A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Srila Prabhupada
About His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada
--- Founder-Acharya of ISKCON
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is revered worldwide as a pure devotee of Lord Krishna who dedicated his entire life to spreading the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam in their original purity. Through his extraordinary efforts, Srila Prabhupada introduced the timeless wisdom of Vedic culture and bhakti-yoga to millions of people across the globe, transforming countless lives with the message of love, devotion, and self-realization.
Early Life
Srila Prabhupada was born as Abhay Charanaravinda De on 1st September 1896 in Calcutta, India. From a young age, he showed deep devotion to Lord Krishna and was raised in a spiritually inclined family. His father, Gour Mohan De, was a dedicated Vaishnava who encouraged Abhay’s spiritual upbringing.
In 1922, he met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who instructed him to spread Krishna consciousness in the English-speaking world. This instruction became the divine mission of his life.
Journey to the West
At the age of 69, with no material support and carrying only sacred scriptures, Srila Prabhupada voyaged to the United States aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta in 1965. Despite facing severe hardships, he remained determined to fulfill his guru’s instruction.
In 1966, he established ISKCON in New York City. From there, the Krishna consciousness movement expanded rapidly across America and then to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
His Mission
Srila Prabhupada’s mission was to:
Spread pure devotional service (Bhakti Yoga) to Lord Krishna
Teach the practical application of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam
Establish temples and spiritual communities
Promote a simple and spiritual lifestyle based on Vedic principles
Unite humanity through the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra
He tirelessly traveled, lectured, initiated thousands of disciples, and inspired people from all backgrounds to lead a Krishna-conscious life.
Literary Contributions
Srila Prabhupada authored and translated over 80 volumes of Vedic scriptures, which are regarded as authoritative spiritual literature worldwide. Some of his most significant works include:
- Bhagavad-gita As It Is
- Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto 1–12)
- Chaitanya Charitamrita
- The Nectar of Devotion
- The Nectar of Instruction
His books are translated into dozens of languages and continue to guide seekers on the path of devotion.
Global Impact
Under Srila Prabhupada’s guidance, ISKCON grew into a worldwide spiritual movement with:
Hundreds of temples and centers
Gurukuls and educational institutions
Farm communities
Food distribution programs (Hare Krishna Food for Life)
Rath Yatra festivals and spiritual events
His teachings transcend boundaries of race, nationality, and religion, promoting universal brotherhood and love for God.
Departure from the World
Srila Prabhupada entered his eternal pastimes on 14th November 1977 in Vrindavan, India. Though physically absent, his presence continues through his teachings, books, temples, and disciples who carry forward his divine mission.