പുരോഹിതൻ
purōhitaṉ/puɾoːhid̪ɐn/
The English word "priest" is translated into Malayalam as പുരോഹിതൻ (purōhitaṉ).
പുരോഹിതൻ is a formal, Sanskrit-derived term used to describe a priest in a general or religious sense, often used in academic or formal literary contexts.
Meaning: clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While പുരോഹിതൻ refers specifically to a religious priest, it should not be confused with common professional titles like അധ്യാപകൻ, which means teacher.
How do you pronounce it?
purōhitaṉ
Did you know?
- The term പുരോഹിതൻ is a compound of the Sanskrit roots 'pura', meaning 'before', and 'hita', meaning 'placed' or 'put'. Historically, it refers to one who is 'placed in front' of a king to provide spiritual guidance.
- In the context of the Syrian Christian tradition in Kerala, the word അച്ചൻ is used for priests and literally translates to 'father'.
- In traditional Kerala temple settings, the role of the priest is often hereditary, meaning the title is tied to a specific family lineage rather than just educational attainment.
Examples in context
- ആ പുരോഹിതൻ വളരെ ശാന്തനാണ്.Aa purohithan valare shanthanan.That priest is very calm.
- പുരോഹിതൻ ക്ഷേത്രത്തിൽ ഉണ്ട്.Purohithan kshethrathil undu.The priest is in the temple.
Example conversation
Sreedevi and Vishnu are talking about a visit to a temple.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviവിഷ്ണു, അവിടെ ഒരു പുരോഹിതൻ ഉണ്ടോ?Vishnu, avide oru purohithan undo?Vishnu, is there a priest there?
- വിഷ്ണു Vishnuഅതെ, പുരോഹിതൻ ഇപ്പോൾ അവിടെയുണ്ട്.Athe, purohithan ippol avide undu.Yes, the priest is there now.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviഎങ്കിൽ നമുക്ക് അദ്ദേഹത്തെ കാണാം.Engil namukku adhehathe kaanam.Then we can see him.
- വിഷ്ണു Vishnuശരി, നമുക്ക് പോകാം.Sheri, namukku pokam.Okay, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries പുരോഹിതൻ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries പുരോഹിതൻ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
