Srila Prabhupada – Life Story
The Divine Journey of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON
The Divine Journey of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON
Śrīla Prabhupāda was born on 1st September 1896 in Calcutta (Kolkata) and was named Abhay Charan De. His parents, Gour Mohan De and Rājani Devi, were ardent devotees of Lord Krishna. His father’s only wish was that his son would become a devotee of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.
Abhay studied at Scottish Churches’ College and supported Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement. Out of principle, he refused to accept his degree under British rule. In 1918, he married Rādhārāṇī Devi and later started his own pharmaceutical company.
In 1922, Abhay met his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī, who instructed him to “Preach Krishna Consciousness in the Western world.” Deeply moved, Abhay took this instruction as his life mission. He later founded the magazine Back to Godhead, which continues to be published worldwide today.
In 1950, Abhay accepted vānaprastha (retired life) to dedicate himself to spiritual pursuits. He was honored with the title “Bhaktivedānta” in 1953 and settled in Vrindavana at the Rādhā-Dāmodara Temple, engaging deeply in writing and devotion.
In 1959, he took sannyāsa (renunciation) and became known as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. He translated the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and authored Easy Journey to Other Planets. In 1965, at age 69, he traveled alone to New York on the Jaladuta ship with only 40 rupees and sacred scriptures, enduring two heart attacks during the journey.
In July 1966, Śrīla Prabhupāda founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York. Soon, he established centers across North America, Europe, and India, including grand temples in Vrindavana, Mumbai, and Mayapur.
Śrīla Prabhupāda authored over 60 volumes of Vedic literature and established the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT). He translated Sanskrit and Bengali scriptures with devotion, often writing from 1:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. every day.
Śrīla Prabhupāda established 108 temples, initiated 5,000 disciples, and inspired millions to embrace Krishna Consciousness. His teachings continue to transform lives across the globe.
"He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him."
