The Priesthood of Sanatana Dharma

One of the most important institutions of the religion of Sanatana Dharma is its ancient priesthood. Priests are generally known as brahmanas in the Vedic religion. There are several different types of Vedic priests. In this fascinating talk, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya comments on several verses from the Vishnu Samhita and explains the characteristics of the different types of priests in Sanatana Dharma.

“He who having initiated and counselled brahmacharya to a twice-born one and gives him instructions in the Vedas is called an Acharya.” (Vishnu Samhita, 29.1)

“He who teaches a twice-born pupil an entire Veda in consideration of fees, or a portion of the Vedas without fees, is called an Upadhyaya.” (Vishnu Samhita, 29.2)

“He who officiates as a priest at one’s yajna is called one’s Rittvik.” (Vishnu Samhita, 29.3)

“One should not officiate as a priest at the sacrifice of a man whose birth, conduct, etc., are thoroughly unknown, nor one should initiate such a man with the thread, nor teach him the Vedas.” (Vishnu Samhita, 29.4-6)

“Whichever of the persons who either asks a question he has no right to ask, or who answers a question which he has no right to answer, meets his doom, or else a bitter animosity is created between both discursive parties.” (Vishnu Samhita, 29.7)

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