Purohit

(“[one] placed in front”) The most
important of the priestly functionaries
in the cult of sacrifice found in
the Brahmanas. The purohit was
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Purohit
Pilgrim bathing in the sacred Narmada River.
Bathing is believed to be purifying, especially
when it is done in sacred waters.
responsible for supervising the other
sacrificing priests, such as the rtvij
and the hotr, and for making sure that
the animal sacrifices were completed
without error. The purohit would often
be attached to a particular ruler and
was also called to perform rites for
communal well-being. In modern times
this latter meaning has persisted, the
word is often used to denote one’s family
priest, who will perform various rituals
for the family.