A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and a major modern transmitter of Gaudiya Vaishnava teachings in English and other languages.
Who was A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada?
Born Abhay Charan De in Calcutta in 1896, he became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in 1933. In 1965 he travelled to the United States aboard the Jaladuta and began teaching Krishna bhakti in New York. In July 1966 he incorporated ISKCON. During the following eleven years he travelled extensively, established temples and communities, and produced a large body of translations and commentaries.
Teachings and spiritual significance
His published works present a Gaudiya Vaishnava understanding of Krishna, bhakti-yoga, the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, devotional service and congregational chanting. His books include Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam and Sri Caitanya-caritamrita.
Major works and primary material
Bhagavad-gita As It Is; Srimad-Bhagavatam; Sri Caitanya-caritamrita; The Nectar of Devotion; The Nectar of Instruction; Teachings of Lord Caitanya.
How should A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada be understood?
Love of God distinguishes a teacher's own teachings from editorial explanation. Tradition-specific theological statements are identified as belonging to the relevant tradition rather than being presented automatically as universally accepted historical facts. Where historical evidence is uncertain or traditions differ, the distinction should be made explicit.
Questions readers commonly ask
What tradition is A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada associated with?
Gaudiya Vaishnavism / ISKCON.
What are the main subjects associated with A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada?
His published works present a Gaudiya Vaishnava understanding of Krishna, bhakti-yoga, the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, devotional service and congregational chanting. His books include Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam and Sri Caitanya-caritamrita.
Where should I start reading?
Begin with the teacher's own published works or recorded teachings, then consult recognized institutional biographies and scholarly or historical sources where appropriate.
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Sources and verification
Primary source: ISKCON and GBC biographical materials and Prabhupada's published works. ISKCON identifies him as its Founder-Acharya. The official biography records his 1896 birth, 1965 arrival in America, 1966 founding of ISKCON and death in Vrindavan in 1977.
Primary / official source: https://iskcon.org/srila-prabhupada/
Before adding dates, quotations, lineage claims, awards, organizations or other biographical details, verify them against the cited primary or authoritative source.