wHO IS A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupAda?

A. C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA is a great spiritual human of 19th century. He was born Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 and died on 14 November 1977. He was an Indian spiritual teacher and the founder-preceptor of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the "Hare Krishna Movement". Members of the ISKCON movement view Bhaktivedānta Swāmi as a representative and messenger of Krsna Caitanya.

A. C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA

Prabhupada and Disciples

Born on 1 September 1896, the day after Janmastami, one of the most important hindu holidays, in a humble house in the Tollygunge suburb of Calcutta in a Bengali Suvarna Banik family, he was named Abhay Charan, "one who is fearless, having taken shelter at Lord Krishna's feet." Since he was born on the day of Nandotsava ("the celebration of Nanda," Krishna's father, a traditional festival in honor of Krishna's birth) he was also called Nandulāl. His parents, "Sriman" Gour Mohan De and "Srimati" Rajani De, were devout Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu). In accordance with Bengali tradition, his mother had gone to the home of her parents for the delivery, and only a few days later Abhay returned with parents to his home at 6 Sitakanta Banerjee Lane, Kolkata 700005.

He received a European-led education in the Scottish Church College, which was well reputed among Bengalis; many Vaishnava families sent their sons there. The professors, most of whom were Europeans, were known as sober, moral men, and it is believed that the students received a good education. The college was located in north Calcutta, near the De's family home on Harrison Road. During his years in the college, Abhay Charan De (অভয়চরণ দে) was a member of the English Society as well as that of the Sanskrit Society, and it has been suggested that his education provided him a foundation for his future leadership. He graduated in 1920 with majors in English, philosophy and economics. He rejected his diploma in response to Gandhi's independence movement.

At 22 years of age he married Radharani Devi, who was then 11 years old, in a marriage arranged by their parents. At 14, she gave birth to Abhay's first son.

Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna. By the mercy of both Krishna and the spiritual masters, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.

Bhaktivedanta Swami said:

Actually, it doesn't matter – Krishna or Christ – the name is the same. The main point is to follow the injunctions of the Vedic scriptures that recommend chanting the name of God in this age.

Honorifics

Swāmījī — original honorific used by American disciplesPrabhupāda — bestowed by American disciples, 1968, popularised by ISKCONŚrīla Prabhupāda — bestowed by American disciples, 1968, popularised by ISKCONHis Divine Grace — title of address bestowed by American disciples, popularised by ISKCONSvāmī Mahārāj — used in his home denomination Gauḍīya Maṭha (where "Prabhupāda" is confined to Bhaktisiddhānta Gosvāmī)Śrīla Bhaktivedānta — used in Chaitanya Mission / Science of Identity (where "Prabhupad" is confined to Chris Butler)