Inspired by an inner experience of the revered saint Anandamayi Ma, he traveled to India in 1973, receiving mantra initiation directly from her and subsequently residing in her lineage's ashrams. In 2001, he returned to India to establish and teach at a spiritually-oriented school for village children, dedicating 12 years to this seva (service). 

Recognized as an Acharya (lineage teacher) of Ma Sharanam Ashram, Mangalananda has toured extensively in Europe and the US, offering kirtan concerts and spiritual workshops. Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he continues his devoted service by hosting kirtans, classes, and maintaining a small ashram dedicated to his guru and lineage. 

He is renowned for his authentic, traditional style of kirtan singing from rural India.