What is ISKCON? A Complete Guide to the Hare Krishna Movement

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a spiritual movement dedicated to spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna as presented in the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. It is also popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement. Founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in 1966, ISKCON has grown into a worldwide organization with thousands of temples, farms, schools, and communities across the globe. But what is ISKCON, and what does it stand for? Let’s explore its history, philosophy, practices, and significance in the modern world.

History of ISKCON

ISKCON was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in New York City in 1966. Srila Prabhupada, a dedicated disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, carried the message of Lord Krishna from India to the West, fulfilling his spiritual master’s mission to propagate Krishna Consciousness worldwide. Within a few years, the movement expanded rapidly, attracting thousands of followers in the United States, Europe, and beyond.

Today, ISKCON operates in over 100 countries, with major centers in India, the USA, the UK, Russia, Australia, and many other nations. The ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, also known as Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, and the ISKCON Temple in Mayapur, West Bengal, are among the most prominent pilgrimage sites.

Philosophy and Teachings of ISKCON

ISKCON follows the ancient Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, which emphasizes bhakti yoga (devotional service) to Lord Krishna. Some core beliefs include:

Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead – ISKCON teaches that Lord Krishna is the ultimate reality, as stated in the Bhagavad Gita (18.66) and Srimad Bhagavatam (1.1.1).
Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra – Devotees practice the daily chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare | Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare to attain spiritual enlightenment.
Bhagavad Gita as the Divine Scripture – The Bhagavad Gita As It Is, translated by Srila Prabhupada, is considered the most authentic version of this sacred text.
Four Regulative Principles – Devotees strictly follow:
- No meat-eating (Ahimsa - non-violence)
- No intoxication
- No gambling
- No illicit sex
Service to Humanity – ISKCON (Hare Krishna Mandir) actively engages in food distribution (Annadan Seva), cow protection (Gau Seva), and spreading spiritual knowledge.

Daily Practices in an ISKCON Temple (Hare Krishna Mandir)

Life in an ISKCON temple (Hare Krishna Mandir) revolves around devotional service, including:

Mangala Aarti (early morning prayers)
Chanting japa (minimum 16 rounds of the Maha Mantra on beads)
Scriptural study (Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam classes)
Kirtan (congregational singing)
Seva (service) to Lord Krishna and devotees
Prasadam distribution (offering sanctified food to devotees and the public)

Major ISKCON Temples Around the World

Some of the most famous ISKCON temples include:

How to Join ISKCON (Hare Krishna Mandir)?

Anyone interested in Krishna Consciousness can associate with ISKCON by:

Visiting an ISKCON (Hare Krishna Mandir) and attending programs
Chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra daily
Reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is
Following the four regulative principles
Participating in seva (volunteer work)
Becoming a formal devotee (if one wishes to dedicate their life fully to Krishna)

Difference Between ISKCON and Hinduism

While ISKCON follows Sanatana Dharma (eternal religion), there are some differences between ISKCON and mainstream Hinduism:

Focus on Krishna Bhakti – Unlike some Hindu traditions that worship multiple deities, ISKCON emphasizes Lord Krishna as the Supreme Being.
Strict Regulative Principles – ISKCON followers strictly avoid meat-eating, intoxication, gambling, and illicit sex.
Spiritual Discipline – Devotees follow a structured spiritual lifestyle, including daily chanting, temple services, and scriptural study.

Impact of ISKCON Worldwide

ISKCON has made a significant global impact by:

Distributing over 500 million Bhagavad Gitas and Vedic scriptures
Establishing the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program (ISKCON Food for Life)
Building eco-friendly farm communities
Promoting ethical and spiritual values in society

Conclusion

ISKCON is more than just a religious movement; it is a spiritual way of life centered around devotion to Lord Krishna. Whether you are looking for inner peace, spiritual enlightenment, or a deeper understanding of Vedic wisdom, ISKCON offers a path through bhakti yoga, scriptural study, and service to humanity.