এ. সি. ভক্তিবেদান্ত স্বামী প্রভুপাদ

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was an Indian spiritual teacher, author, and Vaishnava religious leader who became internationally known for establishing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement. His birth name was Abhay Charan De. He was born on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, India, into a Hindu family.

From an early age, Abhay Charan De showed a strong interest in spirituality and devotional practices. In 1922, he met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent scholar and spiritual leader of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati encouraged him to communicate the teachings of Lord Krishna in English to people in the Western world. Abhay became his disciple in 1933 and gradually devoted himself to fulfilling this mission.

For several decades, he prepared himself for his eventual missionary work in the West. He wrote and published works explaining Vaishnava philosophy and translated Sanskrit devotional literature into English. His efforts eventually led to his taking the renounced order of life and becoming widely known as A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

In 1965, at the age of 69, Prabhupada traveled from India to the United States aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta. The journey lasted 35 days and was difficult; according to ISKCON's biography, he suffered two heart attacks during the voyage. He arrived in the United States with limited personal resources and began his mission in New York City.

In New York, he initially taught small groups about the Bhagavad-gita and Krishna consciousness. He also led devotional chanting, known as kirtan, in public places. His teachings gradually attracted followers, particularly among young people interested in spirituality and alternative religious traditions.

In July 1966, Prabhupada formally established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York City. The organization was created to spread spiritual knowledge, Krishna consciousness, devotional chanting, and the practice of bhakti-yoga. ISKCON subsequently became an international religious and cultural movement.

Between 1966 and 1977, Prabhupada traveled extensively around the world, making numerous lecture tours and establishing temples and other centers. According to the official ISKCON biography, he traveled around the globe 14 times during this period. Under his direction, ISKCON established temples, rural communities, educational projects, and publishing activities in different countries.

Prabhupada also established the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in 1972. Through his writings and translations, he introduced English-speaking audiences to major Sanskrit texts associated with the Krishna-bhakti tradition. His principal works include Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Sri Caitanya-caritamrita. ISKCON states that he authored more than 70 volumes and that his writings have been translated into dozens of languages.

His teachings emphasized bhakti-yoga, devotional service to Krishna, the chanting of the holy names, spiritual discipline, and the cultivation of Krishna consciousness. ISKCON identifies its philosophical foundation with texts including the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam and places its tradition within the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage.

Prabhupada also played an important role in developing major ISKCON centers in India, including centers in Vrindavana and Mayapur. He returned to India several times during the final years of his life and continued writing, teaching, and guiding the organization.

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavana, India, at the age of 81. He left behind an international religious organization, a large body of translated and original writings, and a worldwide community of followers. ISKCON continues to identify him as its Founder-Acharya.