The PURANIC CONCEPT of DANA provides an exhaustive expostion of the Hindu practice o gift-giving. Here in the author includes virtually every reference to Dana found in the Vadas, Smritis, Dharmasutras and Puranas. These texts reveal a broad spectrum of religiously sanctioned gifting. Specific guidelines exist governing simple hospitality as well as such grandiose offerings as a king's weight in gold or a mountain of jewels. These practices were widespread and important for the material support of Hindu society on every level. Consequently, elaborate directions and rituals developed to insure the propriety of gifts, givers and recipients. These teachings constitute the substance of Dr. Acharya's research, and through these passages the reader may glimpse the larger patterns of Hindu culture.

While the modern student may find the style of writing overly detailed and repetitive, one should remember their context and sense the 'Voice' of rishis.

About the Book

Dr. Kala Acharya has been Director of K.J. Somaiya Bharatiya Sanskriti Peeth, since its inception in 1989. she has had through out first class career.

She secured distinction in Sanskrit and Marathi at S.S.C. examination. She stood 2nd in order of merit in B.A. exam. Held by Nagpur University. She stood first and bagged four gold medals and a prize at M. A. (Sanskrit) examination held by Nagpur University.

1. Chancellor's Gold Medal-M.A,. 1969
2. Daji Hari Wadegaonkar Gold Medal M.A., 1969
3. Khan Bahadur H.M. Malak Gold Medal-M.A., 1969
4. Prakya Ganpatrao Gold Medal, M. A. & M. Sc. 1969
5. Sushilabai Kothiwan Prize-M.A., She got Ph. D. from University of Bombay
She has been awarded a number of scholarships. She has bagged prizes and trophies in oratory in her scholastic career.

**Contents and Sample Pages**