Nirman

Donating to a Hindu temple is a noble and selfless act deeply rooted in Hindu ethics, philosophy, and spirituality. It is a gesture that purifies the soul and brings blessings to the donor. We outline below the ethical principles guiding donations to our temple:

Dana (Charitable Giving) and Dharma

• Duty to Donate: Giving to a temple is an act of dharma (righteousness) that purifies the donor’s mind and accrues spiritual merit.
• Selfless Giving (Nishkama Karma): True donations are made without expectations, reflecting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on selfless action.

Purity of Intention

• Sattvic Giving: Charity is considered pure when given at the right time, to a worthy recipient, and without ulterior motives, as per the Bhagavad Gita (17.20).
• Avoiding Ego: Donations should be free from desires for fame or prestige, maintaining the spiritual purity of the act.

Ethical Source of Donation

• Righteous Earnings: It’s crucial that donations come from money earned through ethical means, avoiding any funds obtained dishonestly.
• Honest Livelihood: As the Manusmriti (4.186) notes, donations should stem from earnings obtained through dharma (ethical work).

Respecting the Purpose of the Temple

• Supporting Religious and Social Activities: Your contributions support temple maintenance, worship rituals, and social services like feeding the hungry.
• Transparency and Accountability: We ensure that all donations are used properly, supporting the temple and its community initiatives.

Giving According to One’s Capacity

• Voluntary Contributions: All donations should be voluntary and within one’s financial means, never forced.
• Value of Small Offerings: Hinduism values the devotion behind an offering more than its monetary value—a simple flower or a small coin is meaningful.

Prioritizing Family Responsibilities

• Balance and Moderation: It’s important to balance charity with family obligations, ensuring that giving does not lead to personal or familial neglect.

Inclusive Giving

• Community Support: Donations should ideally support the broader community, helping fund not just temple activities but also education and healthcare projects.