrong others even if you have been wronged, as a form of charity. In the Vana Parva, Chapter 194, the Mahabharata recommends that one must, “conquer the mean by charity, the untruthful by truth, the wicked by forgiveness, and dishonesty by honesty”.

Anushasana Parva in Chapter 58, recommends public projects as a form of dāna

It discusses the building of drinking water tanks for people and cattle as a noble form of giving, as well as giving of lamps for lighting dark public spaces.

In later sections of Chapter 58, it describes planting public orchards, with trees that give fruits to strangers and shade to travelers, as meritorious acts of benevolent charity.

 In Chapter 59 of Book 13 of the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira and Bhishma discuss the best and lasting gifts between people:

An assurance unto all creatures with love and affection and abstention from every kind of injury, acts of kindness and favor done to a person in distress, whatever gifts are made without the giver’s ever thinking of them as gifts made by him, constitute, O chief of Bharata’s race, the highest and best of gifts (dāna).

The Mahabharata, XIII.59^[

The Bhagavata Purana discusses when dāna is proper and when it is improper. In Book 8, Chapter 19, verse 36 it states that charity is inappropriate if it endangers and cripples modest livelihood of one’s biological dependents or of one’s own.

Charity from surplus income above that required for modest living is recommended in the Puranas

Hindu texts exist in many Indian languages. For example, the Tirukkuṛaḷ, written between 200 BCE and 400 CE, is one of the most cherished classics on Hinduism written in a South Indian language. It discusses charity, dedicating Chapter 23 of Book 1 on Virtues to it

Tirukkuṛaḷ suggests charity is necessary for an virtuous life and happiness. In it, Thiruvalluvar states in Chapter 23:

Giving to the poor is true charity, all other giving expects some return”; “Great, indeed, is the power to endure hunger. Greater still is the power to relieve other’s hunger”; “Giving alms is a great reward in itself to one who gives”.

 In Chapter 101, he states: “Believing wealth is everything, yet giving away nothing, is a miserable state of mind”; “Vast wealth can be a curse to one who neither enjoys it nor gives to the worthy

Like the Mahabharata, Tirukkuṛaḷ also extends the concept of charity to deeds (body), words (speech) and thoughts (mind). It states that a brightly beaming smile, the kindly light of loving eye, and saying pleasant words with sincere heart is a form of charity that every human being should strive to give

Dāna in rituals[

Dāna is also used to refer to rituals. For example, in a Hindu wedding, Dānakanyādāna (कन्यादान) refers to the ritual where a father gives his daughter’s hand in marriage to the groom, after asking the groom to promise that he will never fail in his pursuit of dharma (moral and lawful life), artha (wealth) and kama (love). The groom promises to the bride’s father, and repeats his promise three times in presence of all gathered as witness

Other types of charity includes donating means of economic activity and food source. For example, godāna (donation of a cow), bhudāna (भूदान) (donation of land), and vidyādāna or jñānadāna (विद्यादान, ज्ञानदान): Sharing knowledge and teaching skills, aushadhādāna (औषधदान): Charity of care for the sick and diseased, abhayadāna (अभयदान): giving freedom from fear (asylum, protection to someone facing imminent injury), and anna dāna (अन्नादान): Giving food to the poor, needy and all visitors.

The effect of dāna

Charity is held as a noble deed in Hinduism, to be done without expectation of any return from those who receive the charity.^[13] Some texts reason, referring to the nature of social life, that charity is a form of good karma that affects one’s future circumstances and environment, and that good charitable deeds lead to good future life because of the reciprocity principle

Living creatures get influenced through dānam,
Enemies lose hostility through dānam,
A stranger may become a loved one through dānam,
Vices are killed by dānam.

 A Hindu Proverb

Other Hindu texts, such as Vyasa Samhita, state that reciprocity may be innate in human nature and social functions but dāna is a virtue in itself, as doing good lifts the nature of one who gives.

The texts do not recommend charity to unworthy recipients or where charity may harm or encourage injury to or by the recipient. 

Dāna, thus, is a dharmic act, requires an idealistic-normative approach, and has spiritual and philosophical context 

The donor’s intent and responsibility for diligence about the effect of dāna on the recipient is as important as the dāna itself.

While the donor should not expect anything in return with dāna, the donor is expected to make an effort to determine the character of the recipient, and the likely return to the recipient and to the society.^[ Some medieval era authors state that dāna is best done with shraddha (faith), which is defined as being in good will, cheerful, welcoming the recipient of the charity and giving without anasuya (finding faults in the recipient).

These scholars of Hinduism, states Kohler, suggest that charity is most effective when it is done with delight, a sense of “unquestioning hospitality”, where the dāna ignores the short term weaknesses as well as the circumstances of the recipient and takes a long term view.

Dāna, called Vand Chhako, is considered one of three duties of Sikhs.

The duty entails sharing part of one’s earnings with others, by giving to charity and caring for others. Examples of dāna in Sikhism include selfless service and langar

 Alms – Clothing, food, or money that is given to poor people

Buddhist ethics – Ethics in Buddhism

Buddhist economics – Buddhist philosophy on economics

Charity (practice) – Voluntary giving of help to those in need

Dīghajāṇu Sutta – Buddhist text about ethics for lay people

Economic anthropology – Academic field

Gift economy – Mode of exchange where valuables are given without rewards

Merit (Buddhism) – Concept considered fundamental to Buddhist ethics

Niyama – Recommended activities and habits in Yoga

Offering (Buddhism) – Buddhist religious practice

Pāramī – Buddhist qualities for spiritual perfection

Philanthropy – Effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations

Tulabhara – Ancient Indian practice in which a person is weighed against a commodity such as gold

Vessantara Jātaka – Story of one of Gautama Buddha’s past lives

Virtue – Positive trait or quality deemed to be morally good

Tithe – Religious donation

Yavanarajya inscription – 1st century BCE inscription found near Mathura

Zidqa – Alms in Mandaeism

TULADAAN

Human being often is a selfish creature who is obsessed with just gathering things. He is afraid to give and afraid to share. Although the fact is that he has to give, whether happily or unwillingly. He has to give to the doctors, when ill. He has to give to lawyers when trapped in legal issues. If he is ready to share willingly, he need not give it forcefully. Every selfish man suffers from various problems and bad health is the very first of it. Tuladaan, mentioned in ancient mythologies, is an un-comparable yet scientific remedy for this.

Tuladaan is a type of practice which includes the distribution of grains (weighing equivalent to your weight) along with a worn cloth and some Dakshina for the priest. This is given to either a priest in the temple or any other food distribution area. The science behind the practice can be explained like this. Man is for whole life, obsessed with food. Even though the food is something that he takes throughout his life, still he is attached to it. Food, as and when not taken in a balanced form, is the biggest reason for bad health and diseases. As Newton’s law says, every action has an opposite and equal reaction, the best way to get detached with food is to distribute and share it. This will, in turn, reduce the demand for food in the body and the importance of it in mind. The reason for including a worn cloth in this distribution is that after food, the human is second most attached with the clothes he wears. Even though he gets hundreds of them, he is never satisfied. Sharing a worn cloth instead of a new one helps in reducing the attachment that the person has with his belongings and here specifically clothes. When we do this practice along with Dakshina to the priest, as a result, we will notice an improvement in our health. Tuladaan is considered very effective in maintaining good health. So a normal human being should at least practice this once a year, if not more than that, to maintain the desired results in body and mind. We often spend thousands of rupees on birthday celebrations of our kids. Instead, cutting on a tenth of those expenses and doing this tuladaan for your child every year on his birthday will yield miraculous health results for the child throughout his life. If not birthdays, you can choose any of the auspicious occasions or festivities in the house to carry this event. Our sadhaks, who practice this regularly have witnessed some miraculous and effective results.

Human Personality Mindset Types

Three Gunas

 Sattvik

Rajshik

 Tamsik

Our behaviour is a mirror of our personality which is distorted and vitiated by various physical, internal and external factors. Resistance to disorders depends on the personality traits of a person. It has been said that you are what you look, your body is what you eat and your mind reflects how and what you think. There are three types of traits viz. Sattvic, Rajsik and Tamsik which determine the behavioural pattern, mental status, eating habits, body formation and appearance of a person.

Sattvik : Persons who are sattvik have pure mind, clean conscience, sensible, sympathetic, philanthropic, wear decent dresses, are soft spoken, mild, amicable, accommodating, are simple and straightforward. They eat only the finest food articles, are vegetarians, abstain from intoxicants and love whatever is good. In short, they are, by far, the best of human species, and nobility personified. Such persons, though rare, are by no means, extinct. They are true in word, deed and thought. Being straight-forward, they are not liars and pretenders. They are excellent. Wishers and advisers. They become popular due to their virtues and qualities of head and heart. They do not harp much on sexual matters.

Rajshik: These people are rash, obdurate, haughty, ill and rash tempered, get enraged even on petty matters, are rough and tough bosses but bad subordinates, due to their dominant and dashing approach to life. They are hard nuts to crack. They have a penchant for various non-vegetarian food and delicacies, are short and hot-tempered. Health-wise, they love to maintain good physical standards, are fast work executors. Rashness, fastness, speed, alacrity, instant bouts of rage, valour, quick decision are some of their traits. They do not reveal much in licetions and sexual matters but, at the same time, have no abhorance or aversion there. They make good rulers, warriors, fighters, soldiers, policemen, etc. Their rash and instant behaviour often land them in dilemma and awkward situations. In short, they are the real ‘Quicker’ rest and slouchiness is alien to their nature.

Tamsik : These persons are totally at variance with the sattvic and rajsik traits. Such persons revel in sexual matters and are horrible indulgence in sexual acts. They are easy-going people and do not wish to attend to any mental and physical activity. They love to eat too much and lavishly, are gluttons, debauches, alcoholics, smokers, drug addicts. In short, they love to indulge in famous ‘3-Ws’. For rest, gluttony and sex indulgence they can sacrifice anything. They shurn hard work and labour. They are easy-going, jovial, accommodative and lenient. They make good and sincere friends and are helpful also. They are sluggishness personified.

Ayurveda And Food: Simplifying The Sattvic, Rajasic, And Tamasic

Sattva (virtue), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance) are more than just virtues in Ayurveda. This is how Ayurveda links these virtues with foods, and classifies them as Tamasic, Rajasic and of course Satvik. Read on to know this interesting connection.

In Ayurveda, food has a major role to play in our health and well-being. The three words are used to describe the properties of foods according to the Vedic principle of nature explained by these three words: Sattva (virtue), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).

These properties have been attributed to different foods based on their effects on our mind, body, and soul.

Let’s take a quick look at what these words mean:

Sattvic food

Sattvic foods are those that make us feel calm and composed. They are light and easy to digest. They are also low in fat and sodium. Sattvic foods are distinguished by their ease of digestion. This means that they don’t make the body work hard to digest them. This is a great way to start the day. You will have more energy and clarity to focus on your work. Sattvic foods are also beneficial to people with high blood pressure because they do not raise it.

Here are some examples of such foods:

•    Vegetables, rice, wheat, oats, beans, moong dal, and other grains (whole green gram)

•    Spinach, green beans, and other fresh green vegetables steamed with mild spices

•    Pomegranates, apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes, all fresh from the tree

•    Juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables

•    Raw or lightly toasted seed and nut mixture

•    Freshly-made yoghurt (curd), butter, ghee, and buttermilk (pasteurized milk is more toxic than fresh milk)

•    Oils from coconuts, sesame seeds, and olives

•    Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel seed, coriander, dhaniya, and haldi

•    Raw sugar, honey, and jaggery

Rajasic food

Rajasic food is fiery, hot, and heavy, rich in spices, and also high in sodium and fat. The digestion of this food is slow, which makes it difficult for the body to process it. Consuming rajasic food is a bad idea because it takes away your energy, makes you lethargic, and eventually takes a toll on your health. It is also not easy on the blood pressure and can increase it significantly.

•  

 Here are some examples of such foods:

•    Foods that are overly salty, sour, spicy, or fatty

•    Vegetables high in Sulphur, including potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, which are consumed in large quantities.

•    Preserved and flavored foods such as jams and jellies

•    Coffee, tea, colas, sodas, and alcoholic beverages

•    Mustard, ketchup, and fried and roasted foods

•    Cream and sour milk

•    Hot peppers or chilies, garlic, onions, pickles, and vinegar

•    Chocolate that’s brown or black

Tamasic food

Tamasic food is damp, heavy, and difficult to digest. It has a tendency to accumulate fat in the body, which can lead to a lot of diseases. It can also raise blood pressure. It is not easy on the mind either. It can make you feel lethargic and dull.

Here are some examples of such foods:

•    White flour, preservative-laden foods, fish and meat, and leftovers

•    Starchy foods, as well as canned and tinned goods.

•    Preserved foods, flavors, and condiments

•    High-proof spirits, such as whisky and rum

•    Salted snacks, French fries, and other salt-preserved foods

•    Milk, curds, and cheese are either too cold or have been pasteurized

•    Sweets, fried foods, and other fatty foods

•    Pure whites: sugar and flour

Based on your unique dosha, or body type, the ayurvedic diet prescribes specific times of day, preparation methods, and food choices.

To help you figure out which dosha is right for you, here are some of the most prominent characteristics of each:

1.    The Pitta element combines fire and water and is characterized by superb brainpower, diligence, and resolve. This dosha is characterized by a moderate build, a temper that can flare up quickly, and susceptibility to conditions like indigestion, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.

2.    Vata (space plus air) is alive, dynamic, and innovative. When out of whack, those who have a Vata dosha tend to have a delicate frame and suffer from digestive problems, exhaustion, and anxiety.

3.    (Earth and Water) Kapha: Naturally steady, reliable, and dependable. Kapha dosha people tend to be stockier in build and more likely to struggle with conditions like obesity, asthma, depression, and diabetes.

This diet tells you to eat certain foods based on your dosha to help you feel in balance.

•    The pitta dosha, for instance, favors cooling, energizing foods and restricts foods high in spices, nuts, and seeds.

•    In contrast, foods that are warm, moist, and grounding are preferred by the vata dosha, while dried fruits, bitter herbs, and raw vegetables are avoided.

•    Finally, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are recommended over heavier foods like nuts, seeds, and oils for the kapha dosha.

All three doshas should limit the amount of red meat, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods they eat.

𝐘𝐨𝐠𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 – 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐯𝐢𝐤, 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 & 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭⁣
⁣
𝐘𝐨𝐠𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭?⁣
There are 3 types of Food like Satvik (Positive food), Rajasik & Tamasik (Negative food) which play an important role for the overall health of an individual. A balanced diet means proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, roughage and enough water ensures to make a person remain healthy and happy. This includes cereals, pulses, nuts, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, fats, oils, etc. A diet deficient in one of these elements can lead to various ailments. The amount of nutrients and calories differs from individual to individuals and is based on the age, sex and activity undertaken.⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐬⁣
⁣
In the unmanifested Universe, energy has three qualities, known as Gunas, that exist together in equilibrium: Sattva (purity); Rajas (activity, passion, the process of change); and Tamas (darkness, inertia). Once energy takes form, one quality of the three predominate; thus on an apple tree, some of the fruit is ripe (Sattvic), some ripening (Rajasic) and some overripe (Tamasic). But no matter which quality prevails, an element of each of the other two will always be present as well. If a man commits a robbery, the action is basically Rajasic but the decision to rob, the motive, maybe predominantly Tamasic, Rajasic or Sattvic, according to the situation. In all people, one of the three Gunas has superior strength and is reflected in all they do and think. Only in enlightenment are the Gunas completely transcended.⁣
⁣
𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟��𝐭𝐬/𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝⁣
⁣
*These foods are soothing, refreshing and rejuvenating thus good for health.⁣
*Easier for digestion and assimilation, helpful for normal excretion.⁣
⁣
𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴⁣
⁣
Vegetables, fruits, whole wheat flour, less polished rice, millets, bran, carrots, radish, boiled vegetables, legumes, salads, sprouts, nuts, natural condiments, ginger, cumin, coriander, coconut, yoghurt⁣
Alkaline:All fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, fresh bread, roti, milk, coconut water.⁣
Living Food Fruits, vegetables, sprouts⁣

What is the sattva, rajas, & tamas meaning?

Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas meaning matters to every human being on earth because of their importance in understanding and feeding the health system and overall human body, according to Ayurveda and yoga.

Both Ayurveda and yoga are very much built around the concepts of these three Gunas.

What do Sattva, Rajas and Tamas basically mean?

The qualities and nature of food. Every guna has a unique value and understanding these values

Just like our body has three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, the food can be grouped under these categories of sattva, rajas, and tamas Gunas.

These three Gunas evolve the whole universe, among us.

These 3 Gunas define the difference between which is present in existence, and one which is just an illusion and the inclination towards the illusion.

In the entire universe, it is only our soul that is unchangeable, and apart from that everything else changes.

And in every other thing of the universe, these three Gunas are present. The guna of a particular thing is described by the domination of a specific guna in it.

They help us to understand how external factors affect our lifestyle. Which we choose by the food we have, the habits we practice, and the people we are with.

Lets begin by learning about Sattva first:

Sattva means pure, simple, truth, honesty, clean and attentive.

Practicing Sattva gives us relief from Maya (illusions) and brings consciousness in our mindset, and helps us to be practical in what we are and where we are.

Rajas is the second guna:

Which represents itself as air, volatile, active, and urgent.

Rajas is a lifestyle that is carried by desire and passion to achieve something in life.

Rajas was described as the most founded guna in Kings. A person who is very passionate to achieve something who is cautious but only towards his goals and desires.

The last one Tamas:

We enter into Tamas when we are impure in way of living life, mental darkness, unclear, and a whole set of negativity.

It is a form when a person enters into inertia and contradiction.

This happens, in case if we’re eating food made by someone who is unhappy, angry, depressed. Then, these characteristics get into our bodies and impart the same mindset and lifestyle.

This could also happen, due to oversleeping, overeating, and addiction towards something.

Bhagvad Gita on the Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas meaning

A quote from Bhagavad Gita about these gunas:

    “When one rises above the three Gunas that originate in the body;

one is freed from birth, old age, disease, and death; and attains enlightenment”

Chapter 14, verse 13

Once a person overcomes all 3 Gunas, then a person overcomes Maya (illusions) and attains purusha (Reality)

We as modern humans are very much indulged towards the benefits of society and its works.

And it becomes tougher to practice to be pure, clear, and truthful always, but we can change the way we live with the help of food we eat, habits we develop, and friends we make.

So being truthful and fair to yourself is very much more important than being truthful towards society and its deeds.

Yoga teaches us that graduating to reality from illusion is from the route of purity, truth, and enlightenment.

Which guna does your body posses?

The guna which is dominant in you. Every human body has all three Gunas. But your body’s guna is determined by the guna which is dominant.

And if you want any specific guna to be dominant, and is not currently dominant in your body then you must eat the majority of food of that guna.

Eg: if your body is tamasic and what you aspire is rajasic guna, then you must have more rajasic food and avoid tamasic food as much.

Also be with more rajasic people, and things which are rajasic.

The Gunas affect your behavior, thought process, and many other aspects of your personality.

Donating on Makar Sankranti ensures that there is always enough money and food for everyone. Additionally, this donation’s goodness is acquired for numerous births.

1. Sesame Donation: 

The most significant food during Makar Sankranti is sesame. Sesame seeds are soaked in water and used as bath salts on this day. Black sesame seeds are believed to have been used by Lord Shani to worship his enraged father- Surya Dev, thereby, pleasing the Sun God. Sesame seed donations on Makar Sankranti are another way to banish Shani dosh. Because of this, individuals donate sesame in particular on this day. Sesame donation does not result in premature death.

2. Porridge Donation: 

Makar Sankranti is often referred to as the Khichdi festival. On this day, rice and black urad khichdi are made. Donations can be made in both raw and cooked forms in addition to this. Black urad lentils, fresh rice, salt, radish, and papad are directly removed from this and given to any poor, Brahmin, etc., along with Dakshina. This ensures that there is always food available and the house is always brimming with money.

3. Kites Donation:

Kites are able to traverse barriers that humans are incapable of doing. Donating kites to five children gives freedom to the five elements surrounding us.

4. Salt Donation:

According to Hindu traditions, giving salt as a gift to Makar Sankranti aids in banishing evil spirits. As a result, the contribution of salt is also quite significant in this event. 

5. Jaggery Donation:

According to legend, giving jaggery on Makar Sankranti appeases the three planets Guru, Shukra, and Shani. Due to the donation of jaggery, these planets bestow good fortune upon the individual.

Significance Of Donation:

Sankranti is a great opportunity for everyone to perform nice things. However, according to the scriptures, if you are unable to make donations, it is still okay; instead, you could recall the name of God and drink the Amrit ras. It is ideal for people today to sacrifice their egos with Til. Additionally, on the day of Makar Sankranti, committing your life to God will free you from the shackles of roaming 84 lakh yoniyan (births in different forms).

What is Daan?

Hinduism is a religious belief that gives utmost importance to the concept of giving. Mainly there

are three types of giving. They are Dakshina, Biksha, and Daan. Dakshina is a kind of repayment.

Biksha means giving alms to people. Daan refers to charity or providing donations. Whenever

someone imparts Daan, he or she must perform it wholeheartedly with a pure heart. The receiver

must also be taking it sincerely. If we conduct Daan with regret or by boasting about it, it will have

negative impacts. Daan, in simple terms, is akin to a loan written off.

Stories related to Daan: Rig Veda emphasizes Daan as help given to the needy. It can be in the form of food, knowledge, land, or protection. In Rig Veda, the best kinds of charity or Daan are feeding a hungry person and teaching someone. There are many stories and legends related to the concept of Daan as well. One of the most famous references to Daan is in Mahabharata. There are other stories, as well. Here we will be looking into some of the well-known narratives related to Daan or charity.

1. In Mahabharata, Karna is mentioned as Daan Veer because he engages in selfless charity. Karna,

the son of Kunti and Surya Deva, has armor with the power to protect him from any form of danger.

Indra, Arjuna’s father, to save his son’s life, asked for Karna’s armor as a Daan. Karna gave it to him

without any second thought. This act of Karna has made him Daan Veer.

2. Another significant figure who is known for performing Daan is Emperor Harsha, who distributed

the wealth he had gained to people once every five years.

3. Bali, the king of the three worlds, was known among his people for satisfying the needs of everyone. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Vamana as a saint seeking three feet of land to conduct his prayers. Bali agreed and asked him to measure the land required. Vamana grew into a giant. He placed his first foot on the Earth, his second on heaven, and there was no land left for the third foot. Bali allowed

him to measure his last foot by pushing him into the underworld. Bali, thus, is a prominent figure in conducting charity and sacrifice in Hindu mythology.

These are some of the popular references concerning Daan. When we perform charity gladly, it can benefit us positively. It is one of the

best ways to help a person. It can be in the form of money, land, food, education, clothes, ornaments, light, utensils, etc. Daan can not

only benefit the person receiving it. But it can also help the person giving it achieve prosperity and happiness.

Significance of Daan: Daan or charity is a significant part of Hinduism. It is practiced all over India under various names. However, the

result is providing something beneficial to someone who needs it gladly. There are several significances of performing Daan mentioned in

different religious texts in Hinduism. Some of them are –

A) In Manusmiriti, there is an emphasis on the performance of Daan. Here, the giving of different items is associated with the significant changes that can bring in the life of the giver. They include-

1. Providing food to someone hungry can give us satisfaction.

2. Giving sesame seeds helps us in gaining healthy progeny.

3. Offering a lamp or light can bless you with good eyesight.

4. Presenting land can aid you in securing more land.

5. Giving silver can facilitate you with beauty.

B) In Bhagavata Gita, there is a discussion on when to perform and when not to perform Daan. A person can take part in Daan when he or she has a surplus income. Daan must be performed without making any expectations. One must always focus not to embarrass the person you are giving Daan.

C) In Bhavispurana, it states that when one gives a cow as a charity, it can help him or her gain wealth. When someone provides land, it can aid them in attaining income. When someone offers knowledge, he or she is rewarded with prosperity.

D) In Kumarika Khand of Skanda Purana, when Arjuna visits Narada, he explains to Arjuna about Daan. He states that one must perform Daan with devotion as Lord Siva can be pleased by our purity and sincerity. As per Naradha, there are three types of Daan based on what we give. They are –

1. Dhana Daan – It is the provision of money, and it is the most popular form of charity.

2. Vastu Daan – It is the giving of materials like ornaments, utensils, etc.

3. Vastra Daan – It is the offering of clothes.

Naradha further classifies Daan into six varieties based on the purpose of performing it. They are-

1. Dharma Daan – Here, one provides it due to virtuousness.

2. Artha Daan – Here, one gives it as a purpose of utility.

3. Kaama Daan – Here, one does it as a favor to a woman.

4. Laaja Daan – Here, one gives Daan because of compulsion.

5. Harsha Daan – Here, one engages in Daan after hearing good news or due to happiness.

6. Bhaya Daan – Here, one gives Daan due to fear or to avoid any risk.

Based on the donors, there can be virtuous as well as evil people who engage in Daan. Even the receiver must have positive qualities like

the person must lead a Satvik life. While performing charity, one can gain results in the Paralok or the current life. When you give Daan or

charity, you must not regret it, and it is ong to give it to someone lazy or unserved.

Daan or charity is one of the most important aspects of giving in Hinduism. It can aid you in improving your life as well as that of the

person who receives help. The essential element is whether you perform Daan sincerely, wholeheartedly, without any regrets, doubts, or

expectations.

What is DAAN?

In Sanskrit charity is called daan. The giver should give daan with

a pure heart and the taker too should receive it with a glad heart.

Otherwise, the shastras warn that both of them will go to hell. So,

daan is not made on a take-it or leave-it basis.

What do VEDAS say about DAAN?

Helping those in need is the essence of daan. It could be one who is

hungry, in need of knowledge, land or protection from danger.

Feeding the hungry or teaching someone the Vedas are said to be

the best types of daan. If a hungry man comes to your door, he

comes as your guest. He is considered a deva. We have many stories

in ancient lore when a poor family would rather starve than turn

away a beggar. They would put whatever food they had in his

begging bowl. That is the true spirit of daan. When you give

something to somebody you should feel extremely happy. That is

true daan.