Question: Since I was a child, we have seen that when some money is given as a gift, such as “Shagan” at weddings, etc. The amount is to be Rs. 11, or 51 or 101, etc. What is the philosophy of this practice? Thanks in advance.
Answer:
Giving dakshina or donations ending in an odd number symbolizes that the gift is in a state of continuation and not closed. Rounded numbers like 10, 20, 50, 100 are considered complete, and symbolize a transaction is finished. Our connection with Bhagavan is perpetual and never comes to a conclusion. Even when offering things such as deepams we offer in odd numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc. The same is the case with offering incense sticks.
Further it symbolizes giving more than expected, like in English there is a saying to give 110 percent effort. So in a similar manner you are symbolically trying to offer to God more than what is expected or normally considered standard. One more extra effort to offer something to Bhagavan beyond what is standard or considered 100 percent. If the standard is 10, we will offer 11. If the standard is 100, we will offer 101. It symbolizes going beyond and offering everything to God.
Even though it may be mathematically insignificant, Bhagavan sees the intention of our effort and blesses us accordingly.
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