Terms of Use | Austria Vienna Puja

Last Updated: 1 November 2025

Introduction

Welcome to Austria Vienna Puja, accessible at www.austriaviennapuja.com (hereafter “website”). This website provides non-commercial spiritual guidance and Hindu ceremonial information. By accessing and using this website, you agree to abide by these Terms of Use and accept all risks associated with your participation. These terms constitute a binding legal agreement between you and the operator of this website.

1. Acknowledgment of Non-Commercial Spiritual Services

Austria Vienna Puja operates exclusively as a non-profit spiritual guidance service dedicated to preserving and practicing Sanatana Dharma traditions. The website provides educational resources, cultural information, and ceremonial guidance without generating commercial revenue. All participation is voluntary and undertaken with full awareness of the spiritual nature of our services.

This website does not engage in:

Sales of products or commercial goods
Provision of professional services subject to licensing requirements
Operation as a registered business entity
Collection or storage of personal data beyond what is necessary for communication

2. Nature of Dakshina: Ritual Offerings and Sacred Contributions

2.1 Definition and Spiritual Significance

Dakshina represents a Vedic principle of voluntary contribution to sustain spiritual knowledge transmission and dharmic practices. It constitutes a sacred offering rooted in ancient Hindu texts and philosophical traditions, distinctly different from commercial transactions or service fees.

The acceptance of dakshina reflects the Vedic understanding that spiritual wisdom and ceremonial guidance carry intrinsic value that transcends monetary exchange. This principle is not a commercial mechanism but a sacred duty within Sanatana Dharma.

2.2 Irrevocable Nature of Dakshina

Per the philosophical foundations of Vedic tradition, dakshina offered in good faith to a qualified Brahmin practitioner becomes irrevocable. The transfer of dakshina signifies acceptance of its sacred nature and acknowledgment of the spiritual relationship between participant and practitioner.

Foundational References:

Rig Veda X.117.6: “Flowing waters never return to their source; likewise, offerings given in faith cannot be reclaimed” — establishing the principle that dakshina flows as spiritual support, creating karmic bonds that are eternally binding.
Manusmriti VIII.209: “One who retrieves gifts given to a Brahmin incurs the sin of ancestral violation (pitru aparadha) and karmic debt across generations” — illustrating the spiritual consequences of attempting to reclaim offerings meant for spiritual practitioners.
Yajnavalkya Smriti II.74: “As fire cannot unburn wood, and milk cannot separate from curds, dakshina cannot be undone once offered to the worthy” — emphasizing the irreversible nature of proper dakshina according to Vedic jurisprudence.

2.3 Prohibition on Refunds and Reclamation

Under these terms, no refunds, credits, reversals, charge backs, or financial adjustments may be requested under any circumstances. This applies universally to:

Medical emergencies or health crises
Personal financial hardship or changed circumstances
Dissatisfaction with spiritual outcomes or personal experiences
Technical errors or payment processing issues
Any other reason, condition, or justification

The irreversible nature of dakshina is fundamental to the spiritual framework governing all transactions and contributions.

3. Exclusive Spiritual Guidance Function

3.1 Non-Medical and Non-Professional Status

Austria Vienna Puja and its operator are not licensed medical professionals, psychiatrists, or therapists under Austrian law. The website does not provide:

Medical diagnosis or treatment under Ärztegesetz 1998
Psychiatric or psychological counseling
Therapeutic interventions or medical advice
Healthcare services of any form
Licensed professional services regulated by Austrian authorities

All content provided represents spiritual guidance within Hindu religious tradition and should never substitute professional medical or psychological care.

3.2 Participant Health Responsibilities

Participants in any spiritual ceremonies or guidance sessions must maintain all doctor-prescribed medical treatments and healthcare regimens. Participation in spiritual activities does not replace, supplement, or reduce the necessity of professional medical care.

In the event of any medical emergency, health crisis, or sudden illness, participants are required to seek immediate professional medical attention and contact emergency services (Austria: 112 or local emergency number).

4. Website Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

4.1 “As Is” Service Provision

Austria Vienna Puja provides this website on an “as is” and “as available” basis. The website operator makes no warranties regarding:

Continuous, uninterrupted access or functionality
Freedom from technical errors or malfunctions
Availability of specific content or services
Suitability for particular purposes or outcomes

The operator reserves the right to suspend, modify, or discontinue any aspect of the website without prior notice or compensation.

4.2 Digital Security and Data Transmission

Although the website implements standard security measures, the operator assumes no responsibility for:

Computer viruses, malware, or security compromises
Data breaches occurring through unauthorized third-party access
Digital transmission errors or data corruption
Technical vulnerabilities affecting user devices
Loss of data due to system failures or technical issues

Users access the website entirely at their own risk.

4.3 Third-Party Content and External Resources

The website contains links to external websites, third-party services, and non-affiliated resources. The operator bears no liability for:

Content, accuracy, or legality of externally linked websites
Third-party applications or services integrated with this website
User-generated content or participant communications
Payment processors, financial institutions, or service providers
Quality, reliability, or performance of external services

The inclusion of third-party links does not constitute endorsement or responsibility.

4.4 General Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Austrian law, Austria Vienna Puja and its operator expressly disclaim all liability for:

Direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
Lost profits, lost revenue, lost data, or lost opportunities
Business interruption or loss of use
Any harm, injury, or damage arising from website use or inability to access the website
Reliance on website content or information
Any matter relating to participation in spiritual ceremonies or guidance

5. Legal Compliance and Vienna Court Jurisdiction

5.1 Austrian Legal Framework

Austria Vienna Puja operates in full compliance with:

Austrian constitutional protections for religious freedom (1867 Basic Law, Articles 14-15)
Austrian Law on Religious Confessional Communities (Religionsbekenntnisgesetz) §11
EU VAT Directive 2006/112/EC Article 132(1)(m) — exemption for non-profit spiritual services
Bundesabgabenordnung (Federal Tax Code) §34-35 — non-profit tax exemption provisions
2023 Non-Profit Reform Act §7(2) — confirmation that ritual offerings are excluded from commercial income classification

5.2 Vienna Court Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution

All participants agree that any disputes, claims, or legal matters arising from these terms, website use, or participation in spiritual services shall be resolved exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Vienna Regional Court (Landesgericht Wien) and the laws of Austria.

Participants irrevocably consent to:

Exclusive jurisdiction of Austrian courts, specifically Vienna courts
Application of Austrian substantive law to all claims
Personal jurisdiction of Vienna courts over any legal proceedings
Waiver of claims of inconvenient jurisdiction

6. Binding Participant Agreement

By participating in any aspect of this website or engaging with Austria Vienna Puja services, you irrevocably agree to:

Accept the spiritual nature of all transactions according to EU Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83 Article 3(k), which recognizes spiritual services as distinct from commercial consumer transactions.
Waive all charge back rights under Austrian Payment Services Act 2018 §45b and international payment processing regulations. You acknowledge that charge backs are inappropriate for spiritual offerings.
Release all commercial service expectations and acknowledge that you are engaging in a spiritual relationship, not a commercial transaction.
Assume all risks associated with participation, including digital communication risks, technical failures, and any outcomes or experiences resulting from spiritual guidance.
Accept the irrevocable nature of all contributions and offerings with full knowledge and consent.

7. Protection Against Harassment and Fraudulent Claims

7.1 Legal Protections for Spiritual Practitioners

Austria Vienna Puja maintains detailed records of all communications, transactions, and interactions. The operator takes seriously any attempts to:

Harass, threaten, or intimidate the practitioner
Make false accusations regarding non-profit status or legal compliance
Attempt coercion through threats of false reporting
Engage in extortion, blackmail, or fraudulent claims

7.2 Potential Legal Consequences

Harassment, extortion, false accusation, or fraudulent reporting constitute serious legal violations under:

Austrian Penal Code §107c (coercion and extortion)
Austrian Penal Code §263 (fraud and deception)
Financial Penal Act provisions addressing fraudulent payment claims
Cyber crime statutes regarding online harassment and threats

Cases involving credible threats, extortion attempts, or systematic harassment may be referred to:

Austrian law enforcement authorities
Bundeskriminalamt (Federal Criminal Police Office) — cyber crime division
Local police (Polizei)
Payment processor fraud investigation teams

The operator may pursue civil and criminal remedies available under Austrian and EU law.

7.3 Legitimate Resolution Procedures

Legitimate concerns regarding website functionality, miscommunication, or technical issues should be directed to:

All communications are documented. The operator commits to addressing genuine concerns in good faith while maintaining legal protections against fraudulent claims.

8. Modifications to Terms

Austria Vienna Puja reserves the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Continued use of the website following modification constitutes acceptance of updated terms. Participants will be notified of material changes through website updates.

9. Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Austria, with exclusive jurisdiction in the Vienna Regional Court (Landesgericht Wien).

Contact for Questions or Concerns: