Srila Prabhupada – Founder Acharya of the Hare Krishna Movement
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada (1896–1977) was the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna Movement. He worked relentlessly to impart knowledge, enlighten minds and establish the Hare Krishna movement globally. Srila Prabhupada lived a truly inspirational life and is a phenomenal role model for anyone who seeks to bring about transformation in any field of work. As a 70-year-old, Srila Prabhupada travelled to New York with the sole purpose of fulfilling his guru's dream of spreading the message of Krishna Consciousness all over the world. Starting his work from a tiny office in New York, he went on to ignite a worldwide phenomenon, now known as the Hare Krishna Movement.
Early Life and Education
Srila Prabhupada was born on 1st September 1896 in Calcutta, India, as Abhay Charan De. From a young age, he was deeply attracted to spirituality and devotional practices. He completed his graduation from Scottish Church College in 1916 and entered married life in 1920.
Srila Prabhupada was born on 1st September 1896 in Calcutta, India, as Abhay Charan De. From a young age, he was deeply attracted to spirituality and devotional practices. He completed his graduation from Scottish Church College in 1916 and entered married life in 1920.
Early Preaching and Writing
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In 1944, he launched the English magazine Back to Godhead, writing, editing, and distributing it single-handedly.
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In 1947, the Gaudiya Vaishnava Society honored him with the title “Bhaktivedanta”, meaning “one who has realized that devotion to Krishna is the culmination of knowledge.”
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By 1950, Srila Prabhupada retired from family life, adopting the order of Vanaprastha to to devote more time to his studies and writing.
For several years, he lived humbly at the 400-year-old Radha-Damodara Temple in Vrindavan, deeply absorbed in writing and translating sacred texts. It was here that he began his monumental work of translating the Srimad-Bhagavatam into English, a project that would later become his life’s mission.
In 1959, he accepted sannyasa (the renounced order of life), dedicating himself completely to fulfilling his guru’s instruction to spread Krishna Consciousness worldwide.
Journey to the West – The Voyage of Compassion
In 1965, at the age of 70, Srila Prabhupada set out on an extraordinary journey. With little money, just a suitcase, some books, and about forty rupees, he boarded the cargo ship Jaladuta to New York. The 40-day sea voyage was challenging—he endured severe seasickness and even two heart attacks. Yet his determination never wavered.
Arriving in New York City, Srila Prabhupada initially felt helpless and lost. He had no contacts, no followers, and no clear plan. However, over time, his sincerity and devotion attracted a small but enthusiastic group of young seekers eager to hear about yoga, meditation, and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Founding of ISKCON
On July 13, 1966, Srila Prabhupada formally established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York. From a tiny storefront, he began what would soon become a global spiritual movement.
Global Impact
Over the next 11 years, Srila Prabhupada transformed ISKCON into a worldwide phenomenon:
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He established 108 temples across six continents.
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Initiated around 10,000 disciples.
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Circled the globe 14 times despite his advanced age.
Srila Prabhupada’s books and teachings became the foundation of ISKCON basis of Krishna Consciousness philosophy. His translations of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Caitanya-caritamrita are considered authoritative works and have been translated into more than 80 languages.
