Iskcon Founder
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada was born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, India. As a young man, he became involved in Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement. However, a pivotal meeting in 1922 with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent scholar and spiritual leader within the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, dramatically altered his life’s course. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta requested Abhay to bring the teachings of Lord Krishna to the English-speaking world, a mission that deeply resonated with him. In 1933, Abhay became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, taking on the spiritual name A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Over the next 32 years, he meticulously prepared for this mission.
In 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Srila Prabhupada embarked on a courageous journey to the West. He secured free passage on a cargo ship named Jaladhuta and set sail for New York. The voyage was perilous, and he suffered two heart attacks en route. Yet, after 35 arduous days at sea, he arrived in Brooklyn with just seven dollars in Indian rupees and a crate of his translated Sanskrit texts. In New York, Srila Prabhupada faced immense challenges. He started his mission humbly, giving classes on the Bhagavad-gita in lofts on the Bowery and leading kirtans in Tompkins Square Park. His message of peace and spiritual wisdom struck a chord with many young Americans, some of whom became his dedicated students.
With their help, Srila Prabhupada rented a small storefront on the Lower East Side of New York, transforming it into a temple. In July 1966, he established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) with the goal of “checking the imbalance of values in the world and working for real unity and peace.” Over the next eleven years, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe fourteen times, delivering lectures and spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. People from diverse backgrounds embraced his message, leading to the establishment of numerous temples, farm communities, a publishing house, and educational institutions worldwide.
Srila Prabhupada’s contributions extend beyond his travels and lectures. He initiated the Hare Krishna Food for Life program, which has grown into the world’s largest vegetarian food relief initiative. His desire to strengthen the roots of Krishna consciousness also led him to return to India multiple times, where he revived interest in the Vaishnava tradition and opened numerous temples, including major centers in Vrindavana and Mayapura.
One of Srila Prabhupada’s most enduring legacies is his prolific writing. He authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition, which are esteemed by scholars for their depth, accuracy, and clarity. His works, including “Bhagavad-gita As It Is,” the 30-volume “Srimad-Bhagavatam,” and the 17-volume “Sri Caitanya-caritamrita,” are used as textbooks in various college courses and have been translated into 76 languages.
Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavana, surrounded by his devoted disciples who continue to propagate his teachings today. His profound impact on the world through his dedication to spreading Krishna consciousness and his extensive literary contributions continues to be celebrated and revered by millions globally.
