The ISKCON Founder Acharya
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada
The compassionate messenger who carried the timeless wisdom of Lord Krishna from the sacred land of Bhārata to every corner of the world.
He Came, He Spoke, He Transformed
Srila Prabhupada turned the ocean of Vedic knowledge into living, loving guidance for our times. From Bhagavad-gita As It Is to the multi-volume Shrimad Bhagavatam, his crystal-clear voice reaches the world in dozens of languages — awakening devotion, one reader at a time.
With unwavering faith in his spiritual master and Lord Krishna, he transformed hearts, homes, and entire societies by introducing the chanting of the holy names, devotional lifestyle, and Krishna conscious philosophy.
Srila Prabhupada: Multifaceted Personality
Beyond titles and achievements, Srila Prabhupada’s greatness shone through his qualities — humility, courage, compassion, and unshakable devotion to Krishna.
Living with divine humility
Though Acharya of a worldwide movement, Srila Prabhupada lived simply — eating little, sleeping little, and serving tirelessly. His simplicity reflected his pure love for Krishna, free from material desire or pride.
Unshaken faith amidst all odds
At age seventy, with forty rupees and unshakable devotion, he sailed alone to America. His courage came not from ambition but from complete surrender to Krishna’s will.
Transforming hearts, not systems
Srila Prabhupada sparked a spiritual revolution — awakening love of God in a world lost to materialism. His message changed countless lives and continues to uplift the consciousness of humanity.
Guiding with wisdom and compassion
He was not just a scholar, but a spiritual teacher who lived his teachings. Through his books and example, he made the deepest truths of the Vedas accessible to everyone.
Seeing every soul as Krishna’s child
His heart ached for the suffering of others. With boundless compassion, he offered the holy name, prasadam, and knowledge — gifts that heal both body and soul.
Beyond ego, one with divine purpose
Srila Prabhupada’s every word and act flowed from realization. He saw Krishna everywhere and everything in Krishna, living proof of the spiritual truths he shared.
An authentic link in the chain of wisdom
As a pure disciple in the Gaudiya parampara, he carried the message of Lord Chaitanya without distortion — ensuring that bhakti remains pure, powerful, and timeless.
Srila Prabhupada: Life Journey
From his divine birth in Calcutta to his samadhi in Vrindavan, every step of Srila Prabhupada’s life was guided by Krishna’s purpose.
1896 – Divine Birth
Born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India. From early childhood, he displayed deep love for Lord Krishna and a natural inclination toward devotion.
1922 – Inspired by His Guru
Met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, who urged him to spread Krishna consciousness in the English language — a seed that blossomed into a worldwide mission.
1933 – Spiritual Initiation
Received diksha from his spiritual master and began his life’s service in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, writing and preaching with determination.
1944 – Back to Godhead Begins
Founded the magazine “Back to Godhead”, personally writing, printing, and distributing copies — the humble beginnings of his spiritual outreach.
1959 – Accepts Sannyasa
Entered the renounced order of life, dedicating himself completely to spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. Began translating the Shrimad Bhagavatam.
1965 – Voyage to America
At the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada set sail alone on the cargo ship Jaladuta to America, carrying only a trunk of books and unshakable faith in Krishna.
1966 – ISKCON Founded
In New York City, he founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) — igniting a global movement of love, devotion, and kirtan.
1968–1977 – Global Transformation
Traveled tirelessly across six continents, establishing 108 temples, initiating thousands of disciples, and publishing over 60 sacred books that spread bhakti to every corner of the world.
1977 – Samadhi
On 14 November 1977, Srila Prabhupada entered samadhi in Vrindavan, leaving behind an eternal legacy of devotion and divine wisdom.
Srila Prabhupada’s Contributions
In just twelve years, Srila Prabhupada transformed the spiritual landscape of the world — establishing temples, communities, and institutions that continue to guide millions.
Temples
Homes of devotion across the globe
Established 108 temples within just eleven years, transforming cities worldwide into centers of bhakti, kirtan, and spiritual learning.
Ratha-yatras
The festival that unites the world
Revived the ancient Ratha-yatra of Lord Jagannath on the streets of cities like New York, London, and San Francisco — spreading divine joy and unity through devotion.
Deity Worship
Serving the Lord with love and precision
Re-established authentic Deity worship following Vedic standards, turning every temple into a place of beauty, purity, and daily seva.
Spiritual Food Distribution
Feeding body and soul with prasadam
Taught that food offered to Krishna becomes sanctified. Today, ISKCON distributes millions of free meals through Food for Life and other initiatives.
Maha-Mantra
The divine sound vibration
Spread the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra worldwide, awakening hearts through the simple, joyful act of singing God's holy names.
Vegetarianism
Compassion as a way of life
Inspired millions to adopt a karma-free vegetarian lifestyle, rooted in respect for all beings as children of the same divine source.
Spiritual Culture
Reviving Vedic wisdom in modern times
Through art, music, theater, and festivals, he reintroduced the timeless beauty of Vedic culture and devotional living to the modern world.
Society of Devotees
A global family of bhakti
Formed a spiritual society where people from every nation and background could live harmoniously — united by love for Krishna and service to humanity.
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
The world’s largest publisher of Vedic knowledge
Founded in 1972, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust continues to publish and distribute his books in many languages, guiding millions on the path of devotion.
Bhaktivedanta Institute
Bridging science and spirituality
Established to engage scientists and scholars in exploring the harmony between modern science and ancient spiritual wisdom.
Farm Communities
Simple living, high thinking
Envisioned self-sufficient farm communities where devotees live close to nature, grow their own food, and practice Krishna consciousness sustainably.