Hindu priest

[7] In the cosmology myth that was conceived in several Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas, the Brahmin class emerged first from the mouth of Purusha,[8] the concept of divinity that permeated the entire universe in the form of a human being.

The sociologist Max Weber was of the opinion that the central feature of Indian society was the importance of the Brahmins, and held that the status acquired by the class due to their association with the priesthood was unrivalled anywhere else in the world.

[11] However, due to the fact the new heterodox movement made no attempt to oppose the varna system, the role of Brahmins as performers of religious rites survived.

With their authority fading, forever, the class intensified the process of the Hindu synthesis, where the assimilation of popular cults led to the emergence of Vaishnavism and Shaivism as the dominant traditions.

[12] The primary responsibility of members of the priesthood class is to conduct daily prayers (puja) at the local temple and officiate Hindu rituals and ceremonies.

[1] The broad functions of the Hindu priesthood, such as expertise of the scriptures, as well as performing religious ceremonies, are allocated to those born in the Brahmin class in the Manusmriti:[15][16] Brāhmaṇas of pure Brāhmaṇa-birth, intent upon their duties, should duly perform the six acts in due order.Teaching, studying, sacrificing for oneself, sacrificing for others, giving and receiving gifts are the six functions for the ‘first born’.While the functions of the Hindu priesthood have historically, as well as presently, been deeply associated with the Brahmin varna in India and Nepal,[17][18][19] there do exist several Hindu communities who have sought to appoint their own members as priests for officiating ceremonies and religious practices.

Every morning, pujaris are in charge of performing the abhishekam (bathing the murti with water and milk, and clothing the idol with traditional wear and jewellery).

Priests who are not tied to temples commute to the homes of Hindu adherents, where they perform homams, yajnams, pujas, and a number of religious ceremonies.