The Prime Minister has recently unveiled a special commemorative coin of Rs 125 in honour of the 125th birth anniversary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON. This article delves into the history and influence of ISKCON, as well as the life and teachings of its iconic founder.
About ISKCON
Founded in 1966, ISKCON – also known as the “Hare Krishna movement” – has played a significant role in promoting Vedic literature globally. The organization has translated the revered Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta and other Vedic texts into 89 languages. The members of this movement regard Bhaktivedanta Swami as a messenger and representative of Krishna Chaitanya.
Who is Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada?
Born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was an Indian spiritual leader best known for founding ISKCON. He is greatly admired globally as a leading authority on bhakti-yoga, which involves devoted service to the Supreme Person, Krishna, as outlined by India’s ancient Vedic scriptures.
In addition to establishing more than a hundred temples worldwide, Swami Prabhupada composed several books elucidating the path of Bhakti Yoga. As a travelling Vaishnava monk during his twilight years, he powerfully communicated the theology of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya not only within India but also in the Western world through his leadership of ISKCON.
Gaudiya Vaishnavism
Inspired by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a Vaishnava Hindu religious movement. The term “Gaudiya” refers to the Gaura or Gauḍa region of Bengal, and “Vaishnavism” signifies the worship of Lord Vishnu.
The primary focus of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is the devotional worship, also known as bhakti-yoga, of Radha and Krishna and their divine incarnations as the supreme forms of God, Svayam Bhagavan. This devotional worship typically involves singing holy names like “Hare”, “Krishna”, and “Rama” – most famously in the form of the “Hare Krishna” mantra – and dancing, also known as kirtan.
In summary, ISKCON, under the guidance of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has played an influential role in disseminating Vedic literature and the principles of bhakti-yoga globally. This commemorative coin is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Swami Prabhupada and serves as a testament to the far-reaching impact of the Hare Krishna movement.