A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name: Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Nickname(s): Abhay Charan De, Nandulal

Profession: Spiritual Teacher (in Gaudiya Vaishnavism) and The Founder Preceptor (Acharya) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

Date of Birth: 1 September 1896

Birthplace: Tollygunge Suburb, Kolkata

Age (at the time of death): 81 Years

Zodiac sign: Virgo

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Kolkata

Religion: Hinduism

Caste: Bengali Kayastha

Marriage Date: 1918

Age: 81 Years

Check Out Other Celebrities Biography

EDUCATION

School: A School at Harrison Road, Kolkata

College: Scottish Church College, Kolkata

Educational Qualification: Graduation (1920)

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Father – Sriman Gour Mohan De Mother – Srimati Rajani De Brother – Krishna Charan Sisters – Rajesvari, Shrimati Bhavatarini Devi (1899-1980)

Marital Status: Married

Wife: Radharani Devi

Children: Sons – Vrindavan Chandra De, Prayag Raj, Mathura Mohan De Daughter – Sulakshman

OTHER INFORMATION

Date of Death: 14 November 1977

Place of Death: Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Death Cause: Not Known

Address: 151 Harrison Road, Kolkata

Death Date: 14/11/1977

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a pure devotee of Lord Krishna, is revered as the founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), an institution that now boasts a global confederation of over 100 temples, ashrams, cultural centers, and various outreach projects. Born in Kolkata to a Bengali Suvarna Banik Vaishnava family on the auspicious day following Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, he was named Abhay Charan, which signifies one who is fearless and seeks refuge at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. His birth coincided with Nandotsava, the festival celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, earning him the affectionate moniker Nandulal.

From a young age, Prabhupada exhibited a profound devotion to Krishna. At just five years old, he single-handedly organized a local Ratha-yatra festival in honor of Lord Jagannatha, showcasing his early leadership and commitment to spiritual practice. Under the guidance of his father, a devoted follower of Krishna, he learned the principles of Krishna worship. His academic journey took him to Scottish Church College in Kolkata, where he engaged in the study of English, Economics, and Philosophy, becoming an active member of the English and Sanskrit Society. At the age of twenty-two, his parents arranged his marriage to Radharani Devi, who was only eleven at the time. He later ventured into a small pharmaceutical business while concurrently participating in India’s struggle for independence alongside Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1922, the course of Prabhupada’s life shifted dramatically when he met Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent scholar and leader in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. Sarasvati urged him to disseminate Vedic knowledge in English, encouraging him to carry the teachings of Lord Chaitanya to the West. By 1933, he took initiation from Bhaktisiddhanta, solidifying his commitment to this divine mission. In 1944, he launched an English fortnightly magazine, “Back to Godhead,” that he painstakingly edited and distributed throughout the streets of Delhi. His dedication earned him the title “Bhaktivedanta” in 1947, signifying one who understands that devotion to Krishna transcends all types of knowledge, while his Sanskrit title “Prabhupāda” means one who shelters at Krishna’s lotus feet.

As he progressed in his spiritual journey, Prabhupada founded the League of Devotees in Jhansi in 1953 and transitioned to the vanaprastha ashram in 1954, formally retiring from family life. By 1956, he had moved to the Vamsi Gopal temple in Vrindavan, where he poured over ancient Vedic texts and began translating the eighteen-thousand-versed Srimad-Bhagavatam. In 1959, he accepted the renounced order of Sannyasa and published his first book, “Easy Journey to Other Planets.” In 1965, driven by his spiritual master’s vision, he embarked on a transformative journey to New York City aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta, despite facing sea sickness and health crises along the way. Arriving on September 17, 1965, with only eight dollars to his name and the sacred texts of the Bhagavata Purana, he commenced his mission to introduce the rich teachings of Vedic literature to mainstream America.

Within a year, on July 11, 1966, he officially registered ISKCON in New York City, which marked a pivotal moment in the global spread of Krishna consciousness. His efforts included not only the establishment of centers across the United States but also fostering connections with influential figures, such as George Harrison of The Beatles, who became an advocate for the movement. Prabhupada’s extensive travels culminated in the establishment of 108 ISKCON centers and educational projects worldwide, enriching the lives of countless individuals. He also initiated the Gurukula system of education in 1972 and founded New Vrindavan in West Virginia, introducing the joyous Jagannatha processions to a wider audience. His literary contributions, which include over eighty books translated into more than eighty languages, have made a lasting impact, with esteemed institutions recognizing their clarity and depth.

Prabhupada’s legacy endures through his literary works and the global expansion of ISKCON. His samadhi in Vrindavan, established after his passing on November 14, 1977, stands as a testament to his influence. Recognized for his extraordinary contributions, the Government of India honored him with a commemorative stamp in 1996, and subsequent accolades have highlighted the widespread appeal of his teachings. In 2014, ISKCON’s news agency reported that approximately half a billion copies of its literature have been distributed since Prabhupada’s arrival in the West

—

Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.