San Diego
Priests
At the SVT temple, a sacred sanctuary where the divine and the earthly converge, the heart of our spiritual community are the esteemed priests, the custodians of our ancient traditions and rituals. These dedicated individuals, well-versed in the sacred scriptures and the timeless practices of Hinduism, guide us in our worship, ensuring the temple remains a vibrant center of devotion and cultural heritage.
With profound knowledge and unwavering devotion, they facilitate our connection to the divine, offering blessings, performing rituals, and providing spiritual guidance to all who seek solace and enlightenment within these hallowed walls. Here are our revered priests, the spiritual pillars of our temple.
Pandit Jaya Krishna
Fluent in Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit
Pandit Jaya Krishna Badhrachalam, a beacon of spiritual wisdom, graces our temple with his profound religious expertise. Hailing from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, Pandit Jaya Krishna is fluent in Telugu, English, Tamil, and Sanskrit, reflecting his deep-rooted cultural and linguistic versatility.
An alumnus of the prestigious Sri Venkateshwara Veda Vignana Peetham in Tirumala, he holds the esteemed Pancharatragama Pravesha Endowment Certificate. This certification underscores his mastery in conducting intricate rituals and ceremonies within both the Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions. His repertoire includes an array of Vedic programs such as Pratishtas, Pavitrotsavams, Brahmotsavams, Kalyanotsavams, and various homams.
With four years of dedicated priesthood and Pourohityam experience, Pandit Jaya Krishna has served at several renowned temples, leaving an indelible mark through his spiritual services. His illustrious journey includes Pourohityam with Sri Chilakapati Tirumalacharyulu, priesthood at the revered Sri Varadaraja Swami Temple in Tirupati.
Among his notable achievements, Pandit Jaya Krishna led the grand ‘Shattrimshath Kundathmaka Sri Sudarshana Narasimha Yaagam’ in Penchalakona and contributed significantly to the monumental Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdhi Samaaroham in Hyderabad (January – February 2022). His commitment to upholding and enriching our sacred traditions makes him an invaluable asset to our temple community.
Email: jayakrishna@vcscsd.com
Pandit Raghava Narayana
Fluent in Tamil, Telugu, English, and Sanskrit
Pandit Sannidhanam Raghava Narayana Dixitulu, a revered and dedicated priest, joined the Shiva Vishnu Temple of San Diego. A distinguished Vedic scholar with over 30 years' experience learning, teaching and practicing Vedic Dharma. Until recently he has been the principal of Sri Chandra Sekhara Veda Pathashala in Mahabubnagar, Telangana. He is also a Krishna Yajurveda Ghanapathi, a title earned through rigorous study and examination from multiple respected institutions. He holds the title of Avadhani/Kramapathi in Krishna Yajurveda.
Pandit Raghava possesses extensive practical experience , having conducted Vedic rituals such as Kumbhabhishekas, Prathisthas, Brahmotsavas, and various Yagas (Chaturveda, Shatachandi, Shatarudra). He offers a comprehensive range of services, from Vedic rituals and wedding ceremonies to astrological consultations, all delivered with meticulous devotion and precision. Since 1997, he has been recognized as an Asthana Veda Pandit by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, and awarded "Shooradhyapak" and "Veda Yagna Bharathi".
He also has a significant teaching background, having trained over 100 students in Veda and Smartha, some of whom have also become Dhanapathis. He connects with a diverse array of devotees, offering them a personalized and profound spiritual experience. His ability to communicate in multiple languages ensures that each interaction is meaningful and spiritually uplifting, reinforcing the temple’s role as a sanctuary of devotion and enlightenment. With Pandit Raghava Narayana, the Shiva Vishnu Temple of San Diego is blessed with a priest whose dedication and expertise continue to inspire and guide our community.
Email: Raghava@vcscsd.com
To Contact the Priests
Phone 858.549.3940
Email priests@vcscsd.com