His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda (1896–1977) stands as one of the greatest spiritual ambassadors in modern history. As the *Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON, he revived, systematized, and globalized the timeless teachings of **Bhagavad-gītā, **Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and *Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava siddhānta for a world hungry for meaning.
Born on 1 September 1896 in Kolkata, Abhay Charan De was raised in a deeply devotional family. His father, Gaur Mohan De, regularly prayed that his son become a servant of Śrī Rādhā-Govinda.
From childhood:
These early impressions shaped his lifelong dedication.
In *1922, Abhay Charan met *Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, who instructed him:
“Preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness in English. This will do good to you and others.”
This directive became the guiding force of his life. In 1933 he accepted initiation and later received the title Bhaktivedanta for his deep scriptural mastery.
At age *69, carrying just *40 rupees and a crate of books, Śrīla Prabhupāda sailed alone aboard the Jaladuta to America in 1965. He endured two heart attacks during the journey, praying to Lord Kṛṣṇa for guidance.
In New York City:
By divine arrangement and pure dedication, young seekers were drawn to his purity and joy.
On *July 13, 1966, he incorporated the *International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
In just eleven years, he:
His movement brought bhakti-yoga into mainstream global consciousness.
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s greatest gift is his books—clear, authoritative, spiritually potent.
He produced:
Today, his writings are:
He insisted that one can associate with him eternally through his books.
Śrīla Prabhupāda delivered the ancient teachings of Lord Kṛṣṇa in a simple, practical, universal manner.
His presentation blended philosophy with practicality—ideal for the modern mind.
Śrīla Prabhupāda led by example:
He welcomed everyone—regardless of caste, creed, gender, race, or nationality—fulfilling Lord Caitanya’s prophecy:
“The holy name will be spread to every town and village.”
Śrīla Prabhupāda traveled tirelessly—14 times around the globe—establishing temples, giving lectures, and personally guiding disciples. On 14 November 1977, in Vṛndāvana, surrounded by devotees chanting the holy name, he returned to the eternal service of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
His legacy continues through:
His life shows how one pure devotee can change the world.
People worldwide are seeking:
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings directly address these universal needs, offering a scientific, practical, joyful path centered on devotion, character, and service.
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s gifts—books, temples, kīrtana, prasāda, and the holy name—are treasures for the world. Honoring him means living by his teachings and assisting his mission with sincerity.
In his own words:
“Your love for me will be shown by how you cooperate to keep this institution together.”
Let us chant, serve, and remain instruments of his compassion.