Hare Krishna, Nectar from the Life of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder -Acarya of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness
Prabhupada Nectar 1
It was only after two years of leading ISKCON in America that Srila Prabhupada agreed to be addressed by the proper title Prabhupada instead of Swamiji. As early as 1960, in his first volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam, he had written in a purport, “The pure devotees whose only business is serving are honoured by the names Prabhupada and Visnupada, which indicates such devotees to be representatives of the lotus feet of the Lord.” (Bhag. 1.1.15)
Yet although the address Swamiji is common and not very respectful, it was the only name his followers knew and had become a most endearing term for them. They inquired and prayed to him by that name, and they addressed all their letters, “Dear Swamiji”. So it was a bit of a shock when the name changed.
One devotee on hearing the new name from Srila Prabhupada’s secretary, couldn’t accept it without personally asking Srila Prabhupada. On the next morning walk he inquired, “Swamiji?”
“Yes?” Prabhupada replied.
“I understand that you prefer to be called Prabhupada.”
Prabhupada turned quickly. “Where did you hear this? Who told you this?”
Prabhupada appeared annoyed and then he became silent. But after a few moments he spoke again. “Actually I do not prefer. But it is better.”