What is ISKCON?
ISKCON stands for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is a global spiritual movement rooted in Bhakti Yoga, or the path of devotion. The organization promotes love and service to Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the Vaishnava tradition.
ISKCON teaches that human life’s goal is to reconnect with God. It spreads this message through chanting, scripture, festivals, and community living. The society has followers across continents and has become a sanctuary for spiritual seekers from diverse backgrounds.
The Birth of ISKCON: When and Where
ISKCON was officially founded on July 13, 1966, in New York City. It was the vision of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who arrived in the U.S. from India in 1965 at the age of 69.
With no money and limited contacts, he began preaching the teachings of Lord Krishna in parks and small gatherings. His charisma, clarity, and deep devotion attracted Western youth, leading to the establishment of ISKCON as a registered religious organization.
Founder and His Vision
Srila Prabhupada, born in 1896 in Kolkata, was a disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur. His mission was to fulfill his guru’s instruction to spread Krishna consciousness in the English-speaking world.
Prabhupada translated sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam into English. These books became foundational for ISKCON. He established more than 100 temples in just 11 years and trained thousands of disciples to continue the mission globally.
Why ISKCON Attracts Foreigners
ISKCON’s universal message of peace, love, and spiritual purpose deeply appeals to foreigners. Many seekers in the West find modern life spiritually hollow. ISKCON offers answers to life’s questions through ancient wisdom in a practical format.
The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, vegetarian lifestyle, and peaceful temple environments offer a refreshing contrast to materialism. People from countries like the United States, Russia, Brazil, and the UK are increasingly embracing the movement.
Where Are Devotees Coming From?
Although ISKCON started in the United States, its largest following is now in India. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have thriving ISKCON communities.
Russia, surprisingly, is home to one of the most vibrant ISKCON movements outside India. Other major hubs include Australia, South Africa, Germany, and Latin America. The universality of the teachings makes it accessible across cultures.
All Major ISKCON Temples in India
India houses many majestic ISKCON temples that blend devotion with architecture. Here is a list of the most significant ones:
- ISKCON Vrindavan (Krishna Balaram Mandir)
- ISKCON Mayapur (Global Headquarters)
- ISKCON Bangalore
- ISKCON Delhi (East of Kailash)
- ISKCON Juhu (Mumbai)
- ISKCON Chowpatty (Mumbai)
- ISKCON Pune
- ISKCON Ujjain
- ISKCON Hyderabad
- ISKCON Ahmedabad
These temples serve as centers for worship, education, festivals, and community outreach.
Spotlight on Famous ISKCON Temples
ISKCON Vrindavan is one of the most revered temples. Located in Lord Krishna’s childhood home, it is a spiritual hotspot for global devotees.
ISKCON Bangalore stands out for its modern infrastructure and active youth outreach programs. It offers spiritual education alongside tech-friendly presentations.
Iskcon Mayapur located in West Bengal, is the spiritual headquarters. It is also home to the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, a massive project under construction that aims to blend spirituality with cosmology.
ISKCON Juhu in Mumbai is iconic. With its pristine beach location, daily visitors, and vibrant festivals, it is one of ISKCON’s busiest temples.
Worship and Daily Routine
ISKCON worship follows a structured daily schedule. Devotees typically begin the day with Mangla Aarti at 4:30 AM, followed by japa (mantra meditation) using 108-bead malas.
Daily activities include:
- Morning Bhagavatam class
- Deity worship and offerings
- Midday and evening aartis
- Evening kirtans and spiritual discourses
The central practice is chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra:
“Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare”
This chant is considered the easiest and most powerful way to connect with God in the modern age.
What is Prashadam?
Prashadam means “mercy” in Sanskrit. It refers to food that is first offered to Lord Krishna before being served to devotees.
At ISKCON temples, prashadam is free and available daily. It is always vegetarian, often cooked without onions or garlic, and prepared in a spiritually clean environment.
Eating prashadam is considered an act of devotion and purifies one’s consciousness. Many devotees credit their initial attraction to ISKCON to the taste and purity of this food.
Mangla Aarti: The Morning Spiritual Boost
Mangla Aarti is the first temple service of the day. Taking place before sunrise, it involves rhythmic singing, blowing of conch shells, and offering lamps to the deity.
This early morning activity sets a divine tone for the day. It is believed that spiritual vibrations are strongest during the Brahma Muhurta, about 1.5 hours before sunrise.
Why IITians Are Joining ISKCON
A growing number of IITians and engineers are becoming part of ISKCON. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer intellectual clarity and emotional strength, both valuable in high-pressure environments.
ISKCON regularly holds Bhakti Yoga retreats, personality development workshops, and scripture-based discussions in IIT campuses. Students find that ISKCON offers logical answers to life’s big questions.
For many, ISKCON becomes a space where science and spirituality coexist harmoniously.
Key Leaders Alive in ISKCON
Today, ISKCON is managed by the Governing Body Commission (GBC). Several senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada lead the mission.
Some notable leaders include:
- Radhanath Swami – Author, speaker, and spiritual guide for youth and urban professionals
- Jayapataka Swami – Senior guru and a major contributor to the Mayapur project
- Sacinandana Swami – Known for deep meditation retreats and ecstatic kirtans
- Bhakti Vikasa Swami – A vocal advocate for traditional Vedic values
Their combined leadership ensures the movement remains rooted in Prabhupada’s teachings while adapting to modern needs.
Powerful Mantras in ISKCON
ISKCON encourages the daily chanting of several mantras:
- Hare Krishna Maha Mantra – For ultimate liberation
- Narasimha Kavacha – For protection
- Govindam Adi Purusham – Played during deity darshan
- Tulasi Prayers – Offered daily to the sacred Tulasi plant
Chanting is not just mechanical repetition. It is a way to cleanse the mind, uplift the soul, and cultivate divine love.
Celebrated ISKCON Festivals
ISKCON is renowned for organizing vibrant, spiritually enriching festivals. The most celebrated include:
- Janmashtami – Lord Krishna’s appearance day
- Ratha Yatra – Lord Jagannath’s chariot festival
- Gaura Purnima – Celebrating the birth of Lord Chaitanya
- Radhashtami – Appearance of Srimati Radharani
- Govardhan Puja – Honoring Krishna’s miracle at Govardhan Hill
Festivals at ISKCON include music, drama, food, and rituals that deeply engage participants.
Beyond Religion: Social Contributions
ISKCON is involved in various social and humanitarian activities. Through the Akshaya Patra Foundation, it serves over 2 million meals to school children daily in India.
The society also supports cow protection, organic farming, education, and drug de-addiction programs. These initiatives make ISKCON more than just a religious organization. It becomes a force for societal good.
ISKCON’s Global Cultural Influence
ISKCON has entered mainstream culture through music, art, and food. George Harrison of The Beatles was a devoted supporter and helped popularize the Hare Krishna mantra in the West.
Govinda’s Restaurants, operated by ISKCON, serve delicious vegetarian food globally. The temples also feature art galleries, Vedic exhibitions, and classical music events.
Through these means, ISKCON preserves ancient Indian wisdom while enriching global culture.
Final Thoughts: The Eternal Relevance of ISKCON
ISKCON has grown from a small storefront in New York to a global spiritual powerhouse. It speaks to a generation seeking meaning, discipline, and divine connection.
Whether you’re a student, professional, artist, or seeker, ISKCON offers a path that is intellectually satisfying, emotionally uplifting, and spiritually powerful.
With timeless teachings, committed leaders, and a growing global family, ISKCON continues to magnetize hearts and transform lives.