A priest, poojari, or archakas is someone who regularly performs puja in the temple. They act as intermediaries between God and the devotees.

• The term “poojari” is derived from the Sanskrit word “pooja,” which means “worship.” They are in charge of pooja and aarthi. They practice daily rituals such as Abhishekam and Brahmoustavas, as well as special poojas such as Navagraha pooja, Sri Rama Navami, Govardhana pooja, Satyanarayana pooja, Gruhapravesham, and so on. They also perform ceremonies such as Vahana pooja, cradle ceremony, and life ceremony. 
• Ceremonies for Life Sacraments 
• Samskara (for example, weddings, pre-birth, sacred thread, and last rites).
• These people are descended from Hindu Brahmin families.
• Many worship services are held both on and off campus.
• Most priests are traditionally trained, but some have gained knowledge and skills independently. A qualified priest has an extensive theory and practical knowledge of various mantras, or stotram and is familiar with the necessary items for different ceremonies and rituals, namely coconut, flowers, rice ghee, incense sticks for Homa, and specially prepared food offerings on special pooja, a vermilion camphor etc.
• To perform Hindu worship services like offering prasadam to devotees, a brahmin priest pandit may be called upon in smaller temples for cooking.

Key points

• Out of respect for their knowledge, they are frequently addressed as “pandit” or “panditji.”
• They are usually born Brahmanas.
• Priests are expected to follow strict rules of inner and outer purity while worshiping deva and devatas in order to keep the temple sanctified.
• The vast majority of priests are men, but some religious groups allow women to serve as priests.
• A Pandit means a learned scholar who chants the Vedas in Sanskrit or vernacular Indian languages.