About Srila Prabhupada
The Visionary Leader Behind ISKCON
About Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada or simply Prabhupada, original name Abhay Charan De, was born in 1896 and he was an important spiritual personality who brought the idea of Krishna Consciousness to the western world. Srila Prabhupada, who started following the instructions of his Spiritual Master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami, also began in 1965. At 69 years of age he migrated from India to the U.S.A. with a message to preach the teachings of the Krishna consciousness that emphasizes devotion to Lord Krishna and the chanting of the Hare Krishna mahamantra. And in 1966 he established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness better known as ISKCON in New York.
By the formation of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada was able to open temples and cultural centers throughout the world, issue books and literature such as the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and disseminate Krishna consciousness all over the world. Those qualities engendered in him his immense contribution to the sport which has stood the test of time even after his death in 1977.
This spiritual personality known as Srila Prabhupada promoted devotion to Krishna and the of going round chanting Hare Krishna. They followed him in leading quite a frugal life and one that does not conform to modern world’s materialistic nature. It remains so in spirit in ISKCON and its people around the world to this day.
Apart from what he taught, Srila Prabhupada also had a link with Kurukshetra – the holy city of the Mahabharata. He imagined a temple of huge structure to which he wanted to dedicate to Lord Krishna, which was to also be a place for providing spiritual education. He warned a disciple about his plan to construct a different ‘abode of god’ in Kurukshetra and wanted to realize a ‘Geeta University’ for a comprehensive learning of the Vedas.
This vision was further taken to a university where students from worldwide can learn the Bhagavad-gita and other religious books. Unfortunately, due to Srila Prabhupada’s untimely death the plan of a temple and university in Kurukshetra did not come to life – but his followers do not cease to try.