Bhaktipada Swami Vedic birth chart profile
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Aquarius Lagna

Bhaktipada Swami

September 6, 1937 · Peekskill, New York
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Moon Sign
Virgo
Hasta
Sun Sign
Leo
Purva Phalguni
Ascendant
Aquarius
Shatabhisha
Nakshatra
Hasta
Birth Star
Current Dasha · Ketu / Saturn / Venus · Feb 2026 – Apr 2026
Cult leaderSpiritual Leader/ GuruLife Path 8Destiny Number 8Soul Number 6Personality Number 11Kabbalah Number 3Birth Number 6
Biography

Who is Bhaktipada Swami?

American member of the Hare Krishna religious cult who took the name "Kirtananda Swami Bhaktipada." The 4,000 acre commune was founded over 25 years ago by Bhaktipada, a Baptist ministers son from Peekskill, NY. The commune houses over 300 faithful followers. Ham was implicated in the murder of Steven Bryant (a.k.a. "Sulocana Das") on 5/22/1986, Los Angeles. He was suspected of having ordered the murder. Ham was excommunicated from the Order in early 1987 because of alleged ruthless tactics, an overly independent nature and general callousness to the spiritual well-being of the movement. In 1991 he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for authorizing the beating, kidnapping and cover up of Steven Bryants death and allegations of neglect and sexual abuse of children in the sect. A federal court order restricts Ham to his apartment in Wheeling, wearing an electronic ankle bracelet, pending the outcome of his appeal. A victim of childhood polio, he walks with the assistance of canes. Mr. Bhaktipada, who was released from prison in 2004 after serving eight years of a 12-year sentence, moved to India in 2008. He died on 24 October 2011 in a hospital near Mumbai. The cause was kidney failure, his brother, Gerald Ham, said. (Source: NYT) Link to Wikipedia biography
Latest Info

Latest Updates

Update at: Mar 16, 2026

Bhaktipada Swami (Swami Bhaktipada)

Biographical overview

  • Birth name: Ronald Edward King
  • Birth date: September 6, 1937
  • Birthplace: Peekskill, United States
  • Public role: American spiritual teacher and a prominent figure within Gaudiya Vaishnavism in the United States
  • Notable achievement: Founder of the New Vrindaban devotional community in West Virginia (established 1968) and a long‑standing leader within that community
  • Legacy focus: Known for promoting bhakti yoga, temple activities, and cultural programs tied to Krishna consciousness

Notable projects and legacy

  • New Vrindaban community: A devotional settlement near Moundsville, West Virginia, established to facilitate temple worship, education, and community life consistent with Gaudiya Vaishnavism
  • Palace of Gold: A landmark temple complex associated with the New Vrindaban site, developed under Bhaktipada''s leadership to serve as a devotional and cultural hub
  • Temple and educational activities: Ongoing programs for festivals, kirtan, darshan, and youth education as part of sustaining his spiritual lineage

News and public profile

Public information indicates Bhaktipada Swami was a notable American spiritual teacher within the Hare Krishna movement and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. After his passing in 1997, the New Vrindaban community continued devotional activities and preserved his teachings through successor leadership and ongoing programs for visitors and adherents.

Social media and online presence

There are no official, verified social media profiles associated with Bhaktipada Swami. Devotee organizations and supporters maintain non‑official pages and archival content on various platforms (including YouTube and Facebook) to share teachings, history, and heritage related to Bhaktipada and the New Vrindaban community.

Recent projects by related organizations

Since Bhaktipada''s passing, the New Vrindaban community and affiliated temples continue devotional programs, temple upkeep, and educational activities. These efforts aim to preserve the site, honor his legacy, and engage visitors with Krishna consciousness practices.

References and context

Public profiles and historical information about Bhaktipada Swami are available from reference sources on Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the New Vrindaban community. For detailed biographical data, consult reputable online biographies and the New Vrindaban official materials.

Vedic Planet Analysis

Astrologer Reviewed

Bhaktipada Swami's planet-by-planet horoscope reading. Select a planet below to read its detailed Vedic interpretation.

Ascendant1st

Ascendant Represents AS

The Ascendant (Lagna) in Vedic astrology represents the self, physical body, personality, and how we interact with the world. It defines our core identity, health, and the first impression we make on others. The sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth becomes the Ascendant, influencing our temperament and approach to life. Its ruler significantly shapes how we express ourselves and respond to our environment.
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Bhaktipada Swami birth chart analysis for Ascendant

In Vedic astrology, the natal ascendant (Lagna) in Aquarius, particularly when situated in the Satabhisaj nakshatra, endows a person with a unique blend of characteristics. Aquarius, a fixed air sign ruled by Saturn, is known for its progressive, innovative, and humanitarian qualities. Satabhisaj, the "Hundred Healers," ruled by Rahu, adds an element of mystery and depth, emphasizing healing, unconventional wisdom, and the pursuit of truth. Individuals with Aquarius ascendant in Satabhisaj nakshatra are often seen as visionaries, exhibiting strong intellectual capabilities and a keen interest in societal reform. Their approach to life is characterized by a desire to break free from traditional constraints, seeking new and original ways to address problems. They are naturally drawn to activities that promote healing or transformation, whether on a personal level or within the community. The placement of the ascendant lord, Saturn, in the second house in Pisces, in the Uttarabhadrapada nakshatra, further influences these traits. The second house represents wealth, values, speech, and family, while Pisces, a mutable water sign ruled by Jupiter, is associated with intuition, spirituality, and compassion. Uttarabhadrapada, ruled by Saturn, is connected with depth, introspection, and a sense of responsibility. When Saturn occupies this position, it suggests a strong emphasis on building stability and security through disciplined financial management and a realistic approach to material resources. The influence of Pisces bestows a spiritual and compassionate outlook towards material wealth, indicating a likelihood of pursuing careers or activities that align with these values. The Uttarabhadrapada nakshatra adds a serious, contemplative quality, encouraging deep thinking and a commitment to long-term goals. Overall, this combination suggests an individual who is both a thinker and a doer, capable of blending innovative ideas with practical execution. They are likely to be driven by a desire to improve not just their own lives, but also the lives of others, often through unconventional or spiritually meaningful means. This person may find fulfillment in roles that allow them to contribute positively to society while navigating the balance between material and spiritual pursuits.

Which Raj Yogas are in Bhaktipada Swami's birth chart?

4 FOUND

Bhaktipada Swami's chart shows 2 Raj Yogas and 2 challenging combinations, including Ruchaka Yoga, Gaja Kesari Yoga.

Planetary Combinations

Which dasha is Bhaktipada Swami running now?

VIMSHOTTARI

Bhaktipada Swami is currently in the Ketu mahadasha, running from Feb 14, 2026 to Apr 20, 2026.

PREVIOUSJan 20, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
Ketu / Saturn / Ketu
NOWFeb 14, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026
Ketu / Saturn / Venus
NEXTApr 20, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Ketu / Saturn / Sun

What do Bhaktipada Swami's numerology numbers say?

Bhaktipada Swami's core numbers are Life Path 8, Destiny 8, Soul Urge 6, Personality 11, Kabbalah Number 3, Birth 6.

Life Path
8

Chaldean Life Path 8 is Saturnian—authority, ambition, and material mastery. It indicates leadership with discipline, ethics, and long-term planning.

Destiny
8

Chaldean Destiny 8 indicates executive expression and authority. It supports business, finance, leadership, and achievement through discipline.

Soul Urge
6

Chaldean Soul 6 desires love, belonging, and responsibility. It seeks harmony at home and fulfillment through care and service.

Personality
11

Chaldean Personality 11 appears intuitive and inspiring. Others often sense sensitivity, vision, and spiritual presence.

Kabbalah Number
3

Kabbalah Number 3 reflects an inner spiritual code of expression and creativity. It supports communication, inspiration, and joyful manifestation.

Birth
6

Discover Birth Number 6 in Vedic astrology: core traits, love life, career paths, and remedies to balance karma and unlock success through mindful choices.

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