Early Life
The Foundation of a Spiritual Revolutionary
Birth & Family
Spiritual Environment
Abhay Charan De, later known to the world as A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, was born into a devout Vaishnava family. His parents were devoted followers of Lord Krishna and worshippers of Lord Jagannath.
Devotional Culture
Raised in a spiritually enriched environment, regularly attending kirtans and festivals
Divine Connection
Imbibing the devotional culture from his early childhood years
Devout Learning
Early exposure to Vedic traditions and Krishna consciousness
"From childhood, I was interested in Lord Krishna and Radharani. I used to play with clay dolls of Radha-Krishna."- Srila Prabhupada
Spiritual Turning Point
The Divine Meeting That Changed Everything
The Fateful Encounter
In 1922, at the age of 26, Abhay met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, a highly respected spiritual master and preacher in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. This encounter profoundly transformed his life.
Immediate Recognition
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta immediately recognized his potential and urged him to spread the message of Lord Krishna in the English language to the Western world.
The Gradual Awakening
First Meeting
Initial hesitation while still involved in family and business life
Formal Initiation
Formally became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
The Seed of Mission
The meeting sowed the seed for his future global mission
The Sacred Bond
This relationship with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati became the foundation of Prabhupada's entire spiritual mission. The instruction to preach Krishna consciousness in English to the Western world would become his life's purpose.
"You are educated. You should preach the message of Caitanya Mahaprabhu in English."
- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati to young AbhayLiterary Mission
Translating Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World
The Great Renunciation
Having accepted sannyasa, he began translating the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from Sanskrit to English with deep commentary, living humbly in the holy city of Vrindavan.
Monumental Literary Contribution
Foundational Texts
Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
The most widely distributed edition of the Gita with authentic purports
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
18,000 verse translation with detailed commentary
Caitanya Caritāmṛta
Biography and teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Unique Translation Philosophy
Divine Dedication
Working tirelessly in humble circumstances, often by candlelight, Srila Prabhupada produced authoritative translations and purports that would become the foundational texts of ISKCON and the modern Krishna Consciousness movement.
"I am not a scholar, I am not a philosopher, I am not a scientist. I am simply a servant of my spiritual master."- Srila Prabhupada on his literary work
Journey to the West
The Miraculous Voyage of Faith
The Great Departure
Treacherous Journey
Two Heart Attacks
Suffered two heart attacks during the 35-day voyage
Rough Seas
Endured harsh weather and difficult conditions
Divine Protection
Miraculously survived through Krishna's grace
Landing in New York
Landing in New York City in 1965, he began preaching from the Lower East Side, among youth and seekers disillusioned by materialism. His authenticity, deep knowledge of the Vedas, and contagious devotion drew in early followers.
Humble Beginnings
Attracting Hearts
Authenticity
Genuine spiritual realization and purity
Deep Knowledge
Profound understanding of Vedic scriptures
Contagious Devotion
Pure love for Krishna that inspired others
A Journey of Faith
This incredible journey at the age of 69, with no material support, demonstrates the power of pure devotion and determination to serve one's spiritual master. It marked the beginning of a global spiritual revolution.
"I do not know why Krishna has brought me here. Now let me just try to serve as far as possible."- Srila Prabhupada upon arriving in America
Founding of ISKCON
Birth of a Global Spiritual Movement
Official Establishment
In July 1966, he officially founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York. The movement was not just a religious organization but a cultural and philosophical reawakening of Bhakti Yoga centered around devotion to Lord Krishna.
Seven Purposes of ISKCON
To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large
To propagate a consciousness of Krishna as revealed in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam
To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna
To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement of congregational chanting
To erect for the members a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to Krishna
To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life
To publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings
Explosive Global Growth
Within a decade of founding
Worldwide Influence
Swami Prabhupada travelled tirelessly across continents, inspiring disciples, overseeing temple constructions, initiating new spiritual aspirants, and guiding the movement's philosophy and practice.
More Than Religion
ISKCON represented a comprehensive approach to spiritual life, combining ancient Vedic wisdom with practical application for modern times. It wasn't merely a religious organization but a complete cultural and philosophical movement.
Philosophical
Deep study of Vedic literature and philosophy
Cultural
Revival of Vedic arts, music, and traditions
Social
Community service and humanitarian work
Lifestyle
Simple living and high thinking principles
His Teachings
Timeless Wisdom for Spiritual Transformation
Fundamental Principles
Chanting the Holy Names
Chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra as the supreme method of spiritual realization in this age of Kali.
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे
Simple Living
Leading a life of simplicity and devotion, avoiding unnecessary material complications and focusing on spiritual advancement.
Scriptural Study
Studying Vedic scriptures under the guidance of a bonafide spiritual master to understand the science of God realization.
Compassionate Service
Spreading the glories of Krishna with compassion to all living beings, seeing every soul as part and parcel of the Supreme.
Guru-Parampara System
He reinstated the guru-parampara system in a modern setting, emphasizing the lineage from Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and stressing the non-sectarian, universal message of love for God.
Final Days & Eternal Legacy
The Immortal Impact of a Pure Devotee
The Final Journey
In 1977, after more than a decade of explosive growth of the Krishna Consciousness movement, Srila Prabhupada departed from this world in Vrindavan, India.
Dedication Until the End
Even in his final days, weakened in body, he continued translating scriptures from his bed, dictating purports to his disciples. His commitment to spreading Krishna consciousness never wavered.
"I have given you everything. Now you have to do it."- Srila Prabhupada's final instruction to his disciples
Today His Legacy Continues Through:
600+ ISKCON Centers
Temples and communities worldwide spreading Krishna consciousness
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
One of the largest publishers of Vedic literature in the world
Educational Institutions
Schools, colleges, and farms providing holistic education
Disciples & Followers
Thousands of initiated disciples and millions of followers worldwide
Festival Celebrations
Massive public festivals and Rathayatras celebrated globally
Food for Life
Programs that feed millions of people worldwide
The Eternal Mission
His mission was not just about building temples but transforming hearts—by reviving the lost relationship between the soul and God, Krishna. This transformation continues to touch millions of lives across the globe.
Heart Transformation
Awakening dormant love for Krishna in countless souls
Global Impact
Bringing ancient Vedic wisdom to the modern world
Eternal Influence
His books and teachings continue to guide seekers
Growing Movement
ISKCON continues to expand and serve humanity
Eternal Presence
"The spiritual master is not happy to see his disciple become a cheap disciple, or a cheap devotee. He is happy when his student becomes a guru in his turn."- Srila Prabhupada
Though he left this world in 1977, Srila Prabhupada's presence continues through his books, his institutions, his disciples, and the countless lives that continue to be transformed by Krishna consciousness. His legacy is not just historical—it is vibrantly alive and growing every day.