Devadas

Devadas has been called “one of the most authentic voices in the modern era of sacred mantra chant,” and for more than 20 years, he has led mantra sadhana on retreats, in temples, yoga studios, festivals, living rooms, and ashrams across the U.S. and beyond. His albums include Grand Street Kirtan Sessions, 3 Prayers, Radio Nada, and Brooklyn Mellows, and he has produced and collaborated with artists including Krishna Das, J Mascis, and Nina Rao. He is currently in residence at Souk in New York City, where he has led weekly chanting for nearly four years, and often travels to sing and teach.

His path began in his early twenties after meeting his teacher, Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi) during one of her programs in New York City.   Immediately moved by her kindness and selflessness, he followed her to India and gradually immersed himself in devotional practice, learning namavalis, stotrams, bhajans and kirtans, and supporting satsang as an accompanist and an occasional leader.  At the encouragement of friends, he eventually began leading kirtan publicly.

Over the years, he has had the great good fortune to spend formative time with a number of inspirational teachers, including Siddhi Ma and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and since 2023 has been studying with Khandro Rinpoche.  

He is also a student of Classical and Colloquial Tibetan and serves as the Director of Children’s Dyslexia Center – NYC, which offers free tutoring to children with dyslexia.