Our priest, Srimaan U Ve Sriraman Kadambi, joined our temple just one month after
our Inauguration ceremonies in July 2002. His knowledge of Vedic rituals has helped
shape our temple into a place of divine worship and peaceful meditation.
Panditji was born in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu but grew up in Tirupathi. He is the
fourth of five brothers (all of whom have studied the Vedic scriptures). After his
10th birthday, he went to the Vedic Research Institute (also known as Veda Viswa
Vidyalayam) and studied under Srimaan U Ve Sri Sri Sri Thiridandhi Srimaan Naarayana
Chinna Jeeyar Swami. He lived in the Gurukulam for 15 years studying the Vedas .
The last five years in the Gurukul were spent in Simachalam Devastanam, a temple
located near Vishakapatalam in Andra Pradesh.
Panditji is well versed in the Sri Pancharathra Agamas, which focus on temple rituals
and pujas, and the Shodashakarmas, which are the 15 types of karmas or rituals performed
at home for individuals. In addition, he also knows the Sri Divyapravantham, the
holy Tamil scripts authored by the Allwars.
Panditji observes very strict rules regarding diet and hygiene. This is required
for all priests who perform rituals in a temple setting. As a result, he will only
accept fruits or juice offered to him in a devotee’s home. He will not eat outside
food. He will take uncooked rice or dhalls on behalf of the temple to offer as naivedyam.
Panditji got married to Ramyasri in January 2005. Ramyaji is also very devoted to
our temple. She is always present for pujas with a happy smile and helping attitude.
We are blessed to have Panditji and his wife as a part of our temple.