After years of planning, an interactive website database of all Srila Prabhupada’s initiated disciples was launched on June 5^th – the auspicious date of Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi. It has been dubbed “The Memory Archive” and can be found at https://www.spdisciples.org.

The website, created by developer and second-generation devotee Krishna Kirtan Das, is designed to help devotees search, locate, contact and see the current status of all Srila Prabhupada disciples world-wide.

The website is also publishing these disciples’ memories of Srila Prabhupada, encouraging them to share them before they pass away, and to be part of an important historical archive.

According to Krishna Kirtan, over the years it has been a challenge to compile an accurate and complete database of Srila Prabhupada’s initiated disciples, because it was done manually. Thus much of the information turned out to be innacurate, lost, outdated or incomplete.

The Memory Archive has used these early databases to get started. But all entries are being peer-reviewed and peer-verified to ensure accuracy.

Currently there are 4,965 profiles of Prabhupada disciples on the site. The first, Acarya Prabhakar Das, was initiated in Jhansi, India in 1953 before Prabhupada left for America. The record of disciples goes all the way until 1977, the year Prabhupada physically left this world.

Prabhupada initiates a disciple

So far only 157 entries have been verified, while the others are still pending. Devotees can update their own information but must provide sufficient proof of initiation, while peers can verify that they are correct. Strict standards are maintained so that no one is left out for any reason, and so that false claims of being Prabhupada’s disciple are not perpetuated, as has happened in the past.

Verified profiles include a picture, initiated and legal names, date, place and details of initiation. A whole photo gallery as well as video and audio can also be added.

Most exciting is the memoirs. The ease with which devotees can register and write on the site ensures that we’ll be reading many stories about Srila Prabhupada we haven’t heard before, and from disciples who may be less unsung but no less devoted. Already, there are many to dive into.

“Write your memoirs and give all future generations this gift,” Krishna Kirtan invites all Prabhupada disciples. “Everyone counts, so make your story count too and be part of this important history!”

Another interesting detail to The Memory Archive is that it is an independently funded and managed project, not affiliated with ISKCON, its management and affiliates.

“Our sole aim is to compile the most accurate record possible in a completely unbiased manner,” says Krishna Kirtan. This means disciples will not be removed for political reasons, or their text censored or edited.

“The Memory Archive is an open and free speech platform for the Srila Prabhupada initiated disciple to share their memory, update their information, and leave their important legacy and history here recorded for future generations,” Krishna Kirtan concludes. “Every memory counts! How wonderful would it be to hear from everyone and have a full record available for the future. So please, come forward and be part of this.”

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To register (if you are an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada), or to browse and read memories, please visit: https://www.spdisciples.org