At a time when immigration rules in the United States are becoming tougher and competition in the tech industry remains intense, a viral video has put an unexpected profession in the spotlight, Hindu priests.A US-based content creator has sparked widespread discussion online after revealing how much Hindu priests, popularly known as pandit jis, can earn for performing religious ceremonies in America. The video has left many social media users surprised, with some even joking that they are ready to switch careers.How much does a pandit ji charge in the US?Content creator Sarika Yadav shared on Instagram that she is often asked about the earnings of Hindu priests in America and the type of visa they use to move there.“You’ll be surprised to know how much a Pandit ji charges for a small puja in America,” Yadav said in her video.According to her, a simple Satyanarayan Puja conducted at a family home can cost anywhere between Rs 28,000 and Rs 33,000. She explained that these ceremonies are often attended only by close family members, yet the fees remain significant compared to what priests typically charge in India.Additional temple and ritual chargesYadav further claimed that temples may charge separate fees ranging from around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 for certain services.She added that families can either arrange the necessary ritual materials themselves or pay the priest to bring everything required for the ceremony.The demand for priests reportedly rises sharply during festivals and special occasions. Events such as housewarming ceremonies, Dhanteras celebrations, the holy month of Sawan, and vehicle blessing rituals often keep priests busy throughout the year.Which visa do Hindu priests use to move to America?Explaining how priests relocate to the US, Yadav said many travel on an R-1 visa, which is designed specifically for religious workers.She noted that applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and possess the necessary religious education before qualifying for the visa.“Ismein struggle bhi hai, mehnat bhi hai, lekin yahan aakar unhe achhi life milti hai aur kaafi paisa bhi kamate hain,” Yadav said.Translated into English, she explained: “There is struggle and hard work involved, but once they come here, they get a good life and earn quite well.”Social media users reactThe revelation quickly grabbed attention online, with many viewers expressing surprise at the figures mentioned in the video.One user, who claimed to be a priest, wrote, “I am a pandit myself, but here I only get Rs 1,500.”Another joked, “My notice period starts now. I’m heading to America in two days.”A different user claimed that a priest in California reportedly arrives for ceremonies by helicopter and charges between Rs 85,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh depending on the ritual.Not everyone was convinced by the comparisons, however. One commenter advised viewers not to get carried away by simply converting dollar earnings into Indian rupees.Others responded with humour, with comments such as, “Learning puja soon,” and “Looks like I’ll have to leave engineering.”Viral video fuels discussionWhile the exact earnings of Hindu priests in the US can vary depending on location, experience and demand, the viral clip has certainly sparked curiosity about a profession that rarely makes headlines.For many viewers, it offered a glimpse into how traditional religious services continue to play an important role within the Indian diaspora in America — and how those services can sometimes come with a surprisingly high price tag.Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on social media. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.