Pandit Upretiji
Head Priest
Pandit Upretiji – Head Priest
The Head Priest, Dr. Khimanand Upreti, Ph.D. (Upretiji) joined HTCC in 2006. He is from Uttarakhand, and has extensive knowledge and experience of all aspects of Hindu rituals (Karmkandi). He brings more than three decades of deep expertise in Vedic scriptures, astrology, and Sanskrit. Known for his warmth, wisdom, and storytelling, Upretiji is well-versed in both traditional practice and interpretation of sacred texts (Vedpathi, Katha-Vyas, and Vyakhyata).
Pandit Upretiji has a Ph.D. in Astrology and Master’s degrees in Sanskrit Grammar and Astrology. He specializes in Vastu Shastra, horoscope matching, and spiritual environmental studies. As a student, he won over 20 intercollegiate awards in Sanskrit literature and Vedic interpretation.
Before HTCC, he spent 12 years as Head Priest at Sri Raghunath Temple in Delhi and worked as a Project Associate and Lecturer at Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit University, researching weather forecasting through planetary alignment. He also served as an examiner for the Delhi Sanskrit Academy.
Pandit Upretiji conducts all major rituals, and ceremonies—Shodash Sanskaras, Chandi Yagna, Vastu-Shanti, Mahamrityunjaya Yagna, Kumbhabhishekam, etc. He also enjoys offering dharmic discourses and spiritual talks to the community.
Pandit Upretiji lives with his wife Shanti, who also works at the temple. They have three grown children—all ISU graduates—and recently welcomed their first grandchild. In his spare time, Upretiji enjoys reading, gardening, and keeping up with current events.
Pandit
Vasudeva Kumar Narayanam
(Vasudevaji)
Pandit Vasudeva Kumar Narayanam (Vasudevaji)
Pandit Vasudeva Kumar Narayanam (Vasudevaji) joined HTCC in July 2015. He is from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh. He is a Vaikhanasa Agama priest specializing in Lord Balaji rituals.
He began his training at the TTD Veda Patashala at the age of 12 and graduated after eight years with degree as Agamabhattaraka of Vaikhanasa Agamam in the Karshanadhi Prathistanantham. After participating and performing the Brahmotsavams at Tirumala in 2000 and 2002, he worked as a Priest and coordinator for the entire staff at Venkateshwara Temple Trust in Pune from 2003 to 2008, and later at Sri Venkateswara Devasthanam Trust in Mauritius from 2008 to 2014. He also learned from his father, who was a priest and worked as a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) assisting doctors in rural areas.
Pandit Vasudevaji is proficient in South Indian style poojas and ceremonies, such as
Abhishekams, Homams, Kalyanam, Upanayanam, and other rituals. He is also experienced in the rituals of Vasantotsavam, Pavithrotsavam and Brahmotsavam among other specialized rituals. He is specialized in Bhagavad Kainkaryam, worship and decoration of Lord Balaji and HIS Consorts. He also offers religious guidance to devotees, as requested.
Pandit Vasudevaji is married to Gayathri and has two children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading a variety of books, and occasional cooking. He speaks Telugu (mother tongue), Tamil, Hindi, and English. He can also and speak some Marathi and Creole.
Pandit Suman Koushikji
Pandit Suman Koushik Setlur
Pandit Suman Koushik Setlur (Koushikji) joined HTCC in April 2024. He grew up near Bengaluru, Karnataka. At HTCC, he fulfills multiple duties—including that of pandit and a cook.
His family owns a temple in Mulukunte, Karnataka. He studied Vedas and Agamas for three years under a guru in Bengaluru. He also completed his BA in computer applications. After his studies, he assisted his father in temple rituals and worked alongside his parents in their temple kitchen, serving meals to over 300 devotees each Sunday. Before joining HTCC, he spent time in Chicago honing his culinary skills at his uncle’s restaurant.
Pandit Koushikji performs Abhishekams and basic rituals. He assists senior pandits in variety of rituals and temple duties. His passion lies in cooking, and he prepares a wide range of prasadams (bhog) as well as regional Indian dishes—from South Indian to North Indian cuisines.
He recently married Bhoomika in March 2026. In his free time, he enjoys watching food shows, listening to music, and traveling. Pandit Koushikji can speak Kannada (mother tongue), Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and English.