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About

A life shaped by Srila Prabhupada's mercy

An English-born ISKCON sannyasi known for joyful preaching, colourful reminders, and heartfelt kirtan on many keyboards.

Biography

From Birmingham to bhakti

Born in Birmingham in 1945 and trained in Fine Arts, HH Mahavishnu Swami's search for meaning led him into the early ISKCON movement in London. Initiated directly by Srila Prabhupada in 1971, he devoted his life to preaching, temple-building, and kirtan—always keeping devotional service joyful, accessible, and alive.

Born in Birmingham, England, on 10 February 1945, Mahavishnu Swami (then known by his birth name) grew up in post-war Britain and pursued his passion for art, graduating with honours in Fine Arts from Bath Academy of Art. His creative spirit and search for deeper meaning led him to the early ISKCON movement in London during the transformative 1960s and early 1970s.

In 1971, at the Radha-Krishna Temple on Bury Place, London, he received initiation directly from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to Krishna consciousness. He immediately committed himself to full-time temple service, renouncing his art career to serve Srila Prabhupada's mission.

Hat

Hat

A playful pointer to eternal truth.

Two different socks

Socks

Humour that softens the heart.

Keyboard

Kirtan

Many keys—one mantra.

Did you know?

The colourful straw hat is often used as a friendly "teaching prop" for BG 2.13—the soul continues while the body changes. A smile helps the message land.

HH Mahavishnu Swami (hat and tilak)

  1. 1945

    Born in Birmingham

    Mahavishnu Swami (birth name: Michael) was born on 10 February 1945 in Birmingham, England — one year before the partition of India.

  2. 1964

    Fine Arts Studies

    Enrolled at the Bath Academy of Art at age 19, studying Fine Arts. He would graduate with honours approximately three years later.

  3. 1971

    Initiation by Srila Prabhupada

    Received Harinama initiation from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at the Radha-Krishna Temple on Bury Place, London. He also became a full-time temple renunciate the same year.

  4. 1974–77

    BBT Library Party in India

    Served with the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Library Party, travelling throughout India for approximately 20 months distributing Srila Prabhupada's books to colleges and institutions.

  5. Late 1970s

    Nepal & North India Development

    Helped establish and develop ISKCON centres in Kathmandu (Nepal) under the guidance of Prabhavisnu Dasa, as well as Patna, Allahabad, and Varanasi in India.

  6. 1984

    Sannyasa Initiation

    Accepted the renounced order of life (sannyasa) from His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, receiving the title "Swami" and fully dedicating himself to the mendicant preacher path.

  7. 1990

    First Disciples

    Formally began accepting disciples as an initiating guru in ISKCON, taking on the role in the spirit of a "monitor guru" — a servant-guide under the shelter of Srila Prabhupada.

  8. 1990s–2000s

    Bangladesh & Africa Missions

    Helped fund and develop the Rupa-Sanatana Temple in Jessore and Swamibagh Temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Began extensive preaching in Africa, bringing Krishna consciousness to neglected regions.

  9. 2010s

    Radha-Govindahari Temple, Kathmandu

    Instrumental in supporting the development of the Sri Radha-Govindahari temple in Kathmandu, Nepal — a landmark project in his ongoing service to the Nepali devotee community.

  10. 2025

    Active Preaching in Nepal

    Delivered a Srimad-Bhagavatam class at ISKCON Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu on 21 February 2025, demonstrating continued active service even in his eighties.

  11. Feb 2026

    Prayers for Health Recovery

    Under medical care in Kathmandu as of February 2026, with ISKCON Nepal reporting Maharaja is responding to treatment. Devotees worldwide are offering prayers for his swift recovery.