Significance of Purohita
Synonyms: Priest, Religious leader, Spiritual guide
In Dutch: Purohita; In German: Purohita; In Finnish: Purohita; In Spanish: Purohita; In Swedish: Purohita; In Malay: Purohita; In French: Purohita
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Purohita'
In Buddhism, Purohita can be interpreted as either a royal priest or advisor, notably the Ekasataka Brahmin associated with the Buddha, or as a chief priest title held by Kaccana in Ujjeni.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The title held by Bavari, meaning the royal counselor or priest, who was a significant figure in the court of King Maha Kosala.[1] (2) A royal priest or advisor appointed by King Bandhuma, in this case, referring to the Ekasataka Brahmin who became close to the Buddha.[2] (3) A title referring to a chief priest or counselor, which Kaccana held in the city of Ujjeni.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Purohita'
In Hinduism, Purohita signifies a revered priest serving kings and households, conducting rituals, advising on spiritual matters, and emphasized as an intermediary in ceremonies, underscoring their vital role in religious and familial practices.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The priest or advisor in charge of performing rituals and giving counsel.[4] (2) Brahmanas who serve as family priests, conducting religious ceremonies for individuals and households.[5] (3) A spiritual master or priest that Janamejaya seeks in order to perform rituals to counteract his sins.[6]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A ceremonial priest or advisor in ancient Indian context, signifying an important religious or spiritual role.[7]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Brahmins who serve as priests or spiritual advisors to the kings, each king having separate purohitas from distinct lineages.[8]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The royal priest responsible for guiding the king during the preparations for battle.[9] (2) The priest or officiant in a sacrifice who receives offerings, emphasizing the role of intermediaries in rituals.[10]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A domestic priest or family priest in ancient India, typically responsible for conducting rituals for a family or household.[11]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The priest or ritual specialist responsible for conducting ceremonies and offering prayers to the gods on behalf of the household.[12]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A priest or officiant, to whom a king or chieftain should give the offerings received during the ceremony.[13]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The domestic chaplain or priest in a ritual context, central to the offerings made to Agni.[14] (2) The king's court chaplain who is also a recipient of offerings, symbolizing a connection to Brihaspati.[15] (3) A priestly figure or official who performs sacrifices and holds a significant position among the royal families.[16] (4) A domestic priest, considered to be placed foremost; a Brahman who should not seek to become the Purohita of a Kshatriya, as it leads to the unification of righteousness and unrighteousness.[17] (5) The family priest of Hindu chiefs and kings, acting as a minister of public worship and advisor on religious matters.[18]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A family priest or advisor, commonly referred to Bharadvaja in Vedic texts.[19]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A purohita refers to a chaplain or priestly official serving the king, as mentioned in the context of the roles described in the NSh.[20]
Jain concept of 'Purohita'
In Jainism, Purohita signifies a priest or ritual specialist integral to the social hierarchy, responsible for officiating rituals and witnessing events related to Bala, highlighting their key role in religious practices.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A priest or ritual specialist, who plays a role in the social hierarchy and also witnesses the events involving Bala.[21]
The concept of Purohita in local and regional sources
Purohita denotes essential priests in governance, especially during the later Vedic period, who supported the king and played critical roles in administrative and judicial matters, enhancing their status and influence within the royal court.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This refers to the priest, who performs a fire offering while reciting mantras that are either unspecified or corrupted, and who makes an offering with mantras dedicated to Vishnu and Shakra.[22]