Srila Prabhupada
Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada appeared in this world in 1896 in Calcutta, India. He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent religious scholar and the founder of sixty-four Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge in English. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita, assisted the Gaudiya Matha in its work, and, in 1944, started Back to Godhead, an English fortnightly magazine.
In 1950 Srila Prabhupada retired from married life, adopting the vanaprastha (retired) order to devote more time to his studies and writing. He traveled to the holy city of Vrndavana, where he lived in humble circumstances in the historic temple of Radha-Damodara.
Establishing a Global Movement and Vedic Education System
When he first arrived by freighter in New York City, Srila Prabhupada was practically penniless. Only after almost a year of great difficulty did he establish the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, in July of 1966. Before he passed away on November 14, 1977, he had guided the Society and seen it grow to a worldwide confederation of more than one hundred asramas, schools, temples, institutes, and farm communities.
In 1972 His Divine Grace introduced the Vedic system of primary and secondary education in the West by founding the gurukula school in Dallas, Texas. Since then his disciples have established similar schools throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
Srila Prabhupada also inspired the construction of several large international temples in India. The center at Sridhama Mayapur, in West Bengal, is the site for a planned spiritual city, an ambitious project for which construction will extend over many years to come.
Srila Prabhupada Chronology: A Life of Devotion and Service
Birth
Abhay Charan De (later known as Srila Prabhupada) was born on September 1, 1896, in Kolkata, India, to a devout Vaishnava family. His father, Gaura Mohan De, and mother, Rajani Devi, raised him in a spiritual environment, instilling in him a love for Lord Krishna from an early age.
Marriage
Abhay Charan entered married life with Radharani Datta. Despite his family responsibilities, he maintained a strong spiritual practice and continued his studies of the Vedic scriptures.
Meets His Spiritual Master
In Kolkata, Abhay Charan met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, a prominent Gaudiya Vaishnava leader. This meeting profoundly impacted him, as Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati urged him to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna in the English-speaking world.
Receives Initiation
He received formal initiation from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, deepening his commitment to the mission of spreading Krishna consciousness.
Publishes 'Back to Godhead' Magazine
Srila Prabhupada began publishing the magazine "Back to Godhead," writing, editing, and distributing it himself. The magazine became a key tool for sharing Krishna consciousness and addressing contemporary issues from a spiritual perspective.
Receives Title 'Bhaktivedanta'
He was honored with the title "Bhaktivedanta" by his Godbrothers in recognition of his deep understanding of the Vedic scriptures and his dedication to devotional service.
Accepts Sannyasa
Srila Prabhupada accepted the renounced order of life (sannyasa) in Mathura, dedicating himself fully to preaching and writing. He moved to Vrindavan, where he began translating and commenting on sacred texts, including the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Voyage to the USA
At the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada embarked on a perilous sea journey to the United States aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta, enduring two heart attacks en route. He arrived in Boston with just a few dollars and a trunk of books, determined to fulfill his guru's instruction.
Incorporates ISKCON
In July 1966, Srila Prabhupada officially incorporated the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York City. The society was founded to promote the teachings of Lord Krishna and the practice of bhakti-yoga.
Bhagavad-gita As It Is Published
The abridged edition of "Bhagavad-gita As It Is" was published by Macmillan, making the teachings of Krishna accessible to a global audience.
Establishes the Governing Body Commission (GBC)
Srila Prabhupada established the GBC as the ultimate managing authority of ISKCON, ensuring the society's long-term management and spiritual integrity.
Establishes the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT)
He founded the BBT, which became the world's largest publisher of Vaishnava literature, making key scriptures available worldwide.
Completes Translation of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita
Srila Prabhupada completed the monumental task of translating and commenting on the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, a foundational text for Gaudiya Vaishnavas.
Opens Krishna Balarama Temple in Vrindavan
He inaugurated the Krishna Balarama Temple in Vrindavan, fulfilling his dream of establishing a major center in the holy land of Krishna.
Departure from the Material World
On November 14, 1977, Srila Prabhupada departed from this world in Vrindavan, India, leaving behind a thriving movement with over 100 temples and thousands of followers. His teachings and books continue to inspire millions worldwide.