Srila
Prabhupada
He built a house in which the whole world can live.
— ISKCON Founder
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
"He built a house in which the whole world can live."
A Brief Life Sketch
Childhood (1896)
Srila Prabhupada was born on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta as Abhay Charan. His parents, Gour Mohan De and Rajani Devi, were ardent devotees of Lord Krishna. His father's only wish was that Abhay should become a devotee of Srimati Radharani.
Youth & Education
Abhay studied at Scottish Churches' College. He supported Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement, wearing khadi and declining his degree. In 1918, he married Radharani Devi and later started a pharmaceutical business.
Meeting the Spiritual Master (1922)
He met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami in Calcutta. At their very first meeting, he was advised to preach Krishna consciousness to the English-speaking world. He accepted him as his spiritual master in his heart immediately.
Initiation & Preaching (1933-1950s)
He took formal initiation in 1933. In 1944, he started 'Back to Godhead' magazine single-handedly. In 1950, he accepted vanaprastha (retired life) to devote more time to studies and writing.
Renounced Order (1959)
He took sannyasa in 1959. Living at the Radha-Damodara temple in Vrindavan, he began his masterpiece: the English translation and commentary of the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Preach Krishna consciousness to the English speaking world.
”Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura (1922)
Transcendental Achievements
Voyage to the West
In 1965, at age 69, he traveled to New York on the cargo ship Jaladuta. Suffering two heart attacks and arriving with just 40 rupees, he carried the order of his spiritual master to spread Krishna consciousness globally.
Founding ISKCON
In July 1966, he established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York. From a small storefront, it grew into a worldwide movement.
Global Expansion
By 1967, he had established centers in San Francisco, Montreal, London, and beyond. He envisioned magnificent temples in Vrindavan, Bombay, and Mayapur.
Literary Legacy
He wrote over 60 volumes of authoritative translations and commentaries on Vedic scriptures, including the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Srimad Bhagavatam. His books are translated into over 80 languages.
Featured Documentary
The Life of Srila Prabhupada
A Legacy that Lives On
In the short time he spent in the West, Srila Prabhupada preached continuously, established 108 temples, wrote more than sixty volumes of transcendental literature, initiated five thousand disciples, founded the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and began a scientific academy. His contribution to the spiritual welfare of humanity is immeasurable.
View Detailed Achievements