Srila Prabhupada, The Guiding Light of Bhakti, was honoured as Vishwa Guru at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 for his Global Spiritual Legacy.

The luminous spiritual legacy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada continues to inspire the world. On 10 February 2025, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) bestowed him with the prestigious Vishwa Guru title at Maha Kumbh Mela. This honour stands as a testament to Srila Prabhupada’s unparalleled contributions to spreading the wisdom of Bhakti Yoga and Sanatana Dharma across the globe.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was a visionary spiritual leader, a bridge between cultures, a profound philosopher, and the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Renowned for bringing the wisdom of Bhakti Yoga and the Hare Krishna movement to the world, he dedicated his life to sharing India’s rich Vedic heritage. His mission was to awaken hearts to the path of devotion, inspiring a global embrace of Lord Krishna’s teachings.

Srila Prabhupada’s Early Life and Education 

Born in 1896 in Kolkata, Abhay Charan (Srila Prabhupada) was raised in a traditional Vaishnava family. He studied chemistry at Scottish Church College and later worked at Bose Laboratory. Moving to Allahabad, he founded Prayag Pharmacy, focusing on medicinal products. Despite his success, his true calling was spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. Inspired by his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, he dedicated his life to preaching.

A Divine Calling to Spread Krishna Consciousness 

Srila Prabhupada was drawn to spirituality from a young age. His journey deepened when he became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, who entrusted him with the mission of spreading Krishna consciousness to the West. Embracing this sacred calling, he devoted his life to studying and sharing the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, illuminating the path of devotion for seekers worldwide.

In 1944, following his guru’s directive, Abhay Charan launched the English fortnightly magazine Back to Godhead, which shares the teachings of Lord Krishna. He managed every aspect—writing, editing, financing, publishing, and distributing the magazine—a commitment that his followers continue to uphold today.

An Arduous Voyage to the West 

In 1965, at the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada embarked on an extraordinary mission, travelling to the United States aboard a cargo ship. On Friday, August 13, 1965, he set sail to the United States on the “Jaladuta“, a cargo ship. Srila Prabhupada endured a 40-day voyage marked by severe hardships—sitting in a stuffy cabin as the ship rolled with the motion of the sea, suffering from sea sickness, dizziness, and vomiting, and even enduring two heart attacks. Yet, by the mercy of Lord Krishna, he survived these trials, his resolve unshaken. 

Arriving in New York, he began sharing this ancient wisdom with sincerity and devotion. His humility, deep knowledge, and unwavering faith resonated with seekers, drawing followers who accepted his message. As his following grew, his vision took shape, culminating in the founding of ISKCON in 1966, a movement that would ignite a global spiritual awakening.

A Global Movement to Spiritually Enlighten the World

Vision

• Global Spiritual Awakening – Establish a Krishna-conscious society based on Vedic teachings.
• Universal Brotherhood – Promote peace and harmony through devotion to Krishna.
• Simple Living, High Thinking – Encourage a balanced life rooted in spirituality.
• Vedic Culture and Education – Revive the values and wisdom of ancient India.
• Food for All – Provide free, sanctified vegetarian meals (prasadam) to those in need.

Mission

• Translation & Distribution of Scriptures – Publish and distribute the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other sacred texts in multiple languages.
• Establishment of ISKCON Temples – Establish over 100 temples worldwide, making Krishna consciousness accessible to all.
• Harinama Sankirtan Movement – Spread the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra globally.
• Promotion of Bhakti Yoga – Teach devotion to Krishna as the path to self-realisation and ultimate liberation.
• Cow Protection & Sustainable Living – Advocate Vedic agriculture and the ethical treatment of animals.
• Educational Institutions – Establish Gurukulas and the Bhaktivedanta Institute to promote Vedic knowledge.

ISKCON Movement: Bringing Srila Prabhupada’s Vision in Action

Under Srila Prabhupada’s vision, ISKCON blossomed from a single New York temple into a global spiritual movement. Its temples across continents serve as sanctuaries for seekers of divine wisdom. His legacy thrives through devoted followers, inspiring millions on the path of Bhakti Yoga.

Chanting the Holy Name – Srila Prabhupada taught the importance of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Chanting this mantra purifies the mind and awakens divine love for Krishna.

Studying Sacred Texts – He translated and wrote commentaries on the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Chaitanya Charitamrita, making these scriptures accessible to all.

Living a Pure Life – Bhakti Yoga encourages a simple, disciplined life with principles such as vegetarianism, truthfulness, and devotion to Krishna.

Seva (Selfless Service) – Serving the Lord and His devotees is a core aspect of Bhakti Yoga. ISKCON temples worldwide provide prasadam (sanctified food), engage in humanitarian activities, and spread spiritual knowledge.

Satsang (Spiritual Association) – Being in the company of devotees helps in spiritual progress, reinforcing faith and practice through kirtans, festivals, and discussions.

Srila Prabhupada’s Lifelong Dedication to Krishna’s Teachings

 The Historic Journey to the West

• At 69, Srila Prabhupada embarked on his mission to spread Krishna Consciousness globally. He travelled from India to the USA on a cargo ship. 

Establishment of ISKCON

• On July 13, 1966, he officially founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York.

Global Expansion of Krishna Consciousness

• Started 108 ISKCON centres across six continents in just 12 years.
• Introduced Harinam Sankirtan (public chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra) in cities worldwide.

Translation and Distribution of Vedic Scriptures

• Authored over 70 books on Vedic philosophy, including:
  • Bhagavad-gita As It Is – Most widely distributed Gita translation.
  • Srimad Bhagavatam (18 volumes) – Detailed commentary on Vedic wisdom.
  • Chaitanya Charitamrita – The teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

Ratha Yatra and Major Festivals

• Brought the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival to Western cities like San Francisco, London, and New York.

Cow Protection

• Established farm communities promoting cow protection and self-sufficient living.

Mass Distribution of Sri Krishna Prasadam

• Introduced prasadam (sanctified vegetarian food) distribution on a massive scale.
• Started the Food for Life program, feeding millions globally.

Interfaith Dialogue and Unity

Engaged in interfaith dialogues with leaders from Government, Academia, Christianity, Islam, and other religions, fostering unity and understanding through shared spiritual values.

A World United in Devotion to Krishna

Srila Prabhupada’s vision and mission continue to flourish through ISKCON’s global initiatives. His teachings have transformed the lives of millions, inspiring them to lead a life of devotion, selflessness, and service to Krishna. His books are studied worldwide, his temples remain spiritual sanctuaries, and his movement keeps growing, fulfilling his dream of spreading Krishna consciousness to every corner of the world.

His timeless message reminds us, “If you want happiness, real peace, and spiritual fulfilment, take shelter in Krishna consciousness and chant His holy name.” 

May the remarkable journey of Srila Prabhupada, the true Vishwa Guru, inspire each of us to experience the eternal bliss of devotional service and to carry forward the divine mission of spreading Krishna Consciousness to every corner of the world.