Vyasa Puja - Appearance day of Srila Prabhupada

The appearance day of Srila Prabhupada, the esteemed founder-acharya of ISKCON, is celebrated as Vyasa Puja. Srila Prabhupada was born in 1896 on the day following Janmashtami, known as Nandotsava.

The Vedic knowledge originates from the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, who imparted it to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Brahma, in turn, passed this divine knowledge on to his son Narada, who then transmitted it to Vyasadeva. Vyasadeva compiled the vast Vedic knowledge and authored the eighteen Puranas. At the behest of his spiritual master, Narada, he also composed the Srimad Bhagavatam, which is revered as the spotless Purana. Vyasadeva disseminated this wisdom to the world through his disciples.

A bona fide spiritual master in the line of succession descending from Vyasadeva is regarded as a representative of Vyasadeva. Srila Prabhupada, being the 32nd acharya in this unbroken chain, is honored by his disciples on his appearance day as Vyasa Puja. For the devotees of Hare Krishna Movement, this day is considered the most significant festival of the year. Devotees observe a fast until noon, prepare various offerings to the spiritual master, who in turn offers them to Lord Krishna. Homage offerings written by the devotees are read aloud to glorify Srila Prabhupada. A grand abhisheka is performed, followed by the distribution of prasadam.

We invite you to express your gratitude to our beloved spiritual master and contribute to any of the sevas by clicking the link below.