About Founder

Biography

his divine grace a.c. bhaktivedanta swami prabhupada

founder-acharya : international society for krishna consciousness

Journey to the West On September 17, 1965, a momentous arrival occurred at New York City’s port. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, though unnoticed by many, was not just another newcomer. He embarked on a mission to infuse mainstream America with the ancient wisdom of Vedic India. By the time of his departure on November 14, 1977, at 81 years of age, he had realized his vision, establishing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which flourished into an expansive network of over 100 temples, ashrams, and cultural centers globally.

Early Life and Calling Born on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, as Abhay Charan De, Srila Prabhupada hailed from a devout Hindu family. During his youth in colonial India, he engaged with Mahatma Gandhi’s movement for national independence. A pivotal encounter in 1922 with the esteemed Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition luminary, charted Abhay’s spiritual trajectory. Tasked with disseminating Lord Krishna’s teachings to the English-speaking populace, Abhay embraced discipleship under Srila Bhaktisiddhanta in 1933, dedicating himself to this mission. Over the next 32 years, he prepared for his western odyssey, eventually becoming known as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Spreading Krishna Consciousness

In 1965, at 69, Srila Prabhupada braved a perilous sea voyage to New York, enduring two heart attacks en route. With a modest sum and his sacred text translations, he commenced imparting Krishna consciousness. His peaceful message attracted numerous youths, leading to the establishment of a temple on New York’s Lower East Side. On July 11, 1966, ISKCON was officially founded.

Global Influence

Over the next eleven years, Srila Prabhupada traversed the globe 14 times, disseminating Lord Krishna’s teachings across six continents. His efforts led to the creation of ISKCON’s global presence, including temples, communities, and educational entities, and initiated the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program. His return trips to India revitalized the Vaishnava tradition, resulting in the inauguration of significant temples in Vrindavan and Mayapur.

Literary Legacy

Srila Prabhupada’s most significant contributions, perhaps, are his books. He authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition, which are highly respected by scholars for their authority, depth, fidelity to the tradition, and clarity. Several of his works are used as textbooks in numerous college courses. His writings have been translated into 76 languages. His most prominent works include: Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the 30-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Sri Caitanya-caritamrita.

For further insights into Srila Prabhupada’s life and teachings, one may explore prabhupada.net or founderacharya.com.

ISKCON Img