Sadhvi Kanakprabha was born in Calcutta, Bengal, British India, on 22 July 1941.
She attended Parmarthik Shikshan Sanstha, Ladnun (an institution where training is given before taking Jain initiation), at the age of 15.
Her decision to lead the life of an ascetic was realised at the age of 19 after finishing her studies in Ladnun.
She was initiated by the 9th head of Terapanth sect, Acharya Tulsi, on 8 July 1960.
In Jain Shwetamber Terapanth sect, She had been declared the 9th Sadhvipramukha (head of nuns) on 14 Jan 1972 & Mahashramani (head of samanis) on 17.01.1979 at Gangasahar.
She is a likewise qualified editor and author in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Hindi language.