INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS (ISKCON)

Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement, is a worldwide spiritual organization dedicated to spreading the timeless teachings of Lord Sri Krishna. Established in 1966 in New York City by Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON has since grown into a global confederation of over 600 temples and centers, 110 vegetarian restaurants, and numerous community initiatives.

ISKCON follows the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya, a monotheistic tradition rooted in the Vedic scriptures—especially the Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam. The movement draws its spiritual inspiration from Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who, in the 15th century, revitalized and widely propagated the process of bhakti-yoga—the path of loving devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna. His emphasis on chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra forms the heart of ISKCON’s spiritual practice.

ISKCON’s international headquarters, known as the Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, is located in Sri Mayapur, West Bengal—the sacred birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. From this holy dhama, ISKCON coordinates spiritual education, temple development, publishing, humanitarian services, and cultural outreach for millions of devotees worldwide.

The mission given by Srila Prabhupada is clear and compassionate: to help every soul reconnect with Krishna through genuine spiritual knowledge, devotional practice, and uplifting association. ISKCON carefully preserves the original teachings of Srila Prabhupada and maintains a strong, authentic lineage to ensure that the pure message of Krishna consciousness is presented without deviation.

This nonsectarian, inclusive movement aims to benefit human society by cultivating peace, purity, compassion, and God-consciousness through the universal process of bhakti. ISKCON welcomes all—regardless of nationality, religion, or background— to explore spiritual life, chant Krishna’s holy names, and experience the joy of serving the Supreme Lord.