Bhaktipada Swami Vedic birth chart profile
DKSCORE
Aquarius Lagna

Bhaktipada Swami

September 6, 1937 · Peekskill, New York
10views
Moon Sign
Virgo
Hasta
Sun Sign
Leo
Purva Phalguni
Ascendant
Aquarius
Shatabhisha
Nakshatra
Hasta
Birth Star
Current Dasha · Ketu / Saturn / Jupiter · Sep 2026 – Oct 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: Sep 19, 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.
◈ Astrologer Reviewed

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 Sep 6, 2026 to Oct 30, 2026.

PREVIOUSJul 7, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
Ketu / Saturn / Rahu
NOWSep 6, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Ketu / Saturn / Jupiter
NEXTOct 30, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026
Ketu / Mercury / Mercury

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.

?

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this profile's Vedic astrology, birth chart, and numerology — answered by our astrologers.

How do numerology patterns influence Bhaktipada Swami's personal strengths and achievements?

Bhaktipada Swami carries a Life Path Number 8, which endows him with natural authority, power-building capacity, and material manifestation abilities. His Destiny Number 8 reinforces these traits, suggesting a life marked by influence and command over resources or organizations. The Personality Number 11 adds spiritual insight and intuitive leadership, while his Soul Number 6 reveals a deeper drive toward service and responsibility, making him suited for roles guiding others through faith and teaching.

What spiritual calling does Bhaktipada Swami's birth chart indicate about his deeper purpose?

Bhaktipada Swami's chart reveals a profound spiritual vocation rooted in his Vedic Sun in Leo and Moon in Virgo, both signs associated with devotion and precise practice. His Gaja Kesari Yoga—a rare combination of Jupiter and Moon—amplifies wisdom and spiritual magnetism, marking him as a natural guru and spiritual guide. The presence of Ruchaka Yoga further strengthens his capacity for disciplined spiritual leadership and the ability to establish lasting spiritual communities and teachings.

What does Bhaktipada Swami's Virgo sun sign reveal about his core nature and approach to life?

As a Virgo, Bhaktipada Swami embodies precision, analytical thinking, and a methodical approach to spiritual practice and organization. Virgo's earthy, service-oriented energy aligns with his role as a spiritual teacher, bringing discernment and practical wisdom to his teachings. This sign typically produces individuals devoted to refinement, detailed understanding, and the systematic transmission of knowledge—all hallmarks of effective spiritual leadership and institutional building.

How does Bhaktipada Swami's Aquarius ascendant shape the way the world perceives him?

Bhaktipada Swami's Aquarius ascendant projects an image of innovation, intellectual independence, and unconventional spiritual authority. This air sign lagna grants him an appearance of detachment, visionary thinking, and humanitarian concern, though it can also convey an aloof or revolutionary quality. The Aquarius rising enhances his ability to attract followers who value progressive spiritual ideas and his capacity to establish communities built on idealistic principles rather than tradition alone.

Where and when was Bhaktipada Swami born, and what does his birth data reveal?

Bhaktipada Swami was born on September 6, 1937, in Peekskill, United States. This birth date places him firmly in the Virgo solar season, while his American birthplace reflects a spiritual leader who bridged Eastern philosophy with Western soil. The specific planetary positions at his birth created powerful yogas including Gaja Kesari and Ruchaka Yoga, which shaped his capacity to establish influential spiritual organizations and attract devoted followers across cultural boundaries.

What does astrology reveal about Bhaktipada Swami's approach to intimate relationships and commitment?

Bhaktipada Swami's chart shows a Soul Number 6, which emphasizes responsibility, service, and devotion—qualities typically channeled into spiritual rather than romantic pursuits. His Aquarius ascendant and Leo Vedic Sun suggest a nature inclined toward universal principles and detached wisdom rather than conventional domestic life. Many spiritual leaders with this configuration dedicate themselves to their mission and community as their primary commitment, transcending personal relationship dynamics in favor of broader spiritual service.

◈ DKSCORE

Discover Your Own Cosmic Blueprint

Get a personalised Vedic birth chart analysis with your own DK Score — just like the profile above.

Or get the DKSCORE App
Get it onGoogle Play

Join the world's fastest spiritual technology platform

Weekly astrology, in your inbox

Editor-picked articles + this week's transits, every Sunday. No spam.