Photo courtesy of: Braja Mandala Photography
Meet Dharmasetu Das
Dharmasetu dasa is a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In 1974 he began his formal studies of Vaishnava culture and philosophy in Boston.
In 1977 he moved to his spiritual master’s ashrama and temple in San Diego. He was an instructor at the seminary for eight years and held different administrative positions until the early 90’s. During this time he also held administrative and teaching positions at two Vaishnava primary schools – one in Southern California and the other in Mississippi.
Since 1987 he has been serving our Hindu community primarily as a purohita, performing weddings, funerals, rites of passage, and various religious ceremonies in peoples’ homes. He studied under Dr. Shukavak Dasa (Sri Sri Laksmi Narayan Mandir, Riverside, CA), Sriman Gaura Kesava Dasa (Sri Rangam/Hawaii), and Sriman Ramananda Raya Dasa (Three Rivers, CA).
Dharmasetu das performs pujas and Hindu weddings throughout California, the United States, as well as Mexico and Canada. He is available to travel to any domestic and international destination.
His warm and friendly demeanor, his ability to communicate the meaning of the ceremonies he is performing, and to involve the participants and audience have made him a sought after pandit.
He lives in San Diego, California with his wife, Jahnavi and they have two beautiful daughters, Cintamani and Tulasi-priya.
We are writing to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your invaluable presence and guidance during Sunny’s and Mary Kate’s Hindu wedding ceremony. The blessings and mantras you chanted, coupled with your genuine warmth and kindness, made us feel truly blessed to have you officiate the wedding. Your words of wisdom and guidance during the Vedic readings left a profound impact on both the couple and all the attendees, reminding us of the sanctity of marriage and the importance of love, respect, and commitment.
We were particularly impressed by your ability to explain the rituals and their symbolic meanings in a manner that was easily understandable for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with Hindu traditions. The harmony and unity experienced by everyone in attendance were testaments to your remarkable ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
On behalf of the Roccato and Seetharam families, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contribution to Sunny’s and Mary Kate’s Hindu wedding ceremony.
May you continue to inspire and bless others through your noble service.