Founder Acharya

Early Life & Calling

Born as Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, he was raised in a devout Vaishnava family that nurtured his innate devotion to Lord Krishna from a tender age. As a young man, he joined Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement, inspired by the call for independence and self-determination. However, destiny had a far greater mission awaiting him.

In 1922, Abhay met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, a highly respected Gaudiya Vaishnava scholar and spiritual reformer. At their very first meeting, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta impressed upon the young Abhay the urgent need to take the teachings of Lord Krishna to the English-speaking world. This moment would define the course of Abhay’s life.

Deeply moved by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s spiritual brilliance and conviction, Abhay accepted him as his spiritual master and was formally initiated in 1933. From then onward, he dedicated his life to fulfilling the instruction to spread Krishna consciousness across the globe. Renouncing material ambition, he prepared spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally for the journey ahead.

Departure for the West

After more than three decades of rigorous study, writing, and preaching in India, Abhay—now known by his honorific A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada—set out on a journey that would forever change the course of spiritual history.

In 1965, at the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada secured a free passage on the cargo ship Jaladuta, bound for New York. The journey was perilous. Battling illness and enduring two heart attacks during the 35-day sea voyage, he arrived at a cold, unfamiliar Brooklyn pier with just seven dollars, a trunk of sacred books, and a heart brimming with faith in Lord Krishna’s will.

The Birth of ISKCON

Alone and facing immense cultural and financial challenges, Srila Prabhupada began teaching the Bhagavad-gita in loft apartments on the Bowery and singing kirtan in Tompkins Square Park. His humble demeanor, profound knowledge, and divine energy drew the attention of the youth—many of whom were searching for a deeper spiritual purpose amid the turbulence of 1960s America.

With the help of these inspired young followers, Srila Prabhupada opened a small temple in a Lower East Side storefront, and in July 1966, he officially founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His stated mission:“To check the imbalance of values in the world and work for real unity and peace.”

Global Preaching and Achievements

Over the next 11 years, Srila Prabhupada traveled the world 14 times, tirelessly delivering lectures, initiating disciples, opening over 100 temples, founding rural farm communities, and establishing Vedic schools and publishing houses. He inspired individuals from all races, cultures, and backgrounds to take up the path of bhakti.

Srila Prabhupada also launched Food for Life, which has since grown into the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program, offering millions of free meals globally.

Return to India and Revival of Vaishnavism

With a deep desire to revive the spiritual glory of his homeland, Srila Prabhupada returned to India and was received with immense respect. He founded grand temples in sacred cities like Vrindavana, Mayapur, Mumbai, and others, rejuvenating the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and establishing ISKCON as a respected spiritual and cultural movement.