Poojary

Poojary, also spelled Poojari, is a surname and traditional title used in parts of India, especially along the coast of Karnataka and in the Konkan region, including Goa. The term derives from pooja, worship, and is associated with temple rites and Hindu priestly duties. In Kannada- and Tulu-speaking areas, Poojary is commonly linked to families that have historically served as temple priests.

In the Tulunadu region and adjacent coastal districts, individuals bearing the surname Poojary have often been connected with temple service, performing daily puja, temple ceremonies, and ritual duties during festivals and lifecycle rites. The practice of hereditary transmission of priestly roles within families has been common, though the surname is not restricted to a single caste or community, and bearers may pursue other occupations as well.

The name has spread through migration and the Indian diaspora, and today Poojary/Poojari can be found among Konkani-speaking communities in Goa, Karnataka, and in urban centers abroad. In modern times, some families use the name primarily as a surname rather than indicating an ongoing temple role, reflecting broader social changes while retaining historical associations with ritual service.

See also: Poojari (temple priest), Konkani surnames, Tulunadu.