Who Is Krishna Das? Virat And Anushka Attended His Kirtan, Know About His Bond With Neem Karoli Baba

Krishna Das is one of the most popular Hindu devotional vocalists known in the West. Born as Jeffrey Kagel on May 31, 1947, in New York's Long Island, he is best known for his album, Live Ananda (2012). As per the New York Times, Krishna Das is the "chant master of American yoga". The American vocalist even performed his iconic album, Live Ananda, at the 2013 Grammy Awards, which was also nominated for the 2013 grammy Award for Best New Age Album Award. 

Who is American vocalist, Krishna Das? Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma attended his live kirtan in Mumbai on Karwa Chauth

Since 1996, Krishna Das has released more than 15 albums and penned two books, Flow of Grace: Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and Chants of a Lifetime: Searching for a Heart of Gold. On the auspicious occasion of Karwa Chauth, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli attended American vocalist, Krishna Das' kirtan, which was held in Mumbai. Several pictures and videos of the couple having a good time at Krishna Das' kirtan have surfaced on social media, which made netizens curious about the American.

Click here to watch the video.

For the uninitiated, Krishna Das was born into a middle-class Jewish family and had a strong inclination towards music right from an early age. In the beginning, he developed an interest in Eastern spirituality. However, his life took a completely different turn when he met the iconic American spiritual leader, Ram Dass.

According to Krishna Das' official website, his guru, Ram Dass learnt a lot of things from the legendary Indian saint, Neem Karoli Baba. Krishna Das was so impressed with Ram Dass' teachings, which he learnt from Neem Karoli Baba during his time at his ashram in Nainital, India, that he decided to visit there. 

When Krishna Das met Neem Karoli Baba at his ashram, Kaichi Dham, in Nainital

As per Krishna Das' official website, when he went to Neem Karoli Baba's Kaichi Dham in Nainital, India, he decided to spend the rest of his life in the latter's presence. However, Neem Karoli Baba told him to return to America after he had spent some years at his ashram. Krishna Das followed his guru's command and returned to the USA, and within the next six months, Neem Karoli Baba left his body. However, as years passed, Krishna Das started feeling his inner longing for Neem Karoli Baba again, and it was when he started practising Bhakti yoga.

In 1994, Krishna Das established a kirtan residency in America, and the rest is history. Fast-forward to 2024, and he is known by the moniker 'Rockstar of Yoga', courtesy of his incredible work in Bhakti yoga. In 2014, he played a vital role in the formation of the Kirtan Wallah Foundation, which was dedicated to spreading the teachings and values of his spiritual guru, Neem Karoli Baba. 

Krishna Das recalled his final moments in his guru, Neem Karoli Baba's presence

During his final days with Neem Karoli Baba in the latter's ashram in Nainital, India, the legendary spiritual leader asked the American vocalist an interesting question. Neem Karoli Baba asked Krishna Das, "So, how will you serve me in America?" In response to this question, Krishna Das shared that words came naturally to him, as he said, "I will sing to you in America." Well, Krishna Das kept his promise and is currently one of the biggest names in Bhakti yoga and a renowned devotee of Neem Karoli Baba. We hope he continues to give relief to people with his kirtan.

What are your thoughts on the American vocalist and his transition from Jeffrey Kagel to Krishna Das? Let us know.

Also Read: Neem Karoli Baba, Who Inspired Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, More

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