The term ‘Srila’ is made up of two words, ‘Sri’ and ‘La’. ‘Sri’ means beauty and knowledge, and is also used as a term of respect. ‘La’ means ‘Lila’ or the pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Consequently, ‘Srila’ is a title of reverence bestowed upon spiritual personalities who possess the capacity to grasp and admire Lord Krishna’s exalted pastimes, and their hearts are enriched with this ability.
The term ‘Prabhupada’ is used to describe an esteemed devotee who is a saint among saints. ‘Prabhu’ means master, and it is customary for Vaishnavas to address each other as ‘Prabhu.’ ‘Prabhupada’ refers to someone who is the shelter of many such ‘Prabhus.’ When numerous Prabhus seek refuge under the lotus feet of another Prabhu, the term ‘Prabhupada’ is used. In Vedic religious communities, ‘Prabhupada’ is a term of great respect.
Several important spiritual figures in the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage have been honored with the title of Prabhupada. Srila Rupa Goswami and his fellow Goswamis are referred to as Prabhupada because they fulfilled the desires of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur is also known as Prabhupada for carrying out the wishes of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Srila A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami propagated the message of Krishna consciousness in English to all parts of the world, fulfilling the desires of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. As a result, his disciples and grand-disciples also refer to him as Prabhupada.