International Society for Krishna Consciousness

International Society for Krishna Consciousness
	Official emblem of ISKCON
	ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abbreviation	ISKCON
Formation	13 July 1966 New York City, United States
Founder	A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Type	Religious organization
Legal status	Foundation
Headquarters	Mayapur, Nabadwip, Nadia, West Bengal, India
Location	800+ temples and centres;
Coordinates	23°25′29″N 88°23′20″E / 23.4248°N 88.3889°E
Area served	Worldwide
Main organ	Governing Body Commission
Affiliations	Gaudiya Vaishnavism (Hinduism)
Website	iskcon.org

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Hindu religious organization. It follows the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to Krishna as the supreme deity. The ISKCON was founded on 13 July 1966 in New York City by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.^[2] The organization's spiritual and administrative headquarters is located in Mayapur, West Bengal, India, and it claims a global membership of around one million people.^[3]^[4]

ISKCON teaches a form of panentheistic Hinduism rooted in the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhagavata Purana, and other scriptures, interpreted through the commentaries of its founder. Although commonly regarded as monotheistic by the general public, ISKCON theology emphasizes that the Supreme Being, Krishna, manifests in multiple forms while remaining the singular, ultimate reality. The movement is described as the largest and most influential branch of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition,^[5] which originated in India in the early 16th century and expanded internationally during the late 20th century.^[6]

ISKCON promotes bhakti yoga—the path of devotional service to Krishna—as the central spiritual practice of its members, who are often referred to as "bhaktas." The movement also encourages lacto vegetarianism, regular chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, and strict ethical and devotional disciplines as part of its teachings on spiritual progress.^[7]

^ "What is ISKCON » Home - ISKCON - the Hare Krishna Movement". Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
^ Gibson 2002, p. 6
^ "When is Rath Yatra 2025? Date, ritual timings, ISKCON's celebration plans, and full schedule of Lord Jagannath's festival - The Economic Times". m.economictimes.com. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
^ "Iskcon to host Rath Yatra on June 29". The Times of India. 21 June 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
^ Bryant & Ekstrand 2004, p. 34
^ Bharati, Baba Premanand Archived 1 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Hinduism.enacademic.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-26.
^ Beck 2005, p. 39, "According to Orthodox Gaudiya..."

[1] "What is ISKCON » Home - ISKCON - the Hare Krishna Movement". Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2022.

[2] Gibson 2002, p. 6

[3] "When is Rath Yatra 2025? Date, ritual timings, ISKCON's celebration plans, and full schedule of Lord Jagannath's festival - The Economic Times". m.economictimes.com. Retrieved 22 June 2025.

[4] "Iskcon to host Rath Yatra on June 29". The Times of India. 21 June 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 June 2025.

[Bryant_2004_34-5] Bryant & Ekstrand 2004, p. 34

[6] Bharati, Baba Premanand Archived 1 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Hinduism.enacademic.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-26.

[Guy-7] Beck 2005, p. 39, "According to Orthodox Gaudiya..."

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