Bhaktivedanta Hindu Vaishnava religious leader and preacher; author, translator and commentator on Hindu scriptures; founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Date of Birth: 01.09.1896 Country: India

1. Early Life and Education
2. Meeting his Spiritual Master
3. Renunciation and Founding of ISKCON
4. Arrival in the West
5. Establishing ISKCON
6. Worldwide Expansion of Krishna Consciousness
7. Later Years and Legacy
8. Recognition and Honors
9. Impact on Hinduism
10. Scholarly Assessment
11. Critics and Controversy

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: A Pioneer of Krishna Consciousness

Early Life and Education

Abhay Charan De, later known as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, was born in Kolkata, India, into a devout Vaishnava (Krishna-worshipping) family. In 1920, he graduated from the prestigious Scottish Church College and entered the pharmaceutical industry to support his family.

Meeting his Spiritual Master

In 1922, Abhay encountered Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, a renowned reformer of Gaudiya Vaishavism. At their first meeting, Saraswati requested Abhay to spread the teachings of Krishna in English. In 1933, Abhay received spiritual initiation from Saraswati and was given the name "Abhay Charanaravinda Das."

Renunciation and Founding of ISKCON

In 1954, Abhay renounced his family life and embarked on a solitary journey, translating and commenting on sacred Vaishnava texts in Vrindavan. In 1959, he took monastic vows and became known as "A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami."

Arrival in the West

In 1965, at the age of 69, Prabhupada sailed to the United States with the mission of "planting the sacred wisdom of India on the fertile soil of the West." Arriving in New York with no money or following, he quickly attracted a small group of devoted followers.

Establishing ISKCON

In July 1966, Prabhupada incorporated the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York. Despite its strict moral principles, ISKCON's teachings resonated with counterculture youth disillusioned with the materialism of the time.

Worldwide Expansion of Krishna Consciousness

ISKCON rapidly spread across the United States, Europe, and other continents, becoming the first successful transplantation of an Indian religious tradition in the West. Thousands of young Westerners converted to Hinduism, endearingly calling Prabhupada "Prabhupada" ("He at whose feet the masters sit").

Later Years and Legacy

In the 12 years before his passing in 1977, Prabhupada traveled the world 14 times, initiated over 5,000 disciples, established over 100 Krishna temples, and published around 60 volumes of commented translations of sacred Vaishnava texts. By the mid-1970s, his followers, known as "Hare Krishnas," were a familiar sight in Western cities.

Recognition and Honors

Prabhupada is revered as a saint in India. Streets in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Mayapur, and Vrindavan, as well as schools, hospitals, and charitable trusts bear his name. In 1996, the Indian government issued a postage stamp in his honor.

Impact on Hinduism

Prabhupada is widely considered India's "spiritual ambassador," spreading Hinduism and Indian culture worldwide. Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Presidents Shankar Dayal Sharma and Pranab Mukherjee, have commended his work.

Scholarly Assessment

Scholars describe Prabhupada as a charismatic spiritual leader, praising his "human touch" and "uniqueness." His missionary achievements, accomplished in a short time frame and at an advanced age, have been hailed as "astounding," "remarkable," and "extraordinary."

Critics and Controversy

Prabhupada has also faced criticism from Neo-Vedanta philosophers, primarily for his uncompromising stance against non-Vaishnava Indian philosophical systems, particularly Advaita Vedanta (Mayavada).