The appearance and disappearance days of great acharyas are considered very auspicious in the Vaishanava Tradition. Devotees observe this to remember all their selfless contributions to this world by chanting, Harinam Sankirtan, and reading Vedic Scriptures.
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, one of the great acharyas who is now known worldwide. He has spread the Krishna Consciousness in the United States(New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles), the United Kingdom(London), and many more.
Nowadays, he has millions of followers, who live a regular life upon the four principles instructed. Those principles are:
i) No meat-eating,
ii) No intoxication (intoxicated substances like alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes),
iii) No illicit sex,
iv) No gambling.
Life and Mission of Srila Prabhupada
1) Early life and spiritual foundations:
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, also known as Abhay Charan De, was born on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta. He grew up in a Gaudiya Vaishnava family, a devotional environment.
He completed his B.A degree in 1920. He knew Bengali(native language), Sanskrit, Hindi, and English.
His life took a turn when he first saw Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur in 1922. He later got initiated by him and received an instruction to preach Krishna Consciousness in foreign countries, in their native English language.
2) The journey of struggle and dedication:
After the initiation, he took sannyasa in 1959. From that moment, he became Bhaktivedanta Swami. He spent years writing commentaries on Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita.
He later published his first magazine to spread the message of Lord Chaitanaya Mahaprabhu - Krishna Consciousness.
In 1965, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada departed from India for the United States.
During his journey on the cargo ship, Jaladuta, he has faced two heart attacks. At that time, he had no money, no support, and poor health.
However, none of these obstacles harmed him as he was determined to fulfil the instructions of his spiritual master.
3) Establishment of the Hare Krishna community:
The ship landed on the New York land. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada started his preaching on Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita. He carried the divine teachings of Lord Krishna to the Western audience.
There, he started chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on the streets of New York City:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
In the year 1966, he successfully formed the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)community. At the start, there was a small temple on the Lower East Side.
Later, this spread worldwide, over hundreds of temples had formed by the time of his final departure in 1977.
4) Literary Contributions:
In his 11-12 years of journey, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has become the author of 70 + books, and established 108 temples worldwide.
Before he left this material world, at the age of 81, in 1977, he said, "I shall live for my books, and you will utilise ".
He has provided the translation of 70 + volumes of Vedic Scriptures. It includes the Bhagavat Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. His mission was carried forward by His disciples.
These books have inspired many people. Nowadays, it is available in multiple languages and still inspires millions.
His life is an example of an ideal devotion towards Lord Krishna - unshakable faith and surrender.
The Day of Disappearance
The Historical moment
On November 14, 1977, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada departed from this world.
What 'disappearance' signifies in Vaishnava culture
In Vaishanava tradition, appearance or disappearance isn't considered as birth or death. When a pure devotee of Lord Krishna departs from this world, it is called return to Godhead.
According to the Vaishnava Calendar, the disappearance day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada will be commemorated on October 25, 2025.
The mood of the Final days:
In his final days, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was continuously teaching his disciples.
In Srila Prabhupada-lilamrita, Chapter 2, one of his best remembrances is mentioned as: "Your love for me will be shown by how much you cooperate to keep this institution together after I am gone"
Significance of Remembering the Acharya
Guru is the mediator of Divine Knowledge:
In Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Chapter 4, it is said:
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया ।
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ॥ ३४ ॥
~Bg. 4.34
Translation: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realised souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.
A bona fide spiritual master, just like His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has the power to transform an ordinary consciousness into Krishna consciousness.
How Devotees Observe Srila Prabhupada Disappearance Day
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's disappearance day is celebrated worldwide by all of his devotees.
The below devotional activities are performed on this divine day to remember the Jagatguru, Srila Prabhupada:
i) Reading Vedic Scriptures:
At our temple, Gupt Vrindavan Dham, devotees arrange the classes of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to spread the divine knowledge of Lord Krishna.
ii) Chanting:
In general, devotees chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. On this special day, they chant more to please the spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
iii) Harinam Sankirtan:
At our temple, we arranged a divine Harinam Sankirtan for the evening hours after Lord Krishna's and Lord Balaram's darshan.
Final Words
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON instructed his disciples during his last time to continue serving Lord Krishna by preaching Krishna Consciousness to the world. His last public impression was to spread the Hare Krishna society.
Related Links: Vishwa Guru Srila Prabhupada
