Lucknow: The ISKCON temple observed the Vaishnava tithi commemorating the historic arrival of Srila Prabhupada in America with special prayers, kirtan and devotional programmes.
ISKCON Temple President Aprameya Shyam Prabhu said that on the Vaishnava tithi of Padmanabha Masa, Krishna Paksha Saptami, corresponding to September 14, 1965, Srila Prabhupada reached Boston Harbor in the United States with just Rs 40. He had begun his journey from Kolkata on August 13, 1965, aboard the cargo vessel Jaladuta and reached America after several days at sea.
Srila Prabhupada travelled to America with the mission of spreading the message of Krishna consciousness and devotion, first across the United States and subsequently throughout the world. In 1966, he founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which became the principal platform for spreading Krishna bhakti in the West.
His arrival marked the beginning of a remarkable spiritual journey. Despite having limited resources and being virtually alone, Srila Prabhupada went on to establish a global movement. The temple said that within a decade, 108 temples were established under his guidance.
To commemorate the historic occasion, a special aarti was performed at the temple. Devotees participated enthusiastically in Harinam Sankirtan, singing and dancing in devotion. In the evening, a food prasad bhandara was organised for devotees and visitors.
The occasion highlighted Srila Prabhupada’s enduring contribution to spreading Krishna consciousness and spiritual teachings across the globe.
