The beauty of any religion blossoms by both its philosophy and the way it is practiced. Religion, therefore, is a happy and intelligent blending of philosophy and rituals. Ritualism here means far more than mere physical performance of ceremonies. Ritual also includes all modes of practical religion, applicable to the mental and intellectual levels of our personality. It includes rites, ceremonies, and duties practiced externally; devotion or bhakti, cultivated by the mind; and subtle discrimination and meditation undertaken by the intellect.

Ritualism in Hinduism holds a great meaning when guided properly and, thus is the fundamental aim of the Chinmaya Purohita course, inspired by Swami Chinmayananda’s vision and implemented by Swami Tejomayananda since 2008.

A Purohita can be likened to a practical guide in spiritual practices. The term ‘Purohita’ indicates a person who dedicates his life for the welfare of society, helping them to lead a dharmic life by giving relevant advice at different junctures to achieve dharma, artha, kama and moksha (i.e. the human goals) through worship of God. He has to be well versed in both the ritual and the philosophy to make religion meaningful.