Calling, Connection & Challenge

Born on March 14, 1973, in Glarus, Switzerland, Damodara Priya grew up in the serene surroundings of Weesen, where she completed her primary and secondary education. She began her professional journey with a three-year commercial apprenticeship in Glarus before pursuing further studies at a college in Zürich from ages 18 to 21.

Her quest for deeper meaning led her to study law at the University of Bern from 21 to 25, yet the call of the Absolute Truth remained ever-present. At 25, she followed her heart to India, embarking on a four-month journey in search of wisdom. This transformative experience brought her into contact with sanatan dharma and bhakti, ultimately reshaping her path.

At 26, she undertook six months of intense study in Vrindavan, earning a Bhakti-Shastri diploma from the Institute for Higher Education, run by ISKCON. Upon returning to Switzerland, she completed a novice course at the ISKCON temple in Zurich before traveling to Abentheuer, Germany, where she fully committed to monastic life in the brahmacarini ashram. Over the next 18 years, she trained as a priest and became proficient in performing Vedic ceremonies such as vivaha (weddings) and other samskaras.

In 2008, she was appointed head priest of the temple, deepening her expertise in Deity worship. The following year, she expanded her studies at the Mayapur Academy in Sridham Mayapur, earning a diploma in Deity Worship. By 2010, she had begun teaching Deity worship, both in-person and online, and in 2015, she expanded her role to include Bhakti-Shastra education. That same year, she was entrusted with the role of representative of ISKCON’s Deity Worship Ministry for Germany and Austria, further solidifying her leadership in the field.

Her life took a new turn in 2017, when she became engaged, and in 2018, she married and transitioned out of temple life, settling in Abentheuer with her husband. For the next five years, she worked as a self-employed bookkeeper and property manager while continuing her spiritual service.

In early 2024, she embraced a new phase of life as a traveling teacher, offering online and in-person courses on bhakti-shastras and Deity worship. In October 2024, she and her husband relocated to Simhacalam, Jandelsbrunn, where she will continue to share her wisdom and devotion with seekers around the world.