Remembering the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON

The disappearance day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is a sacred occasion for devotees throughout the world to remember his extraordinary life, teachings, and boundless compassion. Though he is no longer physically present among us, his divine instructions, books, and loving service continue to guide millions on the path of Krishna consciousness.

Born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, Srila Prabhupada was destined to fulfil the divine mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In 1922, he first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who instructed him to preach the message of Lord Chaitanya in the English-speaking world. Srila Prabhupada accepted this instruction as the mission of his life.

At the advanced age of seventy, carrying little more than a few copies of his translated books and an unwavering faith in the holy name, Srila Prabhupada travelled to America aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta in 1965. After arriving in New York, he faced immense difficulties, but his determination never weakened. Through his tireless preaching, he established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966, giving people across the world the opportunity to experience the timeless teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Within just a few years, the Hare Krishna movement spread across continents. Srila Prabhupada established temples, farm communities, schools, and publishing centres, and inspired his disciples to distribute the holy names through congregational chanting. He travelled around the world fourteen times, wrote numerous books, and translated the essential scriptures of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition for the benefit of humanity.

Yet, beyond his extraordinary achievements, Srila Prabhupada's greatest gift was his unconditional compassion. He saw every living being as an eternal servant of Krishna and tirelessly worked to awaken their forgotten relationship with the Supreme Lord. Through his books, he made the deepest spiritual truths accessible to people from every background.

In 1972, Srila Prabhupada established the magnificent Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir project in Sri Mayapur Dham, envisioning it as a spiritual centre that would attract people from all over the world. His vision continues to inspire devotees to serve the holy Dham and share the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

On 14 November 1977, Srila Prabhupada departed from this world in Sri Vrindavan Dham, surrounded by his loving disciples, while hearing the holy names of Krishna. His physical departure was not an end to his mission. Through his books, instructions, and the spiritual society he established, he remains eternally present to guide and inspire sincere seekers.

On this sacred disappearance day, let us remember Srila Prabhupada with gratitude and humility. The greatest offering we can make to him is to sincerely study his books, follow his instructions, chant the holy names, and share the message of Krishna consciousness with others.

Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!