Purohit is a category of spiritual people who performs various rites, rituals, worship, and other spiritual activities for the householders, known as Yajmaan. Purohit means –‘Purutah Hitam Chintayati’, i.e., who is always concerned about the wellbeing of his Yajman (host). The relationship between Purohit and Yajman is very subtle but similar to Guru-Shishya. Purohits are known by various nomenclatures like Pandit, Archak, Pujari, Mahajan, Ojha, Brahmin, and so on. ‘Hindu Purohit Sangh’, established in 2008 and registered in 2013 with the Societies Registration act 1973, is an organization of this category of people. Purohit function is not a profession but rather a sacred calling.

The word Dharma can broadly be defined as righteous and appropriate behaviour in a given situation. Similarly, Hindu refers to the tree of Sanatan Dharma, in which there are various stems of Sadhana (spiritual practices) like Pauranik Vedic Dharma, Arya Samaj Vedic Dharma, Jain Dharma, Buddh Dharma, and Sikh Dharma.

Purohit Sangh understands that the Purohit system is the backbone of the Hindu society, and it carries forward the eternal Vaidik knowledge. The Purohit provide legitimacy to family relations while knitting the Hindu society into a single structure, and it leads people in the right direction. It also fulfils the spiritual and religious needs of society. But despite such an important role, Hindu society has not been able to give proper recognition to this section. As a result, the Purohit system is gradually withering away. It has not been able to attract new talented youth rather the new generation of the traditional Purohit is also getting alienated from the function of their forefathers. The traditional father-to-child training of Purohit is also broken down. As a result, there is a severe shortage of learned priests in society. The consequences are fatal for the individual and Hindu society. This will also bring disintegration into society and tension and stress to individuals, in addition to many other evils.

 

Due to the non-availability of Purohit the rites, rituals, and Karmkand are continuously disappearing which is a matter of concern. Unfortunately, no one is paying attention to this. Shastra says – ‘Sanghe Shakti Kaliyuge’ meaning that in Kaliyuga strength is attained only when we are organized. The main objective of this organization is how the Hindu society regains its pride and makes the world aware of the great values of Sanatan Dharma. To restore the sacred culture to its pristine form.

 

Sanatan Dharma is not a superstition but a practice, which is taught in the family. The scripture says – ‘Aachara hinah pashubhih samanaah’ - that is, without the practice of Sanatan Dharma, a person is like an animal. Sanskars, deeds, festivals, Katha, following Tithi, etc. are family-based events. Whereas the Varna system has taken another form, we are not able to save the joint family system, which is the reason for increasing tension and stress in the individuals. Due to the breakdown in the family, the status and role of the woman, who is the cornerstone of the Hindu culture and family, is also getting diluted. The withering away of Kul and the joint family system is like a thunderbolt in front of the Hindu society.  Kul Devi, Kul Guru, Kul Purohit, etc. are also disappearing. It’s a vicious circle. This is leading to a cultural crisis. The priests have been the carriers of the great Sanatan Hindu culture that has been continuing since the Vedic period. They have been the sources of awakening, social reform, and upliftment of the individual and society so that every person can fulfill the Vedic resolution of 'Atmanno Mokshaarth Jagat Hitaya Cha' by getting rid of all three debts. The Vedas also say that 'Dharmenahina Pashubhih Samanaah', meaning that a person without Sanatan Dharma is like an animal.

 The Hindu Purohit Sangh has been formed to re-establish the priestly function as the backbone of the society. We have to revive this ancient culture of Yogakshema.

It is necessary to save society from the evils, addiction, nostalgia, inequality, casteism, and vices. The ultimate aim is the establishment of Ram-Rajya all over the world. A stage where the society is full of compassion, and affection and which nourishes, cares for the sick, helpless, and infirm, and takes a pledge for the welfare of each Atma and the world at large. Ram Rajya, is seated on the altar of justice and equality. Further , we have to keep in mind that this world is made up of Sura (righteous) and Asura (wrong-doers), and it is necessary that there is a rise of the Sura and the fall of Asura.

The above objective cannot be achieved without Sanatan Dharma which is based on the fabric of Vedic  Sanskars and Karmkand. We need an organized system of priests to restore the fabric which has been nursed by great Rishis and Munis. It is a proven formula for a happy society and contended individual.  No one, irrespective of caste, class, gender, and category, should be deprived of rituals and rites. It is the divine responsibility of the Purohit and priests to bring the deprived people into the fold of Sanatan Dharma because this is the only system that leads to the welfare of all; treating the entire world as a family.  It is the divine responsibility of the priests to reach out to the last persons.

We need a priestly system that is all-accessible, benevolent, and free from greed.  That pristine priestly system should be re-established. An inclusive, strong, and meaningful system can also provide proper respect and livelihood to the Purohit. A system where the priests are organized, trained and promoted. And there should be an arrangement for their training and they should be dedicated to social and spiritual upliftment. The Purohit Sangh believes that certain texts have been clouded by time and it is also necessary to remove this moss and give them Vedic purity. The Hindu Purohit Sangh has made many efforts in the last decade to achieve these objectives and continues to do so.

Purohit Sangh is run by selfless individuals who treat this as an offering to this Yagya. Whatever donation is received, is used for achieving the goals. The Purohit and priesthood are a great service and their upliftment is the upliftment of society. Please be part of this great divine offering. Donate according to your ability or by joining it in whatever form you can. As per the scriptures, priests are the most deserving category for Daan-Dakshina.