Srila Prabhupada
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
The spiritual teacher who carried the ancient wisdom of Bhakti-yoga from the banks of the Ganges to every corner of the world — offering humanity a path of love, devotion, and inner peace.
“The process of Krishna consciousness is the highest yoga system because it is both spiritual and individual, as well as universal.”
— Srila Prabhupada
Introduction
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His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896–1977) is the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, India, he spent decades preparing himself through study, devotion, and writing before undertaking, at the age of 69, one of the most remarkable missionary journeys in modern religious history. H e dedicated his entire life to fulfilling the vision of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura — to spread the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam throughout the world.
Guided by his spiritual master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Prabhupada dedicated his life to translating and explaining India’s great Vaishnava scriptures — particularly the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam — so that people everywhere could access the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna in their own language. His works remain among the most widely read texts of Eastern philosophy in the world.
At the age of 69, with just forty rupees and a trunk full of books, he boarded a cargo ship and sailed to America in 1965 — fulfilling a sacred mission that would change the spiritual landscape of the modern world forever. Within just twelve years of founding ISKCON in New York City in 1966, Prabhupada had established over 108 temples, farm communities, initiated over 5,000 disciples, and translated more than 70 volumes of Vedic scriptures into English and other languages — a literary and spiritual contribution unmatched in modern history. His legacy lives on in the millions of devotees who continue the tradition of Bhakti-yoga he so lovingly shared.
“Simply by chanting the holy name of Krishna, one can be freed from all misery. This is the teaching of all the scriptures, and it is the most practical means of self-realization in this age.”
— Srila Prabhupada
His journey
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- 1896 — BIRTH — Born in Calcutta, India
- 1922 — FIRST MEETING — Meeting his spiritual master
- 1944–1959 — PREPARATION — Writing, renunciation & the Back to Godhead magazine
- 1965 — THE VOYAGE — Crossing the Atlantic on the Jaladuta
- 1966 — ISKCON FOUNDED — Founding ISKCON in New York City
- 1966–1977 — GLOBAL MISSION — Building a worldwide movement
- 1977 — PASSING — Departure from this world
His enduring legacy
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📚Sacred writings
His translations of the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Caitanya-caritamrta remain the standard references for Vaishnava philosophy worldwide, available in over 80 languages.
🕌 Temples & communities
ISKCON today comprises over 650 centers, 110 farm communities, 65 schools, and 65 restaurants worldwide — all founded on the principles Prabhupada taught.
🙏 Food for Life
Prabhupada instructed his disciples that “no one within ten miles of a temple should go hungry.” This vision gave birth to Food for Life, one of the world’s largest plant-based food relief programs.
🎵 Kirtan & Mantra Meditation
Prabhupada brought the practice of kirtan — congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra — into the mainstream of Western spiritual life, opening it to people of all backgrounds.
What is ISKCON?
ISKCON — the International Society for Krishna Consciousness — is a worldwide spiritual movement rooted in the ancient Vaishnava tradition of India, bringing the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam to people of all backgrounds across the globe.
“We are not meant to struggle for existence. We are meant to live in harmony — with God, with each other, and with the natural world.”
— Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCONAbout ISKCON
Founded in New York City in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON draws its spiritual lineage from a tradition dating back over 500 years to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great saint and spiritual reformer of 16th-century Bengal. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu popularized the congregational chanting of the holy names of God — the practice known as sankirtana — as the most accessible path to spiritual awakening in the present age.
Today ISKCON is one of the most recognized spiritual organizations in the world. Its members — popularly known as Hare Krishnas — practice Bhakti-yoga, the devotional path of loving service to God (Krishna). The movement is open to all people, regardless of nationality, religion, or background, and welcomes all sincere seekers.
At ISKCON Charlotte, we carry this same spirit of openness, devotion, and community service. Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance, cultural connection, or simply a warm meal and good company, our doors are open to you.
About ISKCON
Founded in New York City in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON draws its spiritual lineage from a tradition dating back over 500 years to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great saint and spiritual reformer of 16th-century Bengal. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu popularized the congregational chanting of the holy names of God — the practice known as sankirtana — as the most accessible path to spiritual awakening in the present age.
Today ISKCON is one of the most recognized spiritual organizations in the world. Its members — popularly known as Hare Krishnas — practice Bhakti-yoga, the devotional path of loving service to God (Krishna). The movement is open to all people, regardless of nationality, religion, or background, and welcomes all sincere seekers.
At ISKCON Charlotte, we carry this same spirit of openness, devotion, and community service. Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance, cultural connection, or simply a warm meal and good company, our doors are open to you.
Core principles
Bhakti-yoga
The practice of devotional service to God through chanting, worship, hearing scripture, and living a spiritually conscious life — accessible to all, regardless of background.
Scriptural knowledge
Deep study of Vedic texts — especially the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam — to understand the self, the world, and the ultimate purpose of human life.
Community & service
Building a caring community rooted in compassion — through prasadam (sanctified food), festivals, education, and outreach that serves every member of society.
Main activities
Book distribution
One of ISKCON’s most distinctive missions is distributing Srila Prabhupada’s literary works — including the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and the Srimad-Bhagavatam — to the public. Over 500 million books have been placed into people’s hands worldwide, making it one of the largest religious publishing and distribution efforts in history. At ISKCON Charlotte, devotees regularly take part in book distribution at public events and on college campuses.
Food for Life
Inspired by Prabhupada’s instruction that “no one within ten miles of a temple should go hungry,” ISKCON’s Food for Life program has grown into the world’s largest plant-based food relief initiative. Volunteers prepare and distribute free hot meals — called prasadam (food offered to God) — to people in need in over 60 countries. More than 1 million free meals are served every single day around the world.
Kirtan & Harinama
The congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is the heartbeat of ISKCON. Harinama sankirtana — taking kirtan into the streets and public spaces — is a joyful, ancient practice that Prabhupada revived in the West. Kirtan programs, whether inside the temple or in public parks and festivals, invite everyone to experience the transformative power of sacred sound. ISKCON Charlotte hosts regular kirtan evenings open to all.
Festivals & Ratha-yatra
ISKCON celebrates numerous Vedic festivals throughout the year — including Janmashtami (the appearance of Lord Krishna), Gaura Purnima, Diwali, and the spectacular Ratha-yatra chariot festival. Ratha-yatra, one of the oldest public festivals in the world, sees giant wooden chariots carrying deities through city streets, accompanied by music, dance, and the distribution of thousands of free meals. These events are open to the entire community.
Farm communities & eco villages
Prabhupada envisioned communities where people could live simply and sustainably, growing their own food, caring for cows, and devoting time to spiritual practice. ISKCON operates over 110 farm communities worldwide — including New Vrindaban in West Virginia — as living examples of “simple living and high thinking.” These communities promote cow protection, organic farming, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
Sunday Feast (Love Feast)
The Sunday Feast is the cornerstone weekly gathering at every ISKCON temple. It includes an evening of kirtan, a lecture on Vedic philosophy drawn from the Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam, and a full course vegetarian feast — all free of charge. This tradition, started by Prabhupada himself in 1966 in New York, continues at ISKCON Charlotte every Sunday and warmly welcomes newcomers and guests of all faiths.
Key accomplishments
A global spiritual movement built in one decade
Starting from a single storefront in New York’s Lower East Side in 1966, ISKCON established over 108 temples on six continents within just eleven years — an unparalleled pace of spiritual expansion in modern history.
The world’s most widely distributed spiritual literature
Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is has been translated into over 80 languages and distributed in more than 500 million copies — making it one of the most widely read books in the world. The full Srimad-Bhagavatam (18 volumes) and Caitanya-caritamrta (9 volumes) are also widely available.
Food for Life: feeding millions daily
ISKCON’s Food for Life program operates in over 60 countries and serves more than 1 million free plant-based meals every day — making it the single largest free food distribution program on the planet.
Vedic education brought to the West
ISKCON established over 65 gurukula schools worldwide, along with the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies, bringing serious Vedic philosophy and culture into conversation with modern academia and science.
Interfaith dialogue and recognition
ISKCON is a recognized NGO with the United Nations and has participated in interfaith summits alongside leaders of the world’s major religious traditions, advocating for spiritual values, vegetarianism, and nonviolence.
Chandrodaya Mandir — the world’s tallest temple
ISKCON’s Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, India is currently under construction and is projected to be the world’s tallest religious structure, standing as a monument to the Vedic vision of the cosmos and the universality of devotion.
Our values
Devotion
Loving service to God as the highest purpose of life
Compassion
Caring for all living beings, human and animal alike
Simplicity
Living sustainably — “simple living, high thinking”
Knowledge
Deep scriptural study and open spiritual inquiry
Community
Welcoming all with warmth, respect, and hospitality
Nonviolence
A vegetarian way of life that honors all creation
We invite you to visit ISKCON Charlotte, attend a Sunday Feast, join a kirtan evening, or simply stop by the temple to learn more about this ancient and living tradition.
