Pandit Ramprasad Sharma

Pandit Ramprasad Sharma (1902–1991) was an Indian spiritual teacher and the founder of the Devi Mandir in Napa, California.

Background

Born in India, Pandit Ramprasad Sharma was trained in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. He established the Devi Mandir in California as a center for the worship of the Divine Mother (Devi) and the practice of tantra. He was a scholar of Sanskrit and the Hindu scriptures.

Spiritual Contribution

Pandit Ramprasad taught the worship of the Divine Mother as the supreme reality, combining traditional Shakta theology with accessible practices for Western practitioners. He established regular pujas (worship ceremonies), fire rituals (homas), and meditation practices centered on the Divine Mother.

Legacy and Impact

The Devi Mandir he founded became one of the few authentic Shakta temples in the United States. His publications on the Divine Mother made the Shakta tradition more accessible to Western practitioners.

Verification Notes

• 1902–1991
• Founded the Devi Mandir in California