Is it better to put money in the hundi or give dāna to people?

both are good; the Gītā values the gift given to a worthy recipient, at the right time and place, without expecting a return.

Money in the hundi (temple offering box) supports the temple's worship, festivals, upkeep, and often its free meals (annadāna), schools and hospitals. It is an offering to the deity and to the community the temple serves. Direct dāna — feeding the hungry, helping a student, supporting a sick person or a gośālā — reaches a person's need immediately.

The Bhagavad Gītā describes sāttvika dāna as a gift given because giving is right, to a worthy recipient, at the proper place and time, and with no expectation of return. That standard applies to both. Give to temples whose accounts you trust, and give to people where you can see the need is real.

Many families divide their giving: something to the temple, something to the needy, something for learning. A small amount given regularly and humbly is worth more than a large gift given for show.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 17.20 · Sāttvika dāna: no expectation of return

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