About the course

Sanatan Indian Hindu society has been deeply religious for generations. The foundation of Sanatan Hindu life traditions lies in Vedic rituals and culture. Worship of deities, spiritual practices and rituals form an intrinsic part of Indian life. Daily and periodic worship has always been an integral part of the Indian family system.

The Indian psyche is inherently devotional and spiritual. There is a deep belief that divine and cosmic forces bless human life and make it peaceful, joyful and vibrant. Worship and spiritual practices bring immense joy to the mind, intellect and consciousness, often leading to a meditative and blissful experience.

Over time, individual and collective worship traditions evolved, giving rise to the system of performing rituals with the guidance of trained priests (Purohits or Gurujis), traditionally educated in Vedic schools. This sacred tradition continues uninterrupted even today.

In modern times, Indians have progressed in various fields and settled across continents such as America, Europe, Africa and Australia. Due to fast-paced lifestyles, daily worship practices have diminished. Especially in countries like the USA, priests for rituals like Satyanarayan Puja, Vastu Shanti, weddings, housewarming ceremonies and Nakshatra Shanti are difficult to find.

To address this need, Bhishma Sanatan Vedic Hindu University has decided to launch an Online Hindu Paurohitya (Priesthood) Course. This course has been designed under the guidance of renowned Vedic scholar Vedmurti Mahesh ji Bavikar. The initiative has received blessings from P. P. Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj, Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, Ayodhya. Coordination for this program will be handled by Shri Nitin Barve, a well-known priest in the USA.

This course is open to everyone across the world. Men and women from all countries who are interested in Vedic traditions, ancient indigenous rituals, fire worship, nature worship, and deity worship can enroll for this course.

Syllabus

✅Worship and Spiritual Practices - Definitions and Objectives
✅Nine Forms of Devotion (Navavidha Bhakti)
✅Concept of Paurohitya (Priesthood)
✅Shodashopachara Worship Method, materials & preparation
✅Worship procedures - Sankalpa, Invocation, Installation & Conclusion
✅Introduction to various deities and their attributes
✅Introduction to Sanskrit letters and language
✅Basic Sanskrit pronunciation and practice
✅Ganapati Atharvashirsha - Part 1 & Part 2
✅Ganesh Sthapana (installation), Gauri Sthapana (installation), immersion, Kalash Sthapana (installation), Kumari worship
✅Various vows, observances, aartis, Chaturmas, festivals & celebrations
✅Gotra, family deity, family rituals & worship
✅Daily home worship and periodic rituals
✅Memorization & revision

Skills Acquired After Completing the Course

✅Basic knowledge of Sanskrit language and pronunciation
✅Understanding of worship methods and Navavidha Bhakti
✅Skills in preparing for worship, performing Sankalpa and selecting materials
✅Knowledge and explanation of various deities
✅Memorization and understanding of hymns and verses
✅Practical ability to perform Shodashopachara worship
✅Ability to perform daily home worship
✅Perform Ganesh & Gauri installations during festivals
✅Perform Kalash installation, Kumari & Kanya worship, Saraswati worship
✅Knowledge of vows, festivals, spiritual practices and chanting
✅Foundation for advanced Sanskrit learning
✅Ability to perform rituals at one's own and devotees' homes
✅Knowledge of family deity worship and guidance to others
✅Ability to guide, educate and deliver discourses on religious rituals
✅Opportunity to practice professionally as a Certified Purohit (Priest) book.

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Introduction to Sanatan Hindu Paurohitya

About the course

Syllabus

Skills Acquired After Completing the Course

Schedule