Biography
Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) was an Indian spiritual teacher who set up the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and brought Krishna consciousness to the Western world. Born as Abhay Charan De in Kolkata, he studied at Scottish Church College before starting a mission that would change how people globally understand Vedantic philosophy and devotional practices.
In 1965, at 69, Prabhupada made an incredible journey from Kolkata to New York City on a cargo ship, taking along only some trunks of books and a strong resolve to carry out his spiritual master's directive to spread Krishna consciousness in the English-speaking world. Once in America, he began chanting the Hare Krishna mantra in Tompkins Square Park and held classes on Vedantic philosophy. Within a year, he gathered dedicated followers and officially founded ISKCON in 1966.
Prabhupada taught that people are eternal spiritual beings temporarily living in material bodies and that the ultimate aim of human life is to revive one's dormant connection with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He promoted a complete spiritual practice involving studying authorized Vedic texts, regularly chanting Krishna's holy names, and living a life devoted to service. His approach highlighted the personal nature of the Absolute Truth, differing from the impersonalist philosophies that had previously caught attention in the West.
As a prolific author and translator, Prabhupada wrote over 70 volumes of translations and commentaries on classic Vedic texts, with his best-known work being 'Bhagavad-gītā As It Is.' His writings made ancient Sanskrit wisdom available to modern readers while keeping them faithful to the original teachings. He set strict ethical rules for his initiated disciples, asking them to refrain from meat, fish, eggs, intoxicants, gambling, and illicit sexual relations. Under his leadership, ISKCON grew quickly, with temples, schools, and farming communities established across six continents by the time of his passing in Vrindavan in 1977.
Before Fame
Abhay Charan De was born into a devout Vaishnava family in colonial Kolkata, where his father taught him to deeply respect Krishna from an early age. He pursued modern education at Scottish Church College while holding on to traditional spiritual values. In 1922, he met his spiritual teacher, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who instructed him to spread Krishna consciousness to English-speaking communities.
For several decades, Abhay balanced family responsibilities as a householder with running pharmaceutical businesses, all while gradually deepening his spiritual practice and studies. He started writing articles for spiritual publications and launched his own magazine, 'Back to Godhead,' in 1944. In 1959, he took the vow of renunciation (sannyasa) and changed his name to A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, fully dedicating himself to his guru's mission.
Key Achievements
- Founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966
- Translated and published 'Bhagavad-gītā As It Is' and over 70 volumes of Vedic literature
- Established 108 temples and spiritual centers across six continents
- Created the first successful Krishna consciousness movement in the Western world
- Initiated thousands of disciples and introduced millions to Vedantic philosophy and devotional practices
Did You Know?
- 01.He traveled to America in 1965 on the steamship Jaladuta with only $7 in Indian currency and suffered two heart attacks during the 37-day voyage
- 02.His first ISKCON temple was established in a small storefront at 26 Second Avenue in New York's Lower East Side for $71 monthly rent
- 03.He translated and wrote commentaries on over 70 volumes of Vedic literature, including the complete Srimad-Bhagavatam in 18 volumes
- 04.At age 70, he circled the globe 14 times in 12 years, establishing 108 temples across six continents
- 05.He initiated approximately 5,000 disciples and attracted tens of thousands of followers during his 11 years of preaching in the West