SRILA PRABHUPADA TIMELINE

The Life & Mission of Srila Prabhupāda (1896–1977)

His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupāda (1896–1977) is the Founder-Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Through his books, lectures, and extensive travels around the world, he introduced the teachings of Lord Krishna and the saṅkīrtana movement of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to millions of people across the globe.

This timeline presents the major milestones in Srila Prabhupāda’s life and mission—from his birth in Kolkata in 1896, his historic meeting with his spiritual master Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura in 1922, and his courageous journey to America in 1965, to the founding of ISKCON in 1966 and the remarkable global expansion of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement until his divine departure in 1977.

It traces the extraordinary journey of the Founder-Ācārya who carried the eternal message of Kṛṣṇa consciousness from India to the entire world, inspiring millions to chant the holy names of the Lord and rediscover the spiritual path of devotional service.

1 September 1896 - Born on Tuesday at about 4:00 in the afternoon under a Jackfruit Tree, Tollygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal, India (Father - Gour Mohan De, Mother - Rajani devi)

Dedication in Kṛṣṇa Book: To My Father, Gour Mohan De (1849-1930), a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa, who raised me as a Kṛṣṇa concious child from the beginning of my life. In my boyhood ages he instructed me how to play the mṛdanga. He gave me Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Vigraha to worship, and he gave me Jagannātha-Ratha to duly observe the festival as my childhood play. He was kind to me, and I imbibed from him the ideas later on solidified by my spiritual master, the eternal father.

The Birthplace Temple of Srila Prabhupada (Kolkata)

So I was convinced. But at that time, although he wanted me to immediately join him and spread this movement, so at that time I was a married man, young man. I was married in 1918. And I got a son also at that time, 1921. And in 1922 I met him. At that time I was manager in a big chemical factory. So I thought that "I am married man. I have got so many responsibilities. How I can join immediately? It is not my duty." Of course, that was my mistake. I should have joined immediately. (laughter) I should have taken the opportunity immediately. But māyā is there. So I thought like that.
(750302 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Atlanta)

I was taken to Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura by one of my friends. I did not want to go there, but he forcibly took me there. Yes. And he ordered me that “You preach the cult of Caitanya Mahāprabhu in English language. This is very much essential.” On the first meeting he told me like that. That was my first meeting with him. At that time I was in favor of Gandhi’s movement. So I said that “We are, I mean to say, not independent—subjugated. Who will hear about our message?” So Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura refuted my argument. I was very much pleased. I had so many talks. But I was very much pleased to be defeated, that “This so-called nationalism or any ‘ism,’ they are all temporary. Real need is the self-realization.”
(750302 – Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati – Atlanta)

Bhaktivinode Asana (Ultadanga, Kolkata)

When I was introduced to my Guru Mahārāja for initiation, so Guru Mahārāja immediately said, "Yes, I shall initiate this boy. He is very nice. He hears me very patiently. He does not go away." So that was my qualification.
(761210 - Lecture Festival Disappearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Hyderabad)

And I was dreaming that, "Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura is calling me, 'Please come out with me!' " (break) So I was sometimes horrified, "Oh, what is this? I have give up my family life? Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura is calling me? I have to take sannyāsa?" Oh, I was horrified. But I saw several times, calling me. So anyway, it is by his grace I was forced to give up my family life and so-called business life. And he brought me some way or other in preaching his gospel.
So this is a memorable day. What he desired, I am trying little bit, and you are all helping me. So I have to thank you more. You are actually representative of my Guru Mahārāja (starts to cry) . . . because you are helping me in executing the order of my Guru Mahārāja. Thank you very much.
(731213 - Lecture Festival Disappearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Los Angeles)

I think by the beginning of December, 1936, I wrote one letter to Guru Mahārāja. I knew he was little kind upon me, so I wrote that "Guru Mahārāja, you have got many disciples. I am also one of them. But they are doing direct service to you. There some of them arebrahmacārīs, some of them sannyāsīs, but I am a householder. I cannot . . ." Of course, I was giving sometimes some monetary help, but I could not give any direct service, so I asked him that, "If there is any particular service I can do for you?"
So that letter was replied in 13th December, dated 13th December, from Purī. And he passed away on the 31st December. Just a fortnight before. So the reply was the same as he wanted me to do this preaching work in 1922, when I first met him that, "You try to preach whatever you have learned from me, the English-knowing people in English. That will do good to you and to the people to whom you shall preach. That is my instruction." So I took up that . . . and then he passed away in 1936, 31st December.
(690207 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Los Angeles)

Samadhi Temple of Prabhupada Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, Sri Chaitanya Math, Sri Mayapur dhama

Information - Back to Godhead (BTG) was founded by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda in 1944, on the appearance day of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. It was established as an English-language magazine meant to offer spiritual solutions to the complex problems facing humanity at large. In the early years, before he traveled to the United States, Śrīla Prabhupāda was often the magazine’s sole writer, editor, and publisher. After 1966, he entrusted this responsibility to his disciples and followers, who continue publishing the magazine today.

Our magazine is named Back to Godhead. "Now you have finished your business—now see back to Godhead." Just like if you do not see the sun, if you keep the sun back side, then you'll simply see a long shadow of your body, black shadow. That's all. But if you turn towards the sun, you'll not see the black shadow—you'll see all light. Simply you have to turn. So we have named this Back to Godhead very scientifically. You see towards God; then everything is light. "Where there is God, there is no nescience."
(741008 - Lecture SB 01.08.28 - Mayapur)

Previously, in 1936, just before His Divine Grace passed away at Jagannātha Purī, I wrote him a letter asking what I could do to serve him. In reply, he wrote me a letter, dated 13 December 1936, ordering me, in the same way, to preach in English the cult of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as I had heard it from him. After he passed away, I started the fortnightly magazine Back to Godhead sometime in 1944 and tried to spread the cult of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu through this magazine. After I took sannyāsa, a well-wishing friend suggested that I write books instead of magazines. Magazines, he said, might be thrown away, but books remain perpetually. Then I attempted to write Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
(CC Antya Concluding Words)

Taking of sannyasa order is in one sense only a formality. I was preaching and writing for eight or nine years as Vanaprastha and then in 1959 I took sannyasa. So if after a few years as Vanaprastha your behavior is ideal sannyasa can be considered.
(740501 - Letter to Mahatma written from Bombay)

1953 - Jhansi - Initiates first disciple - Acarya Prabhakar

1953 - May 16 - Incorporates the League of devotees in Jhansi

1956 - Moves to Vṛndāvana

Information - September 17, 1959 - In Mathura, he accepted the sannyāsa order of life from his godbrother, His Holiness Bhakti Pragyan Kesava Maharaja

You are all my children and I love my American boys and girls who are sent to me by my spiritual master and I have accepted them as my disciples. Before coming to your country I took sannyasa in 1959. I was publishing BTG since 1944. After taking sannyasa I was more engaged in writing my books without any attempt to construct temples or to make disciples like my other Godbrothers in India. I was not very much interested in these matters because my Guru Maharaja liked very much publication of books than constructing big, big temples and creating some neophyte disciples.
(700727 - Letter to Satsvarupa and Uddhava written from Los Angeles)

Information - Dedicated to TO SRILA PRABHUPADA BHAKTI SIDDHANTA SARASWATI GOSWAMI MAHARAJ MY SPIRITUAL MASTER On the 26th annual ceremony of His Disappearance Day He lives for ever by His Divine instructions and the follower lives with Him.

1962 - September - Publishes Volume 1, Canto 1 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam

1964 - Publishes Volume 2, Canto 1 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam

1965 - Publishes Volume 3, Canto 1 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam

In 1959 I took sannyāsa. But that Back to Godhead was going on. Then there was some inner dictation that "This paper, Back to Godhead, I am publishing; people are taking." Some friend advised me that "Why don't you write some books? That will be nice."
So then I began to translate Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. And because I left home, so practically I had no income. With this Bhāgavatam, er, Back to Godhead, I was selling and I was some way or other maintaining. And whatever little money I had, that was finished.
Then, when I wrote book, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, First Canto was finished. So I approached the Bhāijī of . . . perhaps Mātājī knows this. (chuckles) In 1962. So I asked him that, "You take this publication." So I am very much obliged to Bhāijī. He said that, "Our English printing is not very efficient. You can get this book published from elsewhere. I shall partly help you." So he helped me with some money from the Dalmia Trust, and I first of all published my first part of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Then I published second part also. There was sale. Then there was no necessity of money. I was getting money by selling Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Everyone appreciated.
(710215 - Lecture 2 Festival Appearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Gorakhpur)

August 13 at 13:30 Calcutta - Begins voyage to the USA aboard the Jaladuta ship
September 17 at 05:30 Commonwealth Pier, Boston - Historic arrival in America.

Bengali poem by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda on board the ship Jaladuta, September 13, 1965 - Krsna Tava Punya Habe Bhai

Mārkine Bhāgavata-dharma, a Bengali poem by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda on board the ship Jaladuta at Boston Harbor, September 18, 1965

17 - By Your causeless mercy only my words may become transcendentally pure, and I am sure when such transcendental message is penetrated in their hearts certainly they will feel engladdened, and thus become liberated from all unhappy conditions of life.
18 - I am just like a puppet in Your hands, and You have brought me here, now You can make me dance as You like.
19 - I have no devotion, nor [handwritten] I have any knowledge, but still I have been designated as Bhaktivedanta, now if You like You can just fulfill the real purport of Bhaktivedanta.
20 - The most unfortunate, insignificant beggar, Bhaktivedanta Swami, on board the ship "Jaladuta," Commonwealth Pier, Boston, Massachusetts (U.S.A.), dated 18th September, 1965.
(700428 - Letter to Satsvarupa written from Los Angeles)

October 9, 1966 — Tompkins Square Park Kīrtana, New York

Śrīla Prabhupāda led a group of followers to Tompkins Square Park in New York, where they gathered beneath a large elm tree and chanted the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra—“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” This historic outdoor kīrtana, accompanied by dancing and the playing of karatālas and tambourines, was Śrīla Prabhupāda’s first public kīrtana outside India and marked an important moment in introducing Kṛṣṇa consciousness to the Western world. Among them was Beatnik poet Allen Ginsberg, who was living nearby. He later wrote, “The ecstasy of chant or mantra has replaced LSD and other drugs for many of the swami’s followers.”

Earlier that summer in 1966, with the help of just two followers, Śrīla Prabhupāda rented a small storefront at 26 Second Avenue in New York’s Lower East Side, formerly a curio shop called “Matchless Gifts.” From this humble location he established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which served as the first temple and headquarters of the movement in the West. Śrīla Prabhupāda later fondly remembered those early days as he witnessed the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement grow rapidly into a worldwide spiritual movement.

In this way, 1966, by selling these books, I had only $200, and I dared to take one apartment and storefront. Storefront $125 per month, and apartment $75. So I had only $200 dollars. So I advanced him $200. I did not know how to pay next month's rent. So I started in 1966, lecturing in a storefront and living in that apartment in 26 Second Avenue. Then gradually, these boys, American boys and girls, began to come. And then I started my kīrtana in Tompkinson Square. More and more, these younger Americans, they came to me, and things were organized. Then I registered this Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Society under Religious Act of New York in 1966, and gradually people took interest. "People" means the younger section.
(710215 - Lecture 2 Festival Appearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Gorakhpur)

July 13, 1966 - Incorporates the International Society for Krishna consciousness (ISKCON).

The purposes for which the corporation is organized are:
(1) To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
(2) To propagate a consciousness of Krishna as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
(3) To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, and thus to develop the idea, within the members, and humanity, at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
(4) To teach and encourage the Sankirtan movement of congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
(5) To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
(6) To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.
(7) With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.

Jagat means moving. And Jagat-nātha, nātha means the proprietor—master, proprietor. So Jagannātha means the proprietor or the master of all these movements, He is Jagannātha. And Balabhadra, Balarāma, bala means strength, and rāma means enjoyment. So Balarāma means who gives you spiritual strength for enjoying eternal blissful life. He is Balarāma. And Subhadrā, su means auspicious, and bhadra means well-being. Subhadrā, Jagannātha and Balarāma combined together are present before you to reclaim you all from your miserable condition of life. That is the purport of this Ratha-yātrā Festival. If anyone sees on the cart Jagannātha, Subhadrā and Baladeva, then he does not take birth again in this material world. Ratheja vamanaṁ dṛṣṭa.
(700705 - Lecture Festival Ratha-yatra - San Francisco)

When the devotees asked what else they should do, Prabhupāda said that this was all – a procession, prasādam distribution, kīrtana. The people should get a chance to see Lord Jagannātha and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. There should be chanting and dancing in front of the cart throughout the procession. “But do everything nicely,” Prabhupāda said. “Do it as well as you can, and Lord Jagannātha will be satisfied.”
(Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta, Volume One, Chapter 26)

Prabhupāda read the headline aloud: “S.F. Paraders Hail Hindu God Krishna.” After noting with pleasure the large photo of devotees pulling the ropes of the “2-ton wagon on long haul to celebrate Ratha-yātrā festival,” he handed the newspaper back to Kṛṣṇadāsa: “Read it.” After hearing the article, Prabhupāda praised the devotees – especially Śyāmasundara and Jayānanda – for constructing an attractive cart and holding such a successful festival.
(Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta, Volume Two, Chapter 59)

Ratha Yatra Festival is your most important function of the year. I introduced this Ratha Yatra in San Francisco, accepting the place as New Jagannatha Puri. So this festival must be observed very gorgeously every year.
(700326 - Letter to Madhudvisa written from Los Angeles)

The explanations of Swami Bhaktivedanta are transparent and exquisitely detailed—expositions presented here for the first time to common public Western mind—a storehouse of old age, experience, devotion, learning, scholarship, Hindu granny-wisdom, sincerity, gaiety & sweet transcendental insight. (Allen Ginsberg on The Bhagavad Gita As It Is)

Therefore we are presenting Bhagavad-gītā as it is. We do not change. We have no power to change. Then where is the authority of Bhagavad-gītā? I am a third-class man, and if I change the statements in the Bhagavad-gītā, then where is the authority of Bhagavad-gītā? That is going on. Therefore it is practically . . . you have got experience that there are hundreds of Bhagavad-gītā edition in the Western countries, but because we are presenting Bhagavad-gītā as it is, our sale is better than all others.
There is the report from the trade manager of Macmillan Company. He says: "While other editions are dwindling, going down, this edition is coming up." They published our this present enlarged edition of Bhagavad-gītā, fifty thousand in the month of August. They are going to print again, second edition, August, September, October. So the reason is that if we present things as they are, it will be accepted. Without any adulteration.
Sometimes, you know, people say that I have done miracles. They say everywhere. But I do not know anything miracles or magic. If there is any miracle, that miracle is that we present things as they are, that's all, without any adulteration. So that should be the principle. Present as it is: it will be accepted.
(721022 - Lecture SB 01.02.11 - Vrndavana)

So we have to keep ourself always in the fire of Kṛṣṇa consciousness; then everything is all right. (laughs) Otherwise, it will become dull, and it will be simply idol worship. That's all. That is the difference between idol worship and Deity worship. If there is no life, then it is idol worship, hedonism. And when there is life, feeling, "Where is Kṛṣṇa? Here is Kṛṣṇa. Oh, I have to serve Kṛṣṇa, I have to dress Him, I have to serve Rādhārāṇī, She is here. Oh, I must do it very nicely. And as far as possible decorate Her to the best capacity," in this way, if you always feel Kṛṣṇa conscious, then you are fire.
The same example, keeping with the fire. And if you think it is a brass-made doll, I mean to say, idol . . . ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham (BG 4.11). If you think this is a brass-made idol, then it will remain a brass-made idol to you forever. But if you elevate yourself to higher platform of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then Kṛṣṇa, this Kṛṣṇa, will talk with you. This Kṛṣṇa will talk with you.
There is a Vaṁsīdāsa Bābājī Mahārāja, he was talking with his Deity. And Kṛṣṇa . . . just like Madana-mohana, He was talking with Sanātana Gosvāmī. Madana-mohana . . . Sanātana Gosvāmī at that time had no temple; he was hanging his Deity on the tree. So Madana-mohana was talking with him, "Sanātana, you are bringing all these dry chapatis, and it is stale, and you don't give Me even little salt. How can I eat?" Sanātana Gosvāmī said, "Sir, where shall I go? Whatever I get I offer You. You kindly accept. I cannot move; old man." You see.
So Kṛṣṇa had to eat that. (chuckles) Because the bhakta is offering, He cannot refuse. Ye māṁ bhaktyā prayacchati.Real thing is bhakti. What you can offer to Kṛṣṇa? Everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa. What you have got? What is your value? And what is the value of your things? It is nothing. Therefore real thing is bhaktyā; real thing is your feeling. "Kṛṣṇa, kindly take it. I have no qualification. I am most rotten, fallen, but (weeps) I have brought this thing for you. Please take." This will be accepted. Don't be puffed up. Always be careful. You are dealing with Kṛṣṇa.
That is my request. Thank you very . . .
(690716 - Lecture Festival Installation, Sri Sri Rukmini Dvarakanatha - Los Angeles)

"The purpose of the Governing Body Commission is to act as the instrument for the execution of the Will of His Divine Grace. And further,

1. The GBC oversees all operations and management of ISKCON, as it receives direction from Śrīla Prabhupāda and His Divine Grace has the final approval in all matters.
2. His Divine Grace will select the initial 12 members of the GBC. In the succeeding years the GBC will be elected by a vote of all Temple presidents who will vote for 8 from a ballot of all Temple presidents, which may also include any secretary who is in charge of a Temple. Those 8 with the greatest number of votes will be members for the next term of GBC. Śrīla Prabhupāda will choose to retain four commissioners. In the event of Śrīla Prabhupāda's absence, the retiring members will decide which four will remain.
3. The commissioners will serve for a period of 3 years, and they may be re-elected at the end of this period.
4. The chairman is elected by the GBC for each meeting. He has no veto power, but in even of a vote tie, his vote will decide. The same will apply for votes cast by mail between regular meetings.
5. Throughout the year, each of the commissioners will stay with His Divine Grace for one month at a time and keep the other commissioners informed of His Divine Grace's instructions.
6. The primary objective of the GBC is to organize the opening of new Temples and to maintain the established Temples.
7. Advice will be given by the GBC in cases of real property purchases, which will be in the name of ISKCON, INC. (Trucks or other vehicles will be purchased in the name of the local president).
8. Removal of a Temple president by the GBC requires support by the local Temple members.
9. The GBC has no jurisdiction in the publication of manuscripts, which will be handled by a separate committee; profits to be returned to Śrīla Prabhupāda."

So far my books are concerned, I am setting up a different body of management known as the BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST. The trustees of this body are also members of the GBC, but their function is not dependent on the GBC.

ISKCON Press was created on for the exclusive publication of my books and literatures and should be continued in that way.
(700728 - Direction of Management)

ISKCON GBC website

It appears that Calcutta activities are going on very nicely and I am so glad to learn that you are all going to Mayapur on the 23rd instant, along with Mr. Virendra Das (the lawyer) and Acyutananda Maharaja. I have already written to Mr. Sarkar to see you in this connection and I hope everything is going orderly. I have already sent you one check for Rs. 8,300 and I hope you have received it by this time and done the needful. The next check will be sent as soon as I hear from you that the first check was received.
(710419 - Letter B to Tamala Krishna written from Bombay)

Yes, we are contemplating Indira Gandhi's presence while laying down the foundation stone in Mayapur. So you arrange like that. My going to Delhi is not so important now since we have secured land in Mayapur.
(710427 - Letter to Gurudasa written from Bombay)

You will be glad to know that we have purchased two pieces of land in Mayapur at Rs. 20,000/- and they are going to construct some nice temple there.
(710523 - Letter to Hayagriva written from Calcutta)

You will be glad to learn that we have purchased about five acres of land in Mayapur, the birthsite of Lord Chaitanya and we have proposed to hold a nice festival there from Janmastami day for two weeks. At that time the foundation stone will be set down. I wish that all our leading disciples come to India at that time.
(710528 - Letter to Govinda dasi written from Calcutta)

This Trust Fund is created and shall be operated exclusively for the regular maintenance of two Temples at Mayapur and Vrindaban (India) of the INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS, incorporated by me, and qualified as a tax-exempt religious organization both in the U.S.A. and India under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The income from this Trust Fund will be specifically spent for regular seva puja (temple worship) of the two Temples at Mayapur and Vrindaban set forth in particular. This trust shall exist independently of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
(710700 - Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust Fund Agreement)

Vrndavana is for residence, Bombay is office for organization, and Mayapur is for worship of the Supreme Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
(770518 – Letter to Gurukrpa written from Vrndavana)

The Trustees shall collect all proceeds from the sale of my books, that is One Hundred Percent (100%) of all the proceeds from all of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temples and divide these proceeds into two funds, one-half (1/2) for the fund known as the Book Fund, and one-half (1/2) for the fund known as the Building Fund.
(720529 - Founding Document for the BBT, USA) 29 May 1972

So Kṛṣṇa understanding is not so easy. It is very difficult. Kṛṣṇa says. But by the grace of Kṛṣṇa, because He wanted to distribute Himself, Caitanya Mahāprabhu giving us Kṛṣṇa freely . . . kṛṣṇa-prema-pradāya te (CC Madhya 19.53). Rūpa Gosvāmī says that namo mahā-vadānyāya. Kṛṣṇa was also not so liberal. He simply asked us, "Surrender," but He did not distribute Himself. But in the form of Caitanya Mahāprabhu He distributed Himself, "Take Me, take Me, take Me. Without any price, take Me."
This is Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is Kṛṣṇa, and He has come in the form of Caitanya, Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, to distribute Himself. Therefore He is recognized, namo mahā-vadānyāya, "The most munificent." No other incarnation, even Rāmacandra or Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa, They were not so liberal. But Caitanya Mahāprabhu is so liberal. Pāpī tāpī jata chilo hari-nāme uddhārilo (Hari Hari Bifale 3). They distributed Himself through the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra.
(721031 - Lecture SB 01.02.20 - Vrndavana)

Srila Prabhupada in Mayapur 1972 Video

Kṛṣṇa is one, but when Kṛṣṇa wants to enjoy, He must expand His pleasure potency. That is Rādhārāṇī. Rādhā kṛṣṇa-praṇaya-vikṛtir. Kṛṣṇa cannot enjoy anything material. The original spiritual potency, pleasure potency, is Rādhārāṇī. So first of all He expanded, then again He combined together. That is Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu. This is the study of the Gosvāmī. Rādhā kṛṣṇa-praṇaya-vikṛtir hlādinī.
Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu is given seat along with Kṛṣṇa. He's combination of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. We may not misunderstand that Caitanya Mahāprabhu is . . . imitating Caitanya Mahāprabhu, there are so many so-called avatāras. But this is approved by the śāstra. Kṛṣṇa-varṇaṁ tviṣākṛṣṇam (SB 11.5.32). Caitanya Mahāprabhu is Kṛṣṇa, same category, kṛṣṇa-varṇaṁ. Just like we say varṇa: brāhmaṇa varṇa, kṣatriya varṇa, śūdra varṇa, vaiśya varṇa. Varṇa means the same category, varṇa. Or kṛṣṇa-varṇaṁ means who is always describing Kṛṣṇa. Just like Caitanya Mahāprabhu is passing on the road, He's chanting,
kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa he
kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa he
kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa pāhi māṁ
(CC Madhya 7.96)
Therefore kṛṣṇa-varṇaṁ is He; iti kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa is describing Himself: kṛṣṇa-varṇaṁ tviṣākṛṣṇam. But by His complexion, He is not black—very fair complexion.
(730306 - Lecture BG 10.01-3 - Calcutta)

Srila Prabhupada in Mayapur 1973 Video

Prabhupāda: "Europeans and Americans will come, and they will dance here with the chanting, ' Jaya Śacīnandana!' " So that is being done.
So when they chant and dance, I simply remember Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. That's all. I pray to Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, "Now they have come to your shelter. Give them protection." That's all. What can I do more? I cannot do anything more.
(740306 - Morning Walk - Mayapur)

So go on cooperating in this way, and I am sure this mission of Caitanya Mahāprabhu will be successful. It must be successful, because Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted it to be done. Simply we, the workers, the servitors, must be very sincere. Then Caitanya Mahāprabhu will give us more and more facilities so that we can work very well. So keep this mission always in view and do your best. That is my only request. Thank you very much.
(740927 - Lecture Arrival - Mayapur)

Srila Prabhupada in Mayapur 1974 Video

There is no difference between the teachings of Lord Caitanya presented here and the teachings of Lord Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā. The teachings of Lord Caitanya are practical demonstrations of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s teachings. Lord Kṛṣṇa’s ultimate instruction in the Bhagavad-gītā is that everyone should surrender unto Him, Lord Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa promises to take immediate charge of such a surrendered soul.
(CC Preface)

Caitanya-caritāmṛta is the postgraduate study of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The Bhagavad-gītā is the A-B-C-D to entrance, and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the graduate study, and Śrī-Caitanya-caritāmṛta is the postgraduate study of spiritual life. My Guru Mahārāja, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Prabhupāda, whenever he got some time he used to read Caitanya-caritāmṛta. And he predicted that the whole world like to read Caitanya-caritāmṛta, and for this reason they'll learn Bengali. Therefore, following his footsteps, I have kept the Bengali character and tried to give the literary meaning of each word of the Bengali poem. This is, of course, Sanskrit. This book is full of Sanskrit verses. Some of them are composed by the author himself, Kavirāja Gosvāmī, and some of them are quoted from various literature, Vedic literature.
(740301 - Lecture CC Adi 07.01 - Mayapur)

Inaugurated the Śrī Śrī Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma Temple on Śrī Rāma-navamī in Vṛndāvana - ISKCON Vrindavan

If we want to spread this movement all over India very seriously, then we invite educated, intellectual young men to come forward to study this movement. It is not blind, we have got books. We have already published about fifty books on this movement. So for the Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's movement is meant for both kind of men. The ordinary men without any education, illiterate, he can also take to it, and the most advanced scientists, philosopher, philanthropist, politician, they also can take to it. So we are helping both ways. Those who are educated scientist, philosopher, for them we have got volumes of books. And those who are not educated, they can simply chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. That will help them, both ways. Therefore this movement has become important and interesting. Our books are being purchased by the topmost class of man. Big, big professors in the universities, they are giving standing order.
(750420 - Lecture CC Madhya 19.53 - Vrndavana)

 

So especially in India, the atmosphere is very good. It is especially meant, within this universe, this plot of land known as Bhārata-varṣa, India, is the most sacred place within this universe. And of the whole land Bhārata-varṣa, in Bengal, it is very sacred. And the whole of Bengal, this Nadia district is very sacred. And in the whole Nadia district, this spot is very sacred, Māyāpur-candrodaya Temple. So by Kṛṣṇa’s grace, you have got this opportunity to live here. Take advantage, full advantage of this opportunity, spiritual opportunity. This is the statement of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura.
(750408 – Lecture CC Adi 01.15 – Mayapur)

So we have established this temple, Māyāpur-candrodaya. So this is the idea, that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is just like moon. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, He appeared in this land of Māyāpur; therefore He is said here as "the moon." Therefore we say candra, Māyāpur-candra. Now, as Śrī Māyāpur-candra is rising . . . rising. Rising means He is to distribute the moonshine all over the world. This is the idea, moonshine. Śreyaḥ-kairava candrikā-vitaraṇam. Śreyaḥ-kairava. Caitanya Mahāprabhu personally said. Don't keep Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu compact in your room and take some monetary profit. This is not required. This is not required.
You must allow Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to rise more and more so that this sun, moonshine, may be distributed all over the world. That is wanted. Therefore this temple is situated. Of course, we shall try to construct a very nice temple for Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. This morning we were thinking of this. So from this place, this moon, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu, will distribute. Śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁ vidyā-vadhū-jīvanam. The Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's Hare Kṛṣṇa movement . . . paraṁ vijāyate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam. This is spoken by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇaṁ śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁ vidyā-vadhū-jīvanam (CC Antya 20.12). Vidyā-vadhū-jīvanam. This is real enlightenment. People all over the world, they are in darkness. The moonshine will enlighten them.
(750330 - Lecture CC Adi 01.06 - Mayapur)

Srila Prabhupada in Mayapur 1975 Video

Prabhupāda: Now you all together make this Vedic planetarium very nice, so that people will come and see. From the description of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, you prepare this Vedic planetarium. How do you like this idea, Vedic planetarium?
Ambarīṣa: It seems like a very nice idea.
Prabhupāda: You also like? So finance this project. (laughter) Vedic planetarium.
Ambarīṣa: Where will this be?
Prabhupāda: Māyāpur. My idea is to attract people of the whole world to Māyāpur. So we are just trying to acquire three hundred fifty acres of land from the government. It is going on under consideration.
(760615 - Conversation B - Detroit)

Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's aspiration that the Europeans, Americans and Indians all together dance jubilantly and chanting "Gaura Hari."
So this temple, Māyāpur Chandrodaya temple, is meant for transcendental United Nation. What the United Nation has failed, that will be achieved here by the process recommended by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu,
pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma
sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma
(CB Antya-khaṇḍa 4.126)
So you have come from all parts of the world and living together in this temple. So train these small boys. I am very glad, especially, to see that the small children from all other countries, and Indian, Bengalis, all together, forgetting their bodily consciousness. That is the greatest achievement in this movement, that everyone forgets the bodily conception of life. Nobody thinks here as "European," "American," "Indian," "Hindu," "Muslim," "Christian." They forget all these designation, and simply they are ecstatic in chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. So kindly what you have begun, do not break it. Continue it very jubilantly. And Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the master of Māyāpur, He will be very much pleased upon you, and ultimately you will go back to home, back to Godhead.
(760115 - Lecture Excerpt - Mayapur)

That is the mission of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. His mission is, especially to the Indians He says,
bhārata-bhūmite haila manuṣya-janma yāra
janma sārthaka kari' kara para-upakāra
(CC Adi 9.41)
Para-upakāra, just to do something good for others, for upakāra. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu says anyone who has taken birth in India, he should, bhārata-bhūmite manuṣya-janma haila yāra (CC Adi 9.41), anyone who has taken birth in India, for every one of them, it is the duty. Janma sārthaka kari': first of all make your life successful, janma sārthaka kari' kara para-upakāra, then you begin the welfare activities for all others. The idea is that India is enriched with Vedic knowledge, and those who are born in India, they should take advantage of this facility, especially those who are in the higher, topmost ranks, the brāhmaṇas, the kṣatriyas, the vaiśyas. Especially the brāhmaṇas. Take this education perfectly well, make your life perfect, and distribute the knowledge all over the world. This is your duty. That is the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
(760620 - Lecture BG 09.03 - Toronto)

"Just like the sun is in the sky, but we see in the morning it appears; in the evening it retires. That is defectness of our eyes. Actually the sun is always there. So similarly Vaiṣṇava, as Kṛṣṇa comes, yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir, similarly, a Vaiṣṇava—means the confidential servant of Kṛṣṇa—he also comes for some purpose by the order of the master. So their life and Kṛṣṇa's life, it is same. There is no question of past, present, future. Nityaḥ. Nityaḥ śāśvato 'yam, na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre (BG 2.20). So tirobhava avirbhava, they are the same thing as the appearance and disappearance of sun."
(770208 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Mayapur)

Disappearance Day of Śrīla Prabhupāda (Age 81) - November 14, 1977, 19:30

Śrīla Prabhupāda established the “Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust” on 5 November 1977 with the goal of rediscovering and restoring the holy places in Bengal connected with the pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. The Trust also aims to provide suitable arrangements for pilgrims visiting these sacred sites and to unite the followers of Lord Caitanya, especially those descended from Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Goswami Prabhupāda.

Reporter (2): What will happen to the movement in the United States when you die?
Prabhupāda: I will never die.
Devotees: Jaya! Hari boli! (laughter)
Prabhupāda: I shall live for my books, and you will utilize.
(750716 - Interview - San Francisco)

Srila Prabhupada Samadhi & Museum, Sri Mayapur dhama

Detailed Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life

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