Srila Prabhupada - Disappearance
October 25, 2025
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the esteemed Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, also known as Srila Prabhupada, made an indelible impact on the lives of millions worldwide through his relentless dedication to disseminating the profound and loving teachings of Lord Sri Krishna. In a short span of 10-12 years, beginning at the age of 70, Srila Prabhupada wrote more than 70 books and established 108 temples globally. Even in his final years, he remained unwavering in his devotion to Lord Krishna, continuing his translation work of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, surrounded by the sacred chanting of the holy names of Lord Krishna in the divine land of Vrindavana. His life and teachings continue to inspire and guide countless souls on their spiritual path.
The appearances and disappearances of pure devotees of Lord Krishna are not akin to the passing of ordinary souls. Such devotees, or acharyas, manifest in this world at the will of the Supreme Lord, whose divine purpose is to enlighten and uplift the conditioned souls, helping them transcend the cycle of birth and death and re-establish their eternal relationship with Krishna.
Although Srila Prabhupada is no longer physically present with us, he remains with us through his Deities in the temple and his invaluable teachings, which are preserved in his books, lectures, conversations, letters, and the cherished memories of his disciples. Thus, both the appearance and disappearance of the acharyas are occasions of great celebration and remembrance.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a revered acharya in the lineage of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and an early proponent of spreading Krishna consciousness to the West, eloquently wrote:
“He reasons ill who says that Vaishnavas die, When thou art living still in sound! The Vaishnavas die to live, and living try to spread the holy name around.”
In a press conference on July 16, 1975, Srila Prabhupada himself proclaimed:
“I will never die. I shall live forever in my books, and you will utilize them.”
By reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, listening to his recorded lectures, and faithfully following his guidance, we can maintain a deep connection with him and honour his legacy by living according to his instructions.
The Hare Krishna Golden Temple will commemorate the disappearance day of Srila Prabhupada on October 25, 2025, at 7 PM.
