The Band

The Temple Bhajan Band is shown performing at the Pacific Design Theatre in West Hollywood (Blue Whale) for the judges of the Hollywood Spiritual Film and Entertainment Festival. Srita Kamala from the Mantra Yoga CD was awarded "Best Devotional Song" for the 6 month festival.
Based in Los Angeles, The Temple Bhajan Band is a group of devotional chanters that tours Yoga Studios, Yoga Retreats, and various social events throughout the world. They have been together since 1999. The heart of the band is Sura whose voice is well known among practitioners of Yoga and Interfaith followers throughout Southern California. While Sura sings to the accompaniment of the harmonium he leads the rest of the members on instruments such as the esaraja, tamboura, kartals, flute, violin, and mrdunga drum in a dynamic symphony that is timeless. The Temple Bhajan Band plays ancient Vedic bhajans, which include mantras and chants from spiritual India. Many of the chants are done in a responsive fashion where the audience can participate and experience the purifying pleasure of the chanting and dancing. To top off their events there is the distribution of a sumptuous vegetarian feast.
Sura: Sura is the lead singer and organizer of The Temple Bhajan Band. He plays harmonium and plans all of the events for the band. In his college days he used to play folk music in coffee houses in the midwest, and has transfered that propensity to kirtan and mantras. His raspy voice combined with the purity of Maha's heavenly singing creates a beauty and the beast kind of scenario. To contact Sura, call 310-837-5283
Advaita: Advaita is the drummer in The Temple Bhajan Band and hailes from Manila in the Phillipines. He is a master of the mrdunga drum and gives lessons on playing the instrument in his spare time. He is also the manager of Govinda's Restaurant in Los Angeles, where you can find him 6 nights a week. He has been with the band since the start and often prepares the vegetarian dinner that the band brings to its' events. Recently he has taken up catering events along with Sura, To contact Advaita, call 310-837-5283.
Mahalaxmi: Mahalaxmi has been the lead female singer for the Temple Bhajan Band since 2001. Her sweet soprano voice brings a very celestial mood to the kirtan. She actually travelled with the Australian National Choir for 5 years and hails from Tasmania. Of course we know that state for their famous Tasmanian Devil, she has become famous as the Tasmanian Angel.

Kunji: One of the original members of the band in 1999, Kunji plays the beautiful esoraj. Her sweet voice and professional playing make her presence felt overwhelmingly in the performances.
Sara: Sara saw her first kirtan 10 years ago in a yoga studio in Santa Monica and dreamed to one day also be in a kirtana band, performing in yoga studios and inspiring others to chant and dance.  In 2001, her dream came true when Sura asked her to be a part of the Temple Bhajan Band.  Since then, Sara has been singing, dancing, and playing in the band.   Her musical background includes playing the clarinet in her high school orchestra and singing in choirs through both high school and college.   

 

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