127th Birth Anniversary of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Celebrated with Joy at Hare Krishna Temple

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
CHICAGO, IL- On September 7th, Hare Krishna temples worldwide celebrated the 127th birth anniversary of their founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Known as ‘Srila Prabhupada’ or ‘Swamiji,’ he popularized “Hare Krishna” globally.

At age sixty-nine, he arrived in Boston after a challenging 35-day journey from Kolkata, enduring two heart attacks. His mission was to spread Lord Krishna’s message in English-speaking regions. Over 11 years, he circled the globe 14 times, translated 70 volumes of Sanskrit and Bengali texts, and established 108 temples on six continents.

During the celebration at the ISKCON temple in Chicago, His Holiness Romapada Swami praised Prabhupada’s contributions, emphasizing chanting, Srimad Bhagavatam translation, and his faith in his spiritual master’s orders.

Srila Prabhupada came from a Gaudiya Vaisnava lineage, rooted in Lord Krishna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings, with a history spanning over 5000 years. Arriving in Boston with just 40 rupees and a translated Srimad Bhagavatam, he began chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and attracted followers in the counterculture era of America.

Despite the risks in a rebellious, drug-fueled era, he believed in the transformative power of chanting and Vedic lifestyle, turning “hippies into happies.”

Millions worldwide have embraced his teachings. The ISKCON Chicago temple, representing over 40 nationalities, hosted devotees from various countries who shared how Srila Prabhupada’s teachings transformed their lives. The celebration concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian meal.