Vishwa Guru Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, spread the timeless wisdom of Vedic culture across the world—leaving behind an enduring legacy of spiritual enlightenment for humanity.
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), stands among the rarest of spiritual leaders whose impact transcended geography, culture, and generations. He is remembered for his extraordinary achievement in spreading the timeless teachings of the Vedas across the globe and leaving behind a vast spiritual movement that continues to uplift millions.
Born in Calcutta on 1 September 1896, Srila Prabhupada met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, in 1922 and accepted spiritual initiation from him in 1933. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta instructed him to spread the message of Lord Krishna in the English-speaking world. That single instruction became the mission of Srila Prabhupada’s life.
He took sannyasa in 1959 and began his monumental work of English translation and commentaries on Srimad Bhagavatam, one of the greatest treasures of Vedic literature. He also authored a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and started a magazine called ‘Back to Godhead’ to share the teachings of Krishna consciousness.
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Journey to the West — A Turning Point in Spiritual History
In 1965, after publishing three volumes of Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada approached Smt. Sumati Morarji, the owner of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, Bombay, for free passage to the United States. After considering his request for some time, she finally agreed and honored his request.
On 13 August 1965, at the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada set sail from Calcutta aboard the cargo ship MV Jaladuta. His belongings were meagre — a suitcase, an umbrella, a few boxes of books, dry cereal, and about forty rupees. The ensuing journey presented considerable hardship. During the voyage, he endured severe seasickness and two heart attacks, surviving only by the mercy of Lord Krishna. After 38 days at sea, he arrived in Boston on 17 September and finally disembarked in New York on 19 September to begin his monumental mission.
This historic voyage marked the dawn of a new spiritual era. It stands as a testament to Srila Prabhupada’s devotion to Lord Krishna, and his dedication and sacrifice for the betterment of humanity. Within a year, on 13 July 1966, he formally incorporated the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York.
It was the foundation of a global spiritual society that spread the teachings of Lord Krishna through literature, temples, sankirtana and community living, within a short span of 12 years. Srila Prabhupada departed from this world on 14 November 1977 in Vrindavan, leaving behind an enduring legacy of spiritual enlightenment for humanity.
A Personality of Deep Virtues
Srila Prabhupada was the embodiment of saintly qualities such as compassion, humility, and respect for all beings. His disciples have shared many touching incidents that reveal his divine character.
Compassion beyond circumstance: Just days before Srila Prabhupada’s departure, a disciple came from Hyderabad to visit him. Srila Prabhupada, weak and emaciated from almost six months of fasting, asked him with genuine concern about the Hyderabad farm project. On hearing they were growing corn, he immediately explained how the grain could be ground, cooked, and prepared into rotis — imagining how villagers could relish delicious prasadam. Even in his frail condition, unable to eat himself, his mind was absorbed in the welfare and happiness of others.
Humility in action: On another occasion in July 1972, Srila Prabhupada was at the New York airport, preparing to board a flight. The departure lounge was crowded with devotees who had come to see him off, leaving no space for regular passengers. When the airport officials became concerned about this, a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada requested the devotees to make room for the incoming passengers, but no one moved. Seeing the situation, Srila Prabhupada quietly stood up and began to walk out himself. Though he was the most revered person present, he was the first to act, setting an example of humility.
Respect for every individual: In January 1976, while Srila Prabhupada was in an important meeting in Bombay regarding the temple project, a cleaning lady arrived to perform her routine duty. Unsure whether to enter, she stood hesitantly outside. Srila Prabhupada noticed her through the half-open door, paused the discussion, and said, “When it is her time to clean, she is the authority here; we should leave.” This simple yet profound gesture exemplified how Srila Prabhupada honoured everyone’s service and position.
His Teachings for Modern Society
Srila Prabhupada’s teachings are deeply rooted in the Vedic scriptures, yet remain relevant to today’s world. A few of his guiding principles include:
Simple living, high thinking: Srila Prabhupada often spoke against the materialistic lifestyle that exhausts human energy in endless economic pursuits, neglecting the true goal of life — spiritual realisation. He took a keen interest in establishing self-sufficient farm communities based on agriculture and cow protection, where people could live peacefully in harmony with nature, utilising their time for spiritual culture. Such communities bring health, contentment, and spiritual progress — ideals that resonate deeply with modern concerns for sustainability and ethical living.
Chanting the holy names of God: At the heart of Srila Prabhupada’s mission was the chanting of the holy names of Krishna — the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. He declared it to be the most powerful means of spiritual purification in the current age.
He said, “If people, not all, if some percentage of the whole population of the world become Krishna conscious, then all the problems of the world will be solved.” (Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.20, Vrindavan, 31 Oct 1972)
He urged everyone to chant, whether individually as japa or collectively as sankirtana. Through this practice, he said, the heart becomes cleansed of all material contamination, and divine qualities begin to blossom.
Living a sattvic way of life: Srila Prabhupada emphasised four foundational principles — no meat-eating, no intoxication, no illicit sex, and no gambling — as essential to purity and self-discipline. These principles protect physical health, mental balance, and moral integrity. He taught that God is the Supreme Father of all living beings and that taking the life of another creature is an act of violence against one’s own spiritual nature. By adopting a vegetarian diet and honouring sanctified food (prasadam), one not only aligns with the values of compassion and harmony but also progresses spiritually.
Using one’s talents in divine service: Srila Prabhupada taught that every skill and talent — whether in art, music, writing, or science — should be used in God’s service. He encouraged his disciples to engage their abilities in spreading spiritual knowledge and glorifying God. Many of his disciples produced books, paintings, dramas, and music of exceptional quality under his guidance.
Further Reading on Srila Prabhupada
To gain deeper insights into the life and teachings of Srila Prabhupada, the following books are recommended:
Memories — Anecdotes of a Modern-Day Saint (Volume 6): On the occasion of the Sri Brahmotsava 2025 festival, ISKCON Bangalore released this latest volume in the acclaimed ‘Memories’ series by Sri Siddhanta Dasa, a pre-1977 disciple of Srila Prabhupada. This sixth volume compiles recollections from over 80 devotees, sharing 575 unique and heart-warming pastimes of Srila Prabhupada — offering readers a personal glimpse into his divine personality.
Sing, Dance and Pray: This biography presents the inspirational life of Srila Prabhupada. Published in 2022, it is authored by Hindol Sengupta, a multiple award-winning author and historian. The book has become a national bestseller for its vivid portrayal of Srila Prabhupada’s extraordinary journey and impact.
To buy a copy, visit: https://spib.in/sdp
Sing, Dance and Lead: Published in 2025, this insightful work by Hindol Sengupta draws timeless leadership lessons from the life and teachings of Srila Prabhupada. The author explores the vision, strategy, resilience, and institution-building prowess that made Srila Prabhupada a leader of rare calibre. ‘Sing, Dance and Lead’ illustrates how these principles can be applied in daily life to inspire impactful and purposeful leadership.
To buy a copy, visit: https://spib.in/sdl
A Legacy That Lives On
Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and contributions have been acknowledged by eminent personalities worldwide. His influence endures through the Hare Krishna movement, which has expanded to every major city across the globe.
As we observe the 48th anniversary of his disappearance, let us remember Srila Prabhupada’s words and mission with gratitude, and pray for his blessings and embrace his teachings for a life of peace, happiness, and spiritual fulfilment — the life he envisioned for all.
