What do the Shastras say about who is qualified to perform Karmakanda? This article examines the principles of karma, adhikara, vidhi and nishedha, drawing extensively on Shruti, Smriti, Itihasa and Agama sources. It particularly examines the Shastriya position on women serving as Purohita, Acharya or Archaka, distinguishing prescribed svadharma from modern notions of unrestricted eligibility. The article argues that Dharma is to be understood and practised through the framework of Shastra-ordained adhikara and svadharma.
