Dakshina

Dakshina is typically used to mean an offering.

Etymology

The word Dakshina begins with the syllable 'Da,' with which Prajapathi prescribed three sets of sons (the devatas, the asuras, and ordinary men).

The three not only his sons, but also disciples. At the completion of their studies, they asked him for a guiding mantra. Prajapati smiled and asked each to approach him separately. Into each son's ear, he uttered the syllable 'Da'.

Due to their differing qualities, each heard something different for the beej mantra

• the devatas heard "DA" meaning continence (self-restraint)
• men heard "Dan" meaning to give
• and the asuras heard "Daya" meaning compassion