Paying for a Puja From Abroad: UPI, Bank Transfer, Razorpay, Stripe and PayPal

For families in the USA, Canada and the UK, having a puja performed at Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda is simple, but paying the dakshina from abroad raises natural questions. Which method is easiest? Which is safest? Will I get a receipt?

This guide explains the payment options we accept, how they compare, and how to pay safely from anywhere in the world.

When Do You Pay?

The order is always:

1. Free consultation by phone or through the online form
2. Ritual recommended and explained, if appropriate
3. Date, muhurat and total dakshina confirmed in writing
4. Sankalp details shared
5. Payment made by your chosen method
6. Payment confirmation sent to you
7. Ritual performed in your name, with updates where arranged

You should never be asked to pay before you understand what the ritual is and what it includes.

Read more: How to Book a Puja in India From the USA, Canada or UK · How Our Free Consultation Works

The Payment Options

Fees and exchange rates are set by your bank or payment provider, not by us. Check with your provider.

UPI for NRIs

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is India's instant payment system. For families abroad:

• If you have an NRE or NRO account with an Indian bank, many banks now allow UPI linked to your international mobile number in a number of countries, including the USA, Canada and the UK. Check with your bank.
• If you don't have an Indian account, a family member in India can pay via UPI on your behalf.
• UPI payments are instant, and you receive a transaction reference number.

Bank Transfer and Remittance Services

• International wire transfer from your bank to the Acharya's Indian bank account, using the account details and IFSC/SWIFT code confirmed directly by us.
• Remittance services (online money-transfer providers) are often faster and cheaper than traditional wires.
• Keep the transaction reference and share a screenshot with us so we can confirm receipt.

Card Payments via Razorpay or Stripe

We can send a secure payment link that lets you pay by international debit or credit card:

• The link opens a secure payment page from the provider.
• You enter your card details only on that secure page, never in a chat message.
• You receive an email confirmation from the payment provider.

PayPal

If you already use PayPal, this can be a convenient option. You receive a PayPal receipt automatically. Ask us to confirm the correct PayPal details directly.

Which Method Should I Choose?

• Want it instant and simple, and have an Indian account? UPI.
• Paying a larger amount and prefer your bank? Bank transfer or a remittance service.
• Want to use your card? A Razorpay or Stripe payment link.
• Already use PayPal? PayPal.

There is no "right" method; choose the one you are most comfortable with.

Currency, Fees and Exchange Rates

• The dakshina is usually agreed in Indian rupees (INR). We can tell you the approximate amount in your currency.
• Your bank or payment provider sets the exchange rate and may charge fees.
• If you want the full dakshina to reach India without deductions, ask your provider whether you can pay the fees yourself.

Receipts and Records

Always keep: - The written confirmation of the ritual, date and dakshina - Your payment reference or receipt - Our confirmation of receipt

This protects both you and us, and makes any follow-up simple.

Paying on Behalf of Family

Many devotees abroad arrange pujas for parents, siblings or children living elsewhere:

• The sankalp can be in the family member's name, while you make the payment.
• Tell us whose names should be included and who is paying, so the confirmation is clear.
• Family members in India can also pay by UPI if that is easier.

Gifting a Puja to Parents in India

A puja performed in your parents' names, on a birthday, an anniversary or a festival, can be a meaningful gift from children living abroad:

• Choose a special date, such as Baglamukhi Jayanti, Navratri or a family occasion.
• Share your parents' names and gotra for the sankalp.
• If they can travel, they can attend at Nalkheda in person; if not, they can join by video.
• You can join too, from wherever you are.

If Plans Change

If you need to change the date, or there is sutak in the family, tell us as early as possible. We will advise on rescheduling according to tradition. Please ask about our policy on changes during the consultation, so you know what to expect.

Privacy of Your Payment Information

• We never ask for your card PIN, CVV, OTP or online banking password.
• Card payments are made on the payment provider's secure page, not in chat.
• Your payment details are used only for your booking.

Stay Safe: Avoiding Payment Scams

Unfortunately, some people online pretend to be priests or temple representatives. Protect yourself:

1. Pay only to details confirmed directly by the Acharya on his known numbers: +91 88271 82771 or +91 99778 27785.
2. Never share OTPs, passwords, card PINs or CVV numbers in chat or on calls.
3. Be wary of urgency: "Pay in the next hour or the muhurat will be lost."
4. Be wary of guarantees: anyone promising results in exchange for payment.
5. Be wary of requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency.
6. If in doubt, call us directly before paying.

Read more: Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Puja · How to Choose an Authentic Pandit

Step by Step: Paying From the USA, Canada or UK

1. Complete your free consultation.
2. Receive the ritual details and dakshina in writing.
3. Choose your payment method and tell us.
4. Receive the payment details or secure link directly from us.
5. Pay, and share your transaction reference or screenshot.
6. Receive our confirmation.
7. Join the ritual by video, where arranged, at your local time.

Read more: Time Zones and Muhurat · Joining a Havan by Live Video

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Paying before the ritual and amount are confirmed in writing.
2. Sending money to details received from an unknown number.
3. Sharing card details in chat instead of on a secure page.
4. Forgetting to keep the transaction reference.
5. Paying someone who promises guaranteed results.

About Acharya Ashish Sharma

Acharya Ashish Sharma has served in the tradition of Maa Baglamukhi for more than 25 years. He is Sanskrit-trained and connected with this tradition since birth, and his office is near Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda. He performs traditional Maa Baglamukhi Puja, Havan and Special Anushthan, and offers personal spiritual guidance according to each devotee's situation, for families in India and around the world.