High School

Aspiring purohits who plan to work in a temple in the United States must be proficient in English, Sanskrit (the primary sacred language of Hinduism), Hindi, and Telegu. They may also need to be proficient, or at least have working knowledge, of regional Indian languages such as Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, or the languages spoken in the countries where they work. Few, if any, American high schools teach Indian languages, but Indian community centers and local colleges offer language classes. Additionally, if you live in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, you can take Hindi classes offered by the nonprofit organization HindiUSA (https://www.hindiusa.org).

In addition to religion and philosophy courses, other useful classes include business, accounting, music, science, mathematics, speech, and computer science.

Postsecondary Education

Purohit training programs in India typically last anywhere from six months to a year, although some purohits train with a guru (expert teacher) for longer periods. In addition to traditional religious schools, some charitable organizations also train aspirants to become priests. 

Many U.S.-based Hindu temples require job applicants to have an undergraduate degree. Some purohits have degrees in Hindu studies, Southeast Asian Studies, or an applicable foreign language such as Sanskrit, Hindi, or Bengali.

Some purohits also have secular careers (e.g., social workers, teachers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc.). In these instances, they would earn degrees in their respective fields. For example, a social worker would have a degree in social work and a teacher would have a degree in education.  

Other Education or Training

Throughout their lives, purohits must continue to develop spiritually and expand their language proficiency, knowledge of business practices, and ability to use computer software for temple business. To do so, they attend spiritual retreats, work with a master teacher, and take courses offered by colleges, universities, and business and technology associations.

Certification

The Graduate Theological Union, through its Mira and Ajay Shingal Center for Dharma Studies, offers a six-course certificate program that culminates in the awarding of a certificate in Hindu studies. Earning this certificate doesn’t make you a purohit, but it will provide you with a deeper understanding of Hinduism. Visit https://www.gtu.edu/academics/areas/hindu-studies for more information. Some purohits improve their language skills by earning undergraduate and graduate certificates in an Indian language or English. Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs.  

Certification or Licensing

Hinduism is a highly decentralized religion, and there is no standard certification or licensing for purohits. Organizations such as Arya Pratinidhi Sabha America, which represents Arya Samajs and Vedic Temples in North America, offer certification to members of their sects. 

Other Requirements

In the past, Hindu priests typically hailed from the Brahmin caste, but today, they can come from any caste provided that they have requisite training and that the governing Agama Shastras (temple rules) allow it. 

To work in an American Hindu temple, you’ll need to have three to five years of experience as a purohita or assistant purohita. Temples in India or other Asian countries with a significant Hindu population may require less experience.  

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and knowledge of English and Indian languages (especially Sanskrit), are extremely important in this career. You should also be caring, compassionate, have wisdom and patience, and be a good listener because you will be asked to counsel congregants during challenging times in their lives (e.g., illness, deaths in the family, job loss, etc.). Many U.S.-based temples require priests to be proficient in basic business principles and the use of Microsoft Word and Excel. Other important traits include strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.

In addition to personal and professional skills, purohits must have deep knowledge and understanding of Hindu religious and classical texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, Upanishads, Agama Shastras, Puranas, and the Ramayana.