Dakshina, daksina, or दक्षिणा, is a Sanskrit term from Vedic literature that refers to an offering or gift, typically to a priest. da, meaning offering or giving; kshi, meaning to dwell in; and na, meaning knowledge. The dakshina is considered a duty, or dharma, and is part of the universe's cycle of giving and receiving. As per the Indian tradition, the dakshina is offered to the priest(s) for every ritual they perform, by the person (Yajamana) for whom it is being performed.