Guidelines for payment of Hindu priests

The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has advised the public not to engage priests who impose exorbitant rates and demand advance payments.

The SAHMS has issued guidelines regarding the payment of priests following a number of requests and complaints.

The religious body said in a statement that it was difficult to impose tariffs and regulate payments for priests, because commercial or corporate approaches could not be imposed or transposed on religious and spiritual ceremonies.

SAHMS advised the public not to engage priests who imposed exorbitant or unreasonable tariffs and demanded advance EFT payments, as it went against scriptural injunctions.

"Priests must possess the highest moral values, display exemplary behaviour, follow a pure (sattvic) lifestyle in accordance with Hindu scriptures, and provide religious and spiritual support for all followers of Hindu dharma, irrespective of their financial and/or social background. Rather than being prescriptive (because of varying socio-economic circumstances), the SAHMS recommends that families should express their appreciation for the work of the priests by giving generously according to their financial means," read the statement.

In referring to scriptural rules, the SAHMS said an offering given to a priest was the mandatory compensation, adding that any prayer or religious ritual was regarded as being incomplete unless an offering was given to the priest.

One of the guidelines mentioned is that a person who is commissioning a priest to perform a prayer should not engage a priest who is not an authority on the scriptures and who demands an unreasonable fee.

The Rig Veda, the oldest scripture and ultimate authority, emphasised that priests must be compensated with gifts, groceries and other material rewards, as a symbol of gratitude and reverence for the Gods.

Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the SAHMS, said the issue of what priests should be paid was a contentious issue.

"The SAHMS has for some time received requests regarding rates and some complaints of priests taking advantage of devotees. It appears some priests were demanding payment upfront. That is not the way for priests to conduct themselves. People who hire priests to conduct prayers and weddings need to realise that priests also need to maintain a decent standard of living as they earn a living from priesthood. There are also travelling costs.

"Dakshina (an offering given to the priest) must always be given according to a person's means and faith and devotion. It is difficult to impose tariffs for prayers, ceremonies and weddings. The scriptures state that while it is mandatory compensation, the person who engages the priests gives generously but what they can afford. Priests must avoid being prescriptive," said Trikamjee.

Durban priest Satish Maharaj said priests should be paid according to the services provided: “People must be considerate of the priests time and travelling costs. But it also should be what a person can afford. There are also instances where people pay for lavish weddings, but complain to pay the priests adequately.

“All prayers are equally valuable because of the sacred mantras that are performed whether it’s for a house prayer, funeral, ceremony or wedding,” said Maharaj.