His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON is regarded as the greatest spiritual ambassador who introduced India’s culture, philosophy and heritage to the western world at the advanced age of sixty-nine. He travelled around the globe fourteen times within a short span of 12 years and established over a hundred temples. He led by example and brought millions of people closer to Lord Krishna. He has written over 70 volumes of bhakti literature based on ancient sacred texts of Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Charitamrita that are translated into more than 50 languages. Due to these remarkable achievements, Srila Prabhupada is respected as a distinguished philosopher, scholar, spiritual leader, saint and reformer worldwide.
We are planning to set up a museum in Vrindavan as a tribute to our Acharya. This museum will be dedicated to creating awareness among people about the glorious contributions of Srila Prabhupada. During his personal presence, Srila Prabhupada received many gifts—a bunch of flowers, a pen, a pair of socks, sometimes a typewriter, a ring or a painting—and out of his natural loving-kindness, he would give these to his disciples. These articles, undoubtedly of artistic, cultural and historical importance, hold immense personal value.
Vrindavan is the ideal setting for such a museum, where millions of annual pilgrims will be able to learn about Srila Prabhupada. This museum will preserve and exhibit the paraphernalia used by him. Collection warehouse, exhibition halls, gallery, film centre and gift shop will be a part of this project. The gallery will house dioramas to give visitors an immersive experience. Souvenirs related to Srila Prabhupada will be available at the gift stores. Another interesting feature of this project will be the Srila Prabhupada Expo which will focus on organising lectures, conferences, seminars, theme-based exhibitions in India and abroad to encourage the study of Srila Prabhupada’s works in regional and international languages.
This is Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir’s humble effort to preserve and perpetuate the glorious legacy of Srila Prabhupada. We invite all of you to participate enthusiastically in this project and contribute towards creating awareness about Srila Prabhupada and his teachings.