Early Life

Srila Prabhupada, born on September 1, 1896, into a Hindu family in British-ruled India, experienced the formative years of his life during this time. He actively participated in the civil non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi to fight for India's freedom. In 1922, he had a significant encounter with His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada, a renowned religious leader and scholar. The influence of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's teachings became a turning point in Srila Prabhupada’s life, who was at that time known as Abhay Charan.

Worldwide Mission

Instructed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada undertook a mission to introduce the teachings of Lord Krishna to the Western world. This instruction became a guiding principle for him, and in 1933, he formally became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. For the next 32 years, Srila Prabhupada dedicated himself to preparing for his journey to the Western countries, fulfilling his guru's desire.

Jaladuta

Srila Prabhupada embarked on a journey that commenced on August 13, 1965, at the age of 69. With only 40 Rupees in his pocket and a trunk filled with books and personal belongings, he set sail aboard a cargo ship named Jaladuta. The voyage was full of challenges, and he experienced two heart attacks while on board.

After a thirty-five-day journey, Srila Prabhupada graced the port of New York City at 5:30 A.M. on September 17, 1965. His profound mission was to introduce an ancient Indian religion to the Western world, marking the beginning of a momentous chapter in history.

The Founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

In New York, Srila Prabhupada faced immense hardships, often lacking money and a stable place to live. He began his mission humbly, conducting classes on the Bhagavad-gita in lofts in the Bowery, a notorious area of New York City, and leading kirtana (devotional chants) in Tompkins Square Park. His message of peace and goodwill struck a chord with the hippie community and the younger generation, attracting some individuals who became earnest students of the Bhakti-yoga tradition, expressing loving devotion to God. With the assistance of these followers, he managed to rent a small plot of land and officially registered his organization. On July 11, 1966, Srila Prabhupada formally established ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Extensive Travelling

Over the course of the following 11 years, Srila Prabhupada embarked on approximately 14 world tours, traversing all continents and delivering Lord Krishna's teachings to countless individuals. People from diverse backgrounds were drawn to him, and with the assistance of his followers, Srila Prabhupada, established numerous ISKCON temples, centers and projects across the globe. Inspired by his guidance, devotees of Lord Krishna established rural communities, temples, and educational institutions, and initiated the largest vegetarian food relief program known as "Food for Life." With the aim of cultivating a stronger foundation for Lord Krishna's message in India, Srila Prabhupada returned to his homeland. He inaugurated a great number of temples, including the grandest ISKCON centers in the sacred towns of Mayapur and Vrindavan.

Although Srila Prabhupada concluded his earthly pastimes on November 14, 1977, the impact of his mission resonates with remarkable global success. Through his dedication, Srila Prabhupada established approximately 108 ISKCON temples, asrams, and cultural centers worldwide!

Significant Contributions

One of the most significant contributions of Srila Prabhupada is undoubtedly his books. He authored over 70 volumes on the tradition of Krishna. These books have received high acclaim from scholars for their depth, clarity, and adherence to the tradition. Many colleges have incorporated his works as textbooks for their courses. Moreover, his books have been translated into 76 different languages, making them accessible to people around the world. Among his most esteemed and renowned works are 'Bhagavad-gita As It Is', the 30-volume set of 'Srimad Bhagavatam', and the 17-volume set of 'Sri Caitanya Caritamrta'.

Achievements

Srila Prabhupada's achievements are innumerable, magnificent, and extraordinary. Some of his notable accomplishments are listed below:

• He dictated a total of 22,000 pages of text.
• He translated and wrote purports to 18,000 verses of Srimad Bhagavatam.
• He translated and wrote purports to 700 verses of Srimad Bhagavad-gita.
• He translated and wrote purports to 12,555 verses of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta.
• He published 147 books.
• He wrote 7000 letters to his disciples.
• He created the Back to Godhead magazine, of which 1 million copies are distributed.
• His Bhagavad-gita lectures are compiled in 7 volumes of books.
• His Srimad Bhagavatam lectures are compiled in 12 volumes of books.
• His conversations with various scientists, professors, and editors have been compiled in 42 volumes of books.
• He produced innumerable recordings.
• He changed the life of thousands of people of which 5000 became his initiated devotees.

All these achievements Srila Prabhupada accomplished in only 9 years, besides establishing 108 temples all over the world, between the ages of 70-80.

Credentials of Dr. R. E. Asher, Professor of Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh on the Bhagavad-gita As it is

Dr. R. E. Asher, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh, stated, "It is axiomatic that no book can be expected entirely to satisfy all its potential readers. Here is one, however, which can be said to come remarkably close to that ideal... we have here the ideal of what an edition of a Sanskrit text for a Western audience should be."

Related websites:

www.vanipedia.org
www.vedabase.com
www.prabhupada.net
www.founderacharya.com
www.prabhupadavani.com