CHAP. III - OF THE PRIESTS

Summary

The Poorohitŭ.—Every bramhŭn may perform the ceremonies of his religion. The priest, called a poorohitŭ, is, however, called in to assist in the shraddhŭ, the ten ceremonies called sŭngskarŭ, in those at the offering of a temple, at the different vrŭtŭs, at the festivals, and at a burnt-sacrifice; and he is sometimes called to fast, and bathe, in the name of another. A man of property in some cases, unwilling to fast himself, gives his poorohitŭ a roopee to do it for him; and, in the cold weather, he gives him a fee, to bathe for a month, and perform the ceremonies connected with bathing, instead of himself. Some rich men retain a family priest, who receives the fees and separate presents of cloth, sweetmeats, rice, fruits, &c. as his reward.

Any bramhŭn, who is acquainted with the different formulas of worship, may become an officiating priest. In some cases, one person is priest to a thousand families; but he employs assistants, and gives them a stipulated share of the perquisites. If the priest do not arrive in time, or if he blunder in performing the ceremonies, the person employing him reproves him. When several families have the same priest, and wish to perform certain ceremonies on the same day, the priest is sure to offend, and never fails to be told of his partiality to one family, and neglect of the other.