By Hemant SharmaKatha Vachan refers to the ancient practice of storytelling Hindu scriptures like Ramayan, Mahabharata, Vedas, Puranas, Bhagwat Gita and more. The spiritual speakers who perform Katha Vachan are called Katha Vachaks. They have been around for centuries and hold a high place in the Hindu religious consciousness. In order to become a Katha Vachak, one needs years of spiritual training, mastery over the scriptures and oratory skills. Through their stories, katha vachaks not only impart knowledge to the people but also guide the society on values, ethics and religious principles. Since Indian society is deeply religious, the importance of katha Vachan has not diminished even in the modern times. There are many katha vachaks in the country who are popular among millions. Let’s have a look at the top 10 famous katha vachaks in India for 2025.
1. Acharya Gaurav Krishna Goswami
Acharya Gaurav Krishna Goswami is a leading katha vachak in India who is widely known for spreading the message of Sri Krishna through Bhagwat Katha and devotional songs dedicated to the god. He first recited Bhagwat Katha extempore for a period of seven days at the young age of 18. The Acharya travels all over the country and inculcates devotion towards Krishna through his gatherings or sabhas.
Acharya Gaurav Krishna Goswami is proficient in recreating the atmosphere of Vrindavan, the birthplace of Sri Krishna, through his masterful retelling of the Leelas of Sri Krishna. He is also a classical singer and has multiple devotional music albums to his credit.
2. Morari Bapu
Morari Bapu has become synonymous with Ram Katha due to his masterful storytelling of the Ramcharitramanas, a version of Ramayan written by a medieval sage, Tulsidas. He preaches Ram Katha all over the world and spreads the message of love and compassion. Bapu has organised and recited more than 900 Ram Kathas in a period of over 60 years.
Morari Bapu started reciting Ram Katha at a very young age of 14. Some of his prominent Kathas are at the Cambridge University Campus, during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya and his largest gathering with 1.2 million people at Nathwada, Rajasthan.
3. Indresh Upadhyay
Indresh Upadhyay is a popular katha vachak known for propagating the teachings of Srimad Bhagwat. He is diligently following the ancient tradition of reciting Srimad Bhagwat to inspire common people to follow the path of bhakti or devotion, dharma or righteousness and karma or good deeds.
Indresh Upadhyay is the founder of a spiritual organisation named Bhaktipath. Bhaktipath propagates the ancient traditions and knowledge of Hinduism and the teachings of sages of yore, and is especially focused on Srimad Bhagwat.
4. Devikanandan Thakur
Devikanandan Thakur is a prominent spiritual leader and katha vachak specialising in Ram and Krishna kathas. He is an outspoken orator who is known for presenting stories from Hindu scriptures in the modern context to prove their relevance and usefulness to deal with modern issues. Thakur routinely addresses huge gatherings attended by thousands of people, and also takes questions from his audience.
Devikanandan Thakur has a deep knowledge of Gita, Vedas and other Hindu scriptures. He runs various campaigns concerning cow protection, formation of Sanatan Board, Ganga Yamuna pollution and more.
5. Devi Chitralekha
Devi Chitralekha is the youngest among the prominent katha vachaks in India. She is essentially a preacher of Bhagavad Gita but also recites the divine tales of Sri Ramachandra and Sri Krishna. Her Bhagwat Katha programs are characterised by soulful hymns and devotional songs which she herself sings while playing harmonium.
Devi Chitralekha became a Gaudiya Vaishnava at the age of 4 and recited her first katha at the age of 6, to the astonishment of the audience. She not only conducts kathas in India but has also delivered her discourses in USA, Africa and United Kingdom.
6. Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Baba Bageshwar, is a firebrand katha vachak and also the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. He mainly recites Sri Ram Katha and Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, but is particularly famous for providing spiritual guidance to people to heal mental, emotional and financial problems.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri runs many social welfare programs like organising marriage ceremonies of poor and destitute girls, providing medical aid to the needy and free food service for the poor.
7. Aniruddhacharya Maharaj
Aniruddhacharya Maharaj, popularly known as Pookie Baba, is a spiritual leader and katha vachak who is known for blending humour with spiritual teaching. He has a deep knowledge of Hindu scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana. His unique approach towards spiritual discourse has made him an internet sensation especially among the youth.
Aniruddhacharya Maharaj is the founder of Gauri Gopal Ashram in Vrindavan. The ashram features an old age home, cowshed and educational facilities.
8. Pandit Pradeep Mishra
Pandit Pradeep Mishra is the most popular narrator of Shiv Purana in India. His Shiv Kathas are hugely popular among devotees of Lord Shiva and are always well attended. He is popularly known as ‘Sehore Wale Baba’ because he resides in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
Pandit Pradeep Mishra’s discourses are very popular on YouTube and other social media platforms. He is also known for distributing Rudraksh for free on Mahashivratri.
9. Jaya Kishori
Jaya Kishori is a popular katha vachak, motivational speaker and bhajan singer. She is particularly known for her discourses on Srimad Bhagwat, Hanuman Chalisa and Ramayana. Kishori has also recorded multiple devotional music albums featuring popular bhajans. She is popularly called ‘Meera of the Modern Era’ by her supporters.
10. Acharya Kaushik Maharaj
Acharya Kaushik Maharaj is a popular katha vachak and preacher who is known for his soulful discourses on Sri Ram, Srimad Bhagwat and Bhagavad Gita. He also renders classical Indian music during his discourses. Morality and righteousness are the core of his messages. Apart from India, he also preached in foreign countries like Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia.
Conclusion
Katha Vachaks are playing an important role in strengthening the religious moorings of Hindu society in the face of challenges posed by Western ideals and modernism. They are also shaping the moral and spiritual character of millions of people.