Srila Prabhupad

Śrīla Prabhupāda – Life of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda

Śrīla Prabhupāda (1896–1977), born Abhay Charan De, was the founder-Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is revered as the person who powerfully spread Krishna bhakti and the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam all over the world.

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Key Milestones in His Life

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Early Life (1896–1922)

• Born on 1st September 1896 in Calcutta, India, in a pious Vaishnava family.
• His father, Gour Mohan De, was a devout worshiper of Radha-Krishna.
• From childhood, he was inclined toward spiritual life, especially Jagannath worship and kīrtana.

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Education & Gandhi Era

• Studied at Scottish Church College, Calcutta (British system).
• Married at age 22 and lived a householder life.
• Worked as a chemist and was influenced by Gandhi’s independence movement for some time.

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Meeting His Guru (1922)

• Met Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura in Calcutta.
• Bhaktisiddhānta told him: “You are educated. Preach Lord Chaitanya’s message in English.”
• This became his life’s mission.

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Preparation Years (1930–1965)

• Took vānaprastha (retired spiritual life) in the 1950s.
• Took sannyāsa (renounced order) in 1959, receiving the name A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.
• Wrote and published “Back to Godhead” magazine and first volumes of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam in English.
• Lived in Vrindavan at Radha-Damodar temple, deeply absorbed in writing and devotion.

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Journey to the West (1965)

• At age 69, with 40 rupees, a trunk of books, and no support, he sailed alone to America aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta.
• Survived 2 heart attacks during the journey.
• Arrived in New York City, Sept 1965.

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Founding ISKCON (1966)

• Founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in July 1966.
• Started preaching, doing kīrtana in parks, temples, and apartments.
• Young Westerners, including hippies and seekers, became his first disciples.

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Massive Contribution (1966–1977)

• Translated and wrote over 70 books, including:
  
• Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
• Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (18,000 verses)
• Chaitanya Charitāmṛta
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• Opened 108 temples across the world.
• Introduced Deity worship, prasādam distribution, Harinam sankirtan, Vedic education, farm communities, and gurukulas.

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Final Years and Departure (1977)

• Despite failing health, continued preaching and translating till his last days.
• Returned to Vrindavan, where he left his body on 14 November 1977 at Krishna-Balaram Mandir.
• His final words: “Please continue this mission.”

🔱 His Legacy

• ISKCON now has millions of followers worldwide.
• His books are translated into over 80 languages.
• Known as “Prabhupāda”, meaning “one at whose feet masters sit”.
• Regarded as an empowered ācārya who fulfilled Lord Chaitanya’s prophecy:
  “In every town and village, the holy name of Krishna will be heard.”

Would you like:

• A timeline image of his life?
• A list of essential books by Prabhupāda?
• Some personal anecdotes or quotes from his disciples?