Early Life and Meeting His Spiritual Master
Srila Prabhupada was born on 1st September, 1896, in Calcutta, known as Abhay Charan. He did his graduation from Scottish Church College in 1916 and got married in 1920. In 1922, he first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami, who inspired him to impart Vedic teachings to the western world. Eleven years later, in 1933, he was formally initiated as Abhay Charanaravinda.
Back to Godhead and the Path to Sannyasa
In 1944, when World War II was raging in Europe and the Far East, Srila Prabhupada, all by himself, launched "Back to Godhead", an English fortnightly magazine that addressed the issues of the times from a Krishna conscious point of view. The magazine is today published in forty languages and enjoys a monthly circulation of over a million. As recognition of Srila Prabhupada's learning and devotion, the Gaudiya Vaisnava Society, in 1947, honored him with the title "Bhaktivedanta", meaning "one who has realized that devotional service to the Supreme Lord is the end of all knowledge." In 1950, at the age of 54, Srila Prabhupada retired from married life and then adopted vanaprastha to devote more time to his studies and writing. Srila Prabhupada lived at the 400-year-old Radha-Damodara temple, situated in the holy city of Vrindavan, for about six years — meditating, studying, writing, and preparing himself for his big mission. In this historic medieval temple, he started working on his life's masterpiece: a multi-volume translation of the eighteen-thousand-verse Srimad Bhagavatam. He accepted the renounced order of life (sannyasa) in 1959.
The Journey to New York
The beginning of his journey to fulfill his spiritual master's mission was an arduous one. With very little money at hand, it was a task to make it to New York City. He somehow managed to convince an acquaintance, Sumathy Morarji, owner of a shipping company, and obtained free passage on a freight ship called the "Jaladuta." His only possessions then were a suitcase, an umbrella, a supply of dry cereal, about forty Indian Rupees, and numerous boxes of books. After a grueling forty-day sea journey, he reached New York City. But once there, he began to feel helpless and lost. However, over time, he found himself an ever-growing audience who listened to him with great interest when he spoke of yoga and meditation.
Founding the Hare Krishna Movement
People watched him, fascinated, as he performed his aartis and showed them how to chant the Hare Krishna mantra using wooden beads. He cooked vegetarian meals for them and taught them how to live a good life. In July of 1966, he founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Over the next few years, he brought the teachings of Bhakti to thousands of people and established 108 Krishna temples across six continents. Age was never a barrier for Srila Prabhupada. During his 11 years of stay abroad, he circled the globe fourteen times and formally initiated around 10,000 disciples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Srila Prabhupada's spiritual master?
Srila Prabhupada's spiritual master was Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami, whom he first met in 1922.
When was Srila Prabhupada born?
Srila Prabhupada was born on 1st September, 1896, in Calcutta, and was originally named Abhay Charan.
How did Srila Prabhupada travel to New York?
At the age of 70, Srila Prabhupada sailed to New York aboard a freight ship called the "Jaladuta," after Sumathy Morarji, owner of a shipping company, arranged his free passage. The journey took forty days.
When did Srila Prabhupada found ISKCON?
Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in July 1966.
How many disciples did Srila Prabhupada initiate?
During his 11 years abroad, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe fourteen times and formally initiated around 10,000 disciples, establishing 108 Krishna temples across six continents.