The Emissary

Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, seen here speaking in public in the summer of 1966 in New York City, became the principal emissary in the global dissemination of the bhakti tradition by bringing the teachings of bhakti-yoga to the Western world, emphasizing practices such as mantra chanting, as well as the study and distribution of Vedic scriptures like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, which he was translating and commenting on.

Born as Abhay Charan into a Vaishnava family in Calcutta in 1896, he was immersed in a devotional environment from a young age, thanks to his parents, who were ardent devotees of Lord Krishna. This upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of spirituality and devotion. In 1922, he met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, a prominent scholar and founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes). Impressed by Abhay’s sincerity and education, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati urged him to spread Vedic knowledge in the English language. This directive became the cornerstone of Abhay’s mission.

Recognizing the need for deeper spiritual immersion, he accepted the renounced order of life, sannyasa, in 1959, adopting the name A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Residing in the historic Radha-Damodara temple in the holy town of Vrindavana, he dedicated himself to translating and commenting on sacred texts, notably embarking on the monumental work of translating the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the first three volumes of which he printed in 1964.

One year later, at the age of 69, with a profound sense of duty to his spiritual master’s instruction, Swami Bhaktivedanta journeyed to the United States. Despite initial hardships, he established the first ISKCON center in New York City in 1966. His charismatic teachings attracted a diverse group of followers, many from the countercultural movements of the 1960s. Central to his outreach were the practices of kirtana—the congregational chanting of the holy names—and sankirtana, which combined singing and dancing in public spaces to share the joy of Krishna consciousness. These vibrant expressions of devotion resonated with many, leading to a rapid expansion of the movement.

Under the expert leadership of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (now called Srila Prabhupada by his followers), ISKCON grew exponentially, establishing over a hundred temples, ashrams, schools, and farm communities worldwide within a decade. He was a prolific author, translating and providing commentaries on over seventy volumes of sacred texts, including the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the thirty-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the seventeen-volume Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita. His works are esteemed for their depth and clarity and have been translated into numerous languages, serving as standard references in academic and devotional circles.

Prabhupada’s emphasis on music and the arts as powerful mediums for spiritual expression led to the global popularization of kirtana and bhajanas (devotional songs). He encouraged the use of traditional instruments like the mridanga (drum) and kartals (cymbals) to create an immersive and communal devotional experience. At the same time, he appreciated a modern approach, as seen in George Harrison’s production of the Radha-Krishna Temple album in 1969, where devotees in London sang devotional songs accompanied by organ, drums, and guitar. This openness to both traditional and contemporary forms of music continues to inspire devotional artists today, blending sacred sound with modern styles to reach diverse audiences.

Srila Prabhupada’s vision also encompassed the establishment of major centers in India, such as the Krishna-Balaram Temple in Vrindavana and the expansive project in Mayapur, West Bengal, known as the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. These centers serve as hubs for spiritual education and practice, attracting devotees and visitors from around the world.

Srila Prabhupada’s tireless efforts until his passing in 1977 have left an indelible mark on the global spiritual landscape. His life exemplifies the transformative power of devotion, and his legacy continues to inspire millions to engage in the joyous practices of singing, dancing, and chanting the holy names of Krishna.

For a visual portrayal of Srila Prabhupada’s life and contributions, you may find the following video insightful: