Jaya Kishori (born Jaya Sharma; 13 July 1995) is an Indian spiritual orator,[1] motivational speaker,[2] and devotional singer.[3][4] She is known for delivering discourses on Hindu religious texts, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana, and participates in spiritual events across India.[5]
Personal life and education[edit | edit source]
Jaya Kishori was born on 13 July 1995 in Sujangarh, Rajasthan, to a Gaur Brahmin family. Her parents are Shiv Shankar Sharma and Geeta Devi, and she has a sister named Chetna Sharma.[5] Raised in a spiritual environment, her family later relocated to Kolkata, West Bengal. She completed her primary and secondary education at Shri Shikshayatan College and Mahadevi Birla World Academy in Kolkata.[6]
Spiritual background and career[edit | edit source]
Kishori's inclination toward spirituality began at a very young age, deeply influenced by her family's religious practices. Under the guidance of her spiritual mentor, Govind Ram Mishra, she learned to recite the Sundarkand and verses from the Bhagavad Gita. It was her mentor who bestowed upon her the title "Kishori" due to her devotion to Lord Krishna.[6]
She began her spiritual journey at the age of seven and has since become one of the most prominent spiritual narrators in India, known specifically for her Nani Bai Ko Mayro and Shrimad Bhagwat Katha recitations.[7] Kishori has sung in numerous devotional albums and gained a massive following on social media, where she regularly uploads her discourses, devotional music, and motivational talks.[5] She has also written a book titled "It's Okay".[8]
Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]
Kishori has been the recipient of several accolades for her work in spirituality and motivational speaking. These include:
- Adarsh Yuwa Adhyatmik Guru Puruskar (2016), awarded by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.[6]
- Best Creator for Social Change at the inaugural National Creators Award (2024), presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam.[9]
Controversy[edit | edit source]
In October 2024, Kishori faced social media criticism after she was photographed at an airport carrying a customized luxury Dior bag valued at over ₹2 lakh.[4] The incident sparked a public debate, with critics questioning whether the use of such luxury accessories aligned with public expectations of a spiritual speaker who advises devotees to detach from materialism.
In response to the backlash, Kishori clarified that the bag was a customised, non-leather item made of cotton. She maintained that she had never claimed to be an ascetic or advised her followers to renounce wealth or material life, stating that she has always been transparent about being a "normal girl" who lives with her family and balances spirituality with an everyday lifestyle.[10][11]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "पीली साड़ी पहन जया किशोरी ने किए मां बगलामुखी के दर्शन, कांगड़ा में गुलाबी सूट में भी लगीं सुंदर, Video". AajTak (in हिन्दी). 14 October 2026. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ Pandey, Prakhar. "Motivational Quotes By Jaya Kishori: 'यह भी तो जीत ही है कि आपने अब तक हार नहीं मानी'". Navbharat Times (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 2026-08-08. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ Chandra, Subhash. "भजन गायिका एवं मोटिवेशनल स्पीकर जया किशोरी ने मां बज्रेश्वरी के दरबार में नवाया शीश". Amar Ujala (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 2026-10-12. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "All about Jaya Kishori, the spiritual preacher under fire for carrying Dior Book Tote worth over ₹2 lakh". 29 October 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-11-02. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Jaya Kishori: कौन हैं जया किशोरी? जो कथा वाचन से कम उम्र में हो गईं लोकप्रिय - Who Is Jaya Kishori And Know ABout his Family And Other Details". Jagran. Archived from the original on 2024-03-11. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Story of Jaya Kishori: कहानी जया किशोरी के स्टार बनने की". punjabkesari. 22 April 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-04-22. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ "एक कथा का कितना रुपया लेती हैं जया किशोरी? कहां जाता है पैसा". Navbharat Times. Archived from the original on 2023-07-01. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ Kishori, Jaya (19 August 2025). It's Okay ...: A Book of Inspirational and Mystic Thoughts. Penguin Random House India Pvt. Limited. ISBN 978-0-14-347321-33. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: length (help) - ↑ https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/who-is-jaya-kishori-spiritual-preacher-facing-criticism-for-flaunting-luxury-dior-bag-6899788
- ↑ "All About Jaya Kishori, Spiritual Guru Slammed For Carrying Dior Bag". 29 October 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-10-29. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
- ↑ "How rich is Jaya Kishori? A look at her net worth, income, and more". Indiatimes. Archived from the original on 2024-10-27. Retrieved 17 October 2026.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Jaya Kishori on YouTube