“It was a joy to have Naren officiate our wedding. I am a Bengali Hindu and my wife grew up in a Catholic / Shi’a Muslim family. We wanted a ceremony which acknowledged our broad spirituality, yet was rooted in Hindu ritual. And it was important that all of our friends and family feel a sense of connectedness to us and our traditions. With his consummate knowledge of Hindu scripture and ceremony, Naren invited us, our families, and all of our guests (from every possible religion) into an organic and inspiring ceremony. He was able to weave scriptural and sacred connections between the Hindu rituals and all the other elements of the ceremony in a way that was relevant, and powerful to everyone there.”

— Vijay Gupta and Reena Esmail, Los Angeles CA

“For the past six years, Naren has offered inspiring retreats, deeply meaningful satsanga, soul-stirring kirtan as well as puja and fire ceremonies drenched with the devotion of a true sadhaka. He has offered friendship and spiritual support to our community members and staff; and meaningful counsel to our Board of Directors in support of plans for strengthening the focus and expression of our mission in the universal teachings of yoga and of Paramahansa Yogananda.”

— Linda Gabby, Chairperson, Golden Lotus Board of Directors and Song of the Morning Retreat & Community, Michigan

“We have had the privilege of working with Narenji a few times now. His knowledge on both religious and spiritual practices is amazing. He has done a few pujas in our home and community and I would absolutely recommend him to everyone. We have had pujari services, satsangas, spiritual support, and counsel from him. His beautiful nature and calming personality has drawn in my entire family.”

— Rajashree T. Vaghela, Austin TX

“Naren is leading Western seekers to India’s sacred music in the most authentic way. And those of us who are Indian are deeply moved by his authenticity and bhava. I don’t see Naren as a musician—I see him as a yogi, because he is steeped in what he learned from his Gurus and in living a truly yogic life.”

— Gita Desai, Director of the Unveiled film series

“Naren possesses a rare depth of knowledge, insight, and presence. His singing is so truly inspired. For our wedding, Naren and Lopa provided insights for a beautiful solemn Hindu ceremony with the appropriate symbols, flowers, decorations (and delicious cardamom cookies!) Naren made our wedding weekend the most wonderful experience we could have dreamt of. As we think back we know his blessings are still within our hearts and always will be. We are grateful for his support, wisdom, music and friendship.”

— Randy Spicocchi and Pastor Scott Landis, San Diego CA

“As a novice, I approached Naren’s retreats with some trepidation. Naren made me feel welcome, comfortable, able to explore and question. Attending a Kali Puja was a deeply healing experience, which even now these few years later brings on tears and love.”

— Lisa Sandin, Detroit MI

“Naren me ha guiado incluso en los momentos más oscuros y difíciles de mi camino y ha compartido siempre su interés y apoyo sincero hacia mi familia. Al principio mi esposo no creía que tuviera algún beneficio en su vida. Pero cuando vio los cambios en mi vida, comenzó a tomar más interés y ahora él también es alumno de Naren y disfruta mucho sus clases. Él ahora dice “Soy una mejor persona, tanto personalmente como profesionalmente gracias a las enseñanzas de Naren.” Naren ha sido una gran bendición en la vida espiritual de nuestra familia.”

— RM, San Diego CA

“Naren offered several pujas in my home. He explained the meaning of the Sanskrit verses in a very simple manner to everyone. All of us were deeply touched and were able to go very deep during the ceremony. Coming from India, I had attended many pujas in my life. The experience with Naren was beyond everything I have experienced before.”

— Dorav Kumar, San Diego CA