Shloka 52
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
अथर्त्विग्भ्योऽददात् काले यथाम्नातं स दक्षिणा: । स्वलङ्कृतेभ्योऽलङ्कृत्य गोभूकन्या महाधना: ॥ ५२ ॥
athartvigbhyo ’dadāt kāle yathāmnātaṁ sa dakṣiṇāḥ sv-alaṅkṛtebhyo ’laṅkṛtya go-bhū-kanyā mahā-dhanāḥ
Puis, au moment prescrit et selon l’Écriture, Vasudeva remit la dakṣiṇā aux ṛtvik : bien qu’ils fussent déjà parés, il les orna encore de bijoux précieux et leur offrit de grands dons—vaches, terres et jeunes filles à marier.
FAQs
This verse states that at the proper time one should give the officiating priests the dakṣiṇā exactly as prescribed by Vedic injunctions, showing respect for sacred duty and scriptural order.
They represent major forms of traditional Vedic charity—supporting livelihood (cows), sustenance and stability (land), and social responsibility through properly endowed marital gifts—given here in great abundance as part of honoring the ritual and its participants.
Honor those who serve sacred or beneficial work by giving timely, fair compensation and sincere appreciation—according to ethical guidelines—rather than neglecting or exploiting their service.