Dakshinachara, within Hinduism, represents the path or conduct aligned with the right-hand path of spiritual practice. It forms a significant aspect of religious practices in modern Hindu society, drawing influence from various sacred texts such as the puranas, agamas, and tantras. Among these, the tantras hold particular importance as they are primarily associated with the worship of Shakti, the Divine Mother.
In tantric literature, seven types of acharas or modes of
spiritual practice are delineated, which are further categorized into two main
paths: Dakshinachara and Vamachara. Dakshinachara, the right-hand path,
embodies practices that are often more conventional and conservative in nature.
Worshiping the goddess Dakshina Kalika, adhering to Vedic
modes of puja (ritual worship), and engaging in sadhana (spiritual discipline)
are characteristic of Dakshinachara. This path typically upholds traditional
beliefs and rituals, including adherence to the varnashrama system, which is
the traditional Hindu social order based on varna (caste) and ashrama (stages
of life).
Overall, Dakshinachara emphasizes reverence, adherence to
established norms, and devotion to the Divine Mother, representing a pathway
deeply ingrained in the fabric of Hindu spiritual traditions.