As per Hindu lunar calendar, His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) was born on the day of Nandotsava (the next day of Krishna Janmashtami).
He was born Abhay Charan De on September 1st 1896 in Calcutta, India. His father was Gour Mohan De, a cloth merchant, and his mother was Rajani. His parents in accordance with Bengali tradition, employed an astrologer to calculate the child's horoscope, and they were made jubilant by the auspicious reading. The astrologer made a specific prediction: When this child reaches the age of seventy, he would cross the ocean, become a great exponent of religion, and open 108 temples.
Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day, also known as Vyasa-Puja, is a significant observance in ISKCON Seshadripuram and among followers of the Bhakti tradition. It marks the anniversary of the birth of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, and a prominent spiritual leader and teacher in the Bhakti lineage.
On Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day:
- Devotees Gather: Devotees and followers of Srila Prabhupada gather in ISKCON Seshadripuram to commemorate his birth anniversary.
- Special Services: ISKCON Seshadripuram typically hold special services, kirtans (devotional singing), and discourses dedicated to the life and teachings of Srila Prabhupada. These services highlight his contributions to spreading the message of Lord Krishna globally.
- Offering Homage: Devotees offer homage and prayers to Srila Prabhupada's image or deity form. Floral decorations, incense, and arati (ceremonial worship with lamps) are commonly part of these offerings.
- Lectures and Readings: Lectures and readings from Srila Prabhupada's books and teachings are an integral part of the celebration. His writings, including "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" and "Srimad Bhagavatam," are considered foundational texts within ISKCON.
- Feasting: As is customary in many Hindu celebrations, devotees prepare and share a sumptuous vegetarian feast, often known as prasadam, as an offering to Lord Krishna and a means of fostering community unity.
- Service and Reflection: Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day is also a time for devotees to reflect on their spiritual journeys and their commitment to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Many devotees choose this day to renew their dedication to the principles of Bhakti yoga.
Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day serves as an opportunity for devotees to express their gratitude and reverence for the profound impact Srila Prabhupada had on their lives and on the propagation of Bhakti philosophy worldwide. It is a day of celebration, reflection, and recommitment to the principles of devotion to Lord Krishna as taught by Srila Prabhupada.
For the scheduled event date please check the Vaishnava calendar.