Who We Are
A Movement Born from
Pure Devotion
ISKCON — the International Society for Krishna Consciousness — was founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York City. Rooted in the ancient Vaishnava tradition of India, ISKCON carries the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā to every corner of the globe.
Srila Prabhupada arrived in America at the age of 69 with little more than a trunk of books and an unwavering conviction that the world needed Krishna consciousness. Within eleven years he had circled the globe fourteen times, established 108 temples, and inspired a generation of sincere seekers.
Today ISKCON is a worldwide family of over 600 temples, farm communities, schools, and restaurants — a living testament to the transformative power of bhakti yoga.
“
The recommended means of deliverance in this age of Kali is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord.
ŚRĪMAD-BHĀGAVATAM · 12.3.52
Our Pillars
What We Stand For
Devotional Service
Bhakti yoga — the path of loving devotion — is the heart of ISKCON's teachings. Through chanting, worship, and selfless service, seekers cultivate a direct and living relationship with the Divine.
Vedic Knowledge
Rooted in ancient scriptures such as the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, ISKCON preserves and shares timeless wisdom that speaks to every dimension of human life — spiritual, ethical, and philosophical.
Global Community
With over 600 temples across 60+ countries, ISKCON is one of the most widespread spiritual movements in the world, warmly uniting seekers of all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life.
Compassionate Outreach
Through food relief, education, and cultural programs, ISKCON serves millions every year. Seva — selfless service — is not separate from spirituality; it is its fullest and most beautiful expression.
History
The Sacred Journey
1486
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appears in Mayapur, Bengal, inaugurating the sankirtan movement — congregational chanting of the holy names of God.
1922
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati meets a young Abhay Charan De (the future Srila Prabhupada) in Calcutta and instructs him to spread Krishna consciousness in the English-speaking world.
1965
At age 69, Srila Prabhupada sails alone to New York on a cargo ship — the Jaladuta — to fulfill his guru's mission, arriving with little more than books and an unshakeable conviction.
1966
ISKCON is formally incorporated in New York City on 13 July 1966, beginning as a small gathering of seekers in a storefront on Second Avenue.
1971
The first Indian ISKCON temple opens in Surat; the movement returns to its spiritual homeland, bringing bhakti back to the land of its birth.
1977
Srila Prabhupada departs this world, leaving behind 108 temples, thousands of initiated devotees, and over 70 volumes of translations and commentaries on Vedic literature.
Today
600+ temples, 50+ farm communities, 60 schools, and Hare Krishna Food for Life — the world's largest vegetarian food-relief program, serving millions of free meals annually.
Hare Krishna · Hare Krishna · Krishna Krishna · Hare Hare · Hare Rāma · Hare Rāma · Rāma Rāma · Hare Hare