Overview
Birth Date: September 1, 1896 (Calcutta, India)
Birth Name: Abhay Charan De
Parents: Gour Mohan De & Rajani Devi
Observance Date: Nandotsava (the day after Sri Krishna Janmashtami)
Observance: Held on the scheduled event date. Please check the Vaishnava Calendar for the exact day this year.
As per the Hindu lunar calendar, His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) was born on the day of Nandotsava (the next day of Krishna Janmashtami). He was born Abhay Charan De on September 1st, 1896 in Calcutta, India. His father was Gour Mohan De, a cloth merchant, and his mother was Rajani.
His parents, in accordance with Bengali tradition, employed an astrologer to calculate the child's horoscope, and they were made jubilant by the auspicious reading. The astrologer made a specific prediction:
"When this child reaches the age of seventy, he would cross the ocean, become a great exponent of religion, and open 108 temples."
Young Abhay Charan De (Srila Prabhupada) in Calcutta
Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day, also known as Vyasa-Puja, is a significant observance in ISKCON Seshadripuram and among followers of the Bhakti tradition. It marks the anniversary of the birth of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, and a prominent spiritual leader and teacher in the Bhakti lineage.
Observances on Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day
On this auspicious day, devotees and followers dedicate themselves to gratitude and remembrance:
- Devotees Gather: Devotees and followers of Srila Prabhupada gather in ISKCON Seshadripuram to commemorate his birth anniversary and read their written Vyasa-Puja offerings expressing deep gratitude.
- Special Services & Abhishek: ISKCON Seshadripuram holds a grand abhishek ceremony of Srila Prabhupada's deity form, accompanied by ecstatic kirtans and discourses dedicated to his glorious life and teachings.
- Offering Homage: Devotees offer arati, incense, and floral decorations (pushpanjali) to Srila Prabhupada.
- Lectures and Readings: Readings from Srila Prabhupada's books (such as Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Srimad-Bhagavatam) and biographies are read to reflect on his foundational guidelines.
- Grand Feast (Prasadam): Devotees prepare and share a sumptuous vegetarian feast (prasadam) offered to Lord Krishna, fostering community, warmth, and spiritual association.
- Service and Reflection: Devotees reflect on their spiritual journeys and renew their dedication to the principles of Bhakti yoga and spreading the message of Lord Chaitanya.
Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day serves as an opportunity for devotees to express their gratitude and reverence for the profound impact Srila Prabhupada had on their lives and on the propagation of Bhakti philosophy worldwide. It is a day of celebration, reflection, and recommitment to the principles of devotion to Lord Krishna as taught by Srila Prabhupada.
Historical Background
Srila Prabhupada appeared in Calcutta on September 1, 1896. He met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, in 1922 and received the order to spread Krishna consciousness in the English-speaking world. At the age of 69, he sailed to America with only seven dollars and a trunk of books, establishing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in 1966.
Spiritual Significance
Srila Prabhupada is the foremost exponent of Krishna consciousness in the modern age. He translated and commented on over 70 volumes of Vedic literature and established 108 temples worldwide. His appearance day is celebrated as a major festival across all ISKCON centers.
Blessings & Benefits
Celebrating Srila Prabhupada's appearance day invokes his special blessings for advancing in Krishna consciousness. Sponsoring the celebration helps continue his mission of spreading the holy name worldwide.
Srila Prabhupada
Support this sacred occasion by offering your contribution. Every donation, no matter how small, is a cherished offering to the Lord.
Offer Seva for Srila Prabhupada