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International Society for Krishna Consciousness

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International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly referred to as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization. It was founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada[2] on July 13, 1966 in New York City. ISKCON's main headquarters is in Mayapur, West Bengal, India and it claims approximately 1 million members globally.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness
AbbreviationISKCON
Formation13 July 1966 (58 years ago) (1966-07-13) New York City, United States
FounderA. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
TypeReligious organization
Legal statusFoundation
HeadquartersMayapur, Nabadwip, Nadia, West Bengal, India
Location
  • 800+ temples and centres[1]
Coordinates23°25′29″N 88°23′20″E / 23.4248°N 88.3889°E / 23.4248; 88.3889
Area served
Worldwide
Main organ
Governing Body Commission
AffiliationsGaudiya Vaishnavism (Hinduism)
Websitewww.iskcon.org

ISKCON members practice a distinct form of monotheistic Hinduism, grounded in Hindu scriptures and especially guided by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's commentary and translation of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana. Described as “the largest and arguably most important branch” of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition,[3] ISKCON traces its roots in India to the early 16th century and expanded to gain followers in America, Europe, and Africa from the mid-to-late 20th century.[4]

The Hare Krishna movement advocates for lacto-vegetarianism and was initially founded to promote bhakti yoga. Followers, known as bhaktas, dedicate their thoughts and actions to devotion toward Krishna, whom they honor as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.[5] The movement has experienced its fastest growth in India and, following the Soviet Union's collapse, in Russia and other formerly Soviet-aligned countries in Eastern Europe.[citation needed]

History and belief

Further information: Achintya Bheda Abheda and Gaudiya Vaishnavism
 
Pancha-Tattva deities: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara and Srivasa, installed in a Gaudiya Vaishnava temple
 
ISKCON's Bhajan during Navratri Golu at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

ISKCON devotees follow a disciplic line of Gaudiya Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.[3] Vaishnavism means 'worship of Vishnu', and Gauḍa refers to the area where this particular branch of Vaishnavism originated, in the Gauda region of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially West Bengal and Odisha, for the past five hundred years. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who rapidly spread his form of ecstatic bhakti (devotion) throughout Bengal. He established Sankirtan, the practice of publicly expressing devotion to Krishna, the Supreme God, through dance and song. This form of communal worship responded to rigid caste structures by engaging all people in worship regardless of caste and creed. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra (the 'great mantra'). He is considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas to be an incarnation of Krishna himself.[6][7]

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya's Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West in 1965.[8] At 70 years old, he landed in New York without any money (40 rupees of Indian currency). Instead of preaching to New York's elite, he tapped into the 1960s countercultural spirit by preaching and chanting in public parks and attracting hippies and the youth. His movement, then known as the "Hare Krishna Movement", grew even larger when he relocated to San Francisco a year later.[7] When it spread to England, it gained publicity and financial backing from the Beatles' George Harrison. He recorded several tracks with the Hare Krishnas and included the Mahamantra in his hit track "My Sweet Lord".[9] The first Hare Krishna commune, New Vrindavan (West Virginia), was established by Prabhupada in 1968.[6] Since then, ISKCON has established more than 800 centers all over the world and has millions of followers.[9]

Key to the spread of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology in the Western world were Prabhupada's writings and translations,[10] including the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), Chaitanya Charitamrita, and other scriptures. These works are now available in more than seventy languages and serve as the scriptures of ISKCON.[11]

Singular worship of Krishna

ISKCON describes Krishna as the original source of all the avatars of the Almighty God.[12] Registered members worship Krishna as the highest form of God, svayam bhagavan, and often refer to him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead in their published writing, which was a phrase coined by Prabhupada in his books on the subject.

For its devotees, Radha represents Krishna's divine female counterpart, the original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of devotional love. The individual soul has an eternal spiritual identity which does not ultimately merge into the non-dual consciousness (Brahman) as believed by the monistic (Advaita) schools of Hinduism. Prabhupada most frequently offers Sanatana-dharma and Varnashrama dharma as more accurate names for the religious system which accepts Vedic authority.[13]

Pious believers both teach and claim that Krishna is greater and far magnanimous than the traditionalist Hindu Trimurti of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma and all its conceived emanations. It is a monotheistic tradition which has its roots in the theistic Vedanta traditions.[14]

Religious practices

 
Statue of Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON.
 
Hare Krishna Ratha-Yatra through the streets of Boston, Massachusetts.

The most famous and publicly recognizable ISKCON practice is kirtan, a congregational chanting or singing of the Hare Krishna mantra. Kirtan is both a way to express devotion to God and a way to attract newcomers to the movement. Devotees gather in public, in streets and parks, to sing the mantra accompanied by instruments like the mridanga, hand cymbals, and the harmonium. During the 1970s, ISKCON entered the public eye because of this practice. Devotees would sing, distribute books, and proselytize in airports and other public areas, often obtrusively. Sankirtan continues throughout the world today, but in a less confrontational manner.[15]

Japa is another important religious practice within ISKCON and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is the meditative practice of repeatedly chanting the names of Krishna on a set of prayer beads. Its believers chant a mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

This mantra is repeated 108 times on the bead. Devotees usually chant 16 rounds of this everyday.[16] It is considered the only way of salvation for people in the current age of Kali. Prabhupada established a standard for initiated devotees to chant sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on a Japamala containing 108 beads, daily.[17] Each round consists of 1728 repetitions of the names of Krishna.[18]

Arati is also an important tenet (also called puja) of ISKCON. During arati, devotees offer water, incense, a fire lamp, and flowers to a murti, a sacred statue or image of Krishna. This is accompanied by prayers and devotional songs called bhajans. Practitioners may perform arati at their own home or congregate at a temple to join in the ceremony. Along with this worship, devotees will bathe the murti, dress it, offer it food, and even put it to sleep. By doing arati and serving the murti, devotees aim to deepen their relationship with Krishna.[15]

ISKCON devotees meet regularly (typically on Sunday at a program known as the Sunday Feast)[19] to worship deities, listen to discourses by senior devotees, participate in kirtan and eat sanctified offered food prasadam. Devotees place great emphasis on listening to spiritual discourses, believing them to be a key role in spiritual advancement.[20]

Four Regulative Principles

During initiation (diksha) ISKCON devotees vow to follow four basic rules and regulations.[15]

  • The consumption of only lacto-vegetarian diet (abstinence from meat, fish, eggs).
  • Prohibition against consuming any intoxicants (i.e., onion, garlic, coffee, caffeinated drinks, tea, tobacco cigarettes, drugs and alcohol)
  • Prohibition against gambling
  • Prohibition against draining sexual energy by engaging in 'illicit sexual activity and relationships' outside of marriage.

Celebrated festivals

 
Hare Krishna street show on Arbat Street in Moscow, Russia, 2009

Besides weekly gatherings, devotees within the ISKCON movement celebrate a diverse array of Hindu festivals, including Janmashtami, Radhastami, Diwali, Gaura Purnima, Ekadasi, Holi, Rama Navami, and Gita Jayanti.[21]

The Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots is an annual parade whereby devotees chant and dance on the street, pulling a chariot with the deities of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra behind them. This public procession is typically followed by performances and free vegetarian food.[22]

Public preaching

ISKCON advocates preaching.[23] Members try to spread Krishna consciousness primarily by singing the Hare Krishna mantra in public places and by selling Indian spiritual books transcribed from their original languages and published in English by the movement's founder, Prabhupada.[24]

A study conducted by the American researcher E. Burke Rochford Jr. at the University of California found that there are four types of contact between those in ISKCON and prospective members: individually motivated contact, contact made with members in public areas, contact made through personal connections, and contact with sympathizers of the movement who strongly encourage people to join.[25]

Organizational management

 
Photo of GBC commissioners during a conference in Prabhupadadesh, Italy, 2003.

Prabhupada spent much of the last decade of his life setting up the institution of ISKCON.[26][27]

The Governing Body Commission (or GBC) is the managerial authority of ISKCON. Created by Bhaktivedanta in 1970, it meets annually.[28] In a document Direction of Management written on 28 July 1970 Prabhupada appointed twelve members to the commission, all of them non-sannyasi, including Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, Hansadutta Swami, and Tamala Krishna Goswami.[26] The letter outlined the purposes of the commission: improving the standard of temple management, the spread of Krishna consciousness, the distribution of books and literature, the opening of new centers and the education of the devotees. GBC has since grown in size to include 48 senior members from the movement who make decisions based on consensus of opinion.[26][29]

Shortly after establishing the GBC, Prabhupada asked his newly appointed leaders to renounce the everyday world and become sannyasis (renunciate monks), indicating that those who set policy would not be involved with financial dealings. However, after Prabhupada's death some GBC members adopted lavish lifestyles. A number of schisms tested the notion of the supreme authority of the GBC. Some of these scandals involved GBC members Hans Kary (Hansadutta) and James Immel (Jayatirtha), as well as one of the leaders of the New Vrindaban community, Keith Ham (Kirtanananda), who surrounded himself with opulence and declared himself the only true successor to Prabhupada.[30]

In 1982, the GBC began the slow process of adding new gurus to the original eleven. In 1983 the GBC was announced to be the highest ecclesiastical authority of ISKCON.[31] In 1985 the decision was made to lower the standard of living for ISKCON leadership. After much heated discussion, the GBC decided to "relieve" a number of leaders and new leaders were selected. The young leaders of the GBC sought the advice of one of Prabhupada's Gaudiya godbrothers, and endeavored to become more integrated in the broader Hindu community.[31]

After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders in ISKCON, overriding the former GBC supposition that "unprotected, 'women leaders become subject to various forms of mistreatment and abuse'". In 1998, Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC.[32] The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.[33]

Succession of teachings

Main article: ISKCON guru system
 
Chanting beads, normally of tulsi wood given by an ISKCON guru at the initiation to an ISKCON devotee

Prabhupada claimed to belong to the traditional system of paramparā, or disciplic succession, in which teachings upheld by scriptures are handed down from master to disciple, generation after generation.[citation needed]

Women's roles

Women's roles are a controversial issue within ISKCON, and its members have strongly divergent opinions regarding the interpretation of Prabhupada's teachings on gender roles.[34] While some of its leaders advocate that women should take public leadership roles,[35] other leaders disagree, and maintain that "traditional" roles for women are more appropriate. Concerns have been expressed regarding the perceived potential for adverse effects stemming from feminist ideals infiltrating the regulations of ISKCON.[36]

Since women are the most respected position in Vedic culture, women within the Hare Krishna community are all viewed with reverence, especially by celibate male monks, also known as brahmacharis. "Mataji" (lit. Mother) is a term of respect for women in ISKCON, and is often prefixed to the Sanskrit name they receive in initiation. Unmarried women are also referred to in this term.[37]

 
Malati Devi Dasi is the first woman appointed to the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)

After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders and initiators in ISKCON. In 1998, Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC.[32] The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.[38]

A document released by the GBC in 2019 stating that it was permissible for women to become initiating gurus within the ISKCON movement.[39]

Office for Child Protection

In 1998, ISKCON published an exposé of widespread physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children in the group's boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s. The report stated that the monks and young devotees caring for the children had no training in the task and often resented having to perform it. At a meeting in 1996, former young members testified that they had been regularly beaten at school, denied medical care, and sexually molested and raped.[40]

In 2002, a suit for $900 million was filed in Texas State Court by alleged victims of abuse in ISKCON boarding schools.[41][40] ISKCON later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.[42] The eventual 2008 settlement in what became known as the Turley Case was $15 million.[43]

The ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection department office was established by the GBC in 1997. It released its first official Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines. The CPO has provided Child Protection Information Training to over 500 child care providers within the organization internationally and continues to file and review reports on local Child Protection Teams in 2005. The Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines were revised and ratified by the GBC in June 2018.[44]

Kirtan and musical influence

 
Hare Krishna devotees singing at the Esplanadi Park in Helsinki, Finland in August 2014

The practice of mantra chanting and devotional singing, also known as Kirtan, is prominent in the ISKCON movement. Dedicated kirtan festivals are held annually around the world, such as the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in Boone, North Carolina,[45] Kirtan 50[46] in Dallas, Texas, and Radhadesh Mellows, in Durbuy, Belgium. Notable kirtaneers include Jahnavi Harrison, Gaura Vani, and the Mayapuris,[47] who have all released Kirtan albums. Kirtan sessions are also held outside of temple settings, including at a local university "Bhakti Clubs", mantra lounges, and at a yoga and wellness festivals.[48]

Full theatrical performances have been produced based on the Vedic theologies. Prominent performance companies include Viva Kultura[49] and Vande Arts.[50]

 
The Head, ISKCON, Shri Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja calls on India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on March 18, 2016.

The Hare Krishna mantra appears in some famous songs, such as former Beatle George Harrison's 1970 hit "My Sweet Lord".[51][52] John Lennon included the phrase "Hare Krishna" in his lyrics to "Give Peace a Chance" and the Beatles' 1967 track "I Am the Walrus". The backing vocalists also sing the phrase in Ringo Starr's 1971 hit "It Don't Come Easy", written with the help of Harrison, although the words were mixed low on the released version.[53]

Of the four Beatles, only Harrison fully embraced Krishna Consciousness. He also provided financial support for ISKCON's UK branch and in 1973 purchased Bhaktivedanta Manor for their temple compound.[54] Harrison enjoyed a warm friendship with Prabhupada,[55][56] who provided the inspiration for Harrison songs such as "Living in the Material World".[57]

In the 1980s, underground New York City hardcore punk band the Cro-Mags included Hare Krishna members and made references to Krishna Consciousness. By the early 1990s, an entire underground Krishnacore subgenre was established with other New York hardcore bands like Shelter and 108.[58]

In 2020, Willow Smith and Jahnavi Harrison collaborated on the song "Surrender (Krishna Keshava"), and the album "RISE",[59][60] featuring ancient sacred songs from India with Sanskrit lyrics.[61]

Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is one of the four tenets of ISKCON.[18] Due to Prabhupada's focus on food distribution, many ISKCON devotees have opened vegan and vegetarian eateries.[62] Not all restaurants opened by ISKCON members are officially affiliated with ISKCON, although many Govindas' restaurants or catering businesses operate out of the main temple center.[63]

The ISKCON followers refer to their diet as 'Krishnatarian'. According to them "A Krishnatarian meal is one which is cooked using fresh, vegetarian ingredients (excluding onion, garlic, red lentils and mushrooms) and milk products which is cooked by an Iskcon follower and offered to their main deities before it is distributed and consumed."[64]

Demographics

 
Hare Krishna musicians in Mexico City
 
Hare Krishna street show in Donetsk, Ukraine, 2011

ISKCON claims to have around one million congregational members worldwide (majority in India), with 15,000 in Great Britain.[65]

In the West it "has a relatively small number of followers", estimated at "a few thousand full-time practitioners", but those showing interest in its activities might number into the "tens of thousands."[66]

After considerable success in the West due to the counterculture of the 1960s, ISKCON lost its momentum from the early 1980s onward, "facing a sharp decline in membership and in financial resources" in North America and in Western Europe, while in the late 1990s the situation began to deteriorate in Eastern Europe as well. In 2000, it was estimated that only 750–900 members were residing in ISKCON centers in the United States. Since then, ISKCON has depended on the Indian diaspora to "revitalize" the movement; in most North American congregations Indian members making up 80% of the numbers.[67]

Criticism and controversies

ISKCON has experienced a number of significant internal problems, the majority of which occurred from the late 1970s onwards, and especially within the decade following Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's death.[68] ISKCON has also been scrutinised by some anti-cult movements.[69][70]

Accordingly, the organization has also been widely criticized for alleged re-translation of various traditionalist Hindu scriptures by their own publishing company, which alleges that other Hindu gods are either ignored, censored or demoted to the lesser status or secondary tier as "Demi-gods", while only promoting Krishna as singular and highest form of "Supreme Godhead".

In USA

  • In a 1976 case, People v. Murphy, a criminal trial court in Queens County, New York held that "'[T]he Hare Krishna religion is a bona fide religion with roots in India that go back thousands of years." A grand jury indicted Iskcon, Inc. and the president of an ISKCON temple for the crime of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree. Although the parents of two Hare Krishna members claimed ISKCON had allegedly imprisoned their children through brainwashing, Justice John J. Leahy dismissed the criminal indictments on the basis that the two members had freely followed the tenets of their chosen faith.[71][72]
  • In a 1984 case, George v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California, a lawsuit led to lengthy appeals resulting in a mixed judgment.[73] Marcia and Robin George, a mother and daughter, accused ISKCON of kidnapping Robin via brainwashing and later lying to her parents about her whereabouts. They sued ISKCON for false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, libel, and the wrongful death of Robin's father based on stress caused by the alleged circumstances. A California state appellate court dismissed Robin's claims for false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress on the basis that she was not brainwashed, but rather was "a bright and gifted high school student of above-average intelligence and maturity" who was "capable of consenting" to her travels with her purported kidnappers. On the other hand, the same appellate court affirmed the jury verdicts holding ISKCON liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress against Marcia and wrongful death because the defendants had deliberately lied to Robin's parents about her location while actively assisting Robin in her travels. The court also dismissed Robin's libel claim while affirming the jury verdict of libel in favor of Marcia.[74]
  • Kirtanananda Swami, or Swami Bhaktipada, a leader of ISKCON, was expelled from the organisation in 1987 for various deviations.[75] He was the leader of New Vrindaban, the largest and most famous Hare Krishna community in the United States at that time.[76] In 1996, Kirtanananda pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering and after serving 8 years of a 20-year prison sentence was subsequently released in 2004. Previously, in 1991, the jury had found him guilty of racketeering and mail fraud. These convictions were later overturned on appeal, only to result in the later retrial.[77][78][79]

In India

  • In the 1990s, ISKCON faced accusations of child abuse, and its leaders acknowledged physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children who were sent to live in the rural communities' boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s.[80][81] Sociologist of religion E. Burke Rochford argues that a culture of abuse in ISKCON schools arose in part because of renunciant leaders' subtle denigration of the value of householders and children.[34] Several safety regulations and subcommittees, such as ISKCON Resolve and the ISKCON Child Protection Office, have been developed since these allegations to ensure that the legal rights, as well as the health and safety of devotees, are protected.[82]

In Bangladesh

  • Bangladeshi media claim that Amit Saha, who was given life imprisonment for the murder of Abrar Fahad was a member of the organisation.[83][84]
  • On 5 November 2024, clashes were reported in Chattogram, Bangladesh between members of ISKCON and Bangladeshi law enforcement, including the police, army, and border guards.[85] The unrest began following a Facebook post by Osman Ali, a local shop owner, calling for a ban on ISKCON. In response, a group of ISKCON supporters allegedly attacked Osman’s shop with the intent to harm him.[86]

    Law enforcement intervened to rescue Osman Ali and his brother from the agitated crowd.[87] During the operation, the crowd allegedly turned on security forces, throwing bricks and acid while chanting "Jai Shree Ram."[88] The violence resulted in injuries to nine police officers and five army personnel. Osman's shop was destroyed, and neighboring businesses were damaged.[89]

    In the aftermath, 82 individuals were arrested, with 49 facing formal charges. Osman Ali was also detained under blasphemy laws.[90]

  • In 26 November, 2024, Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer at the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, was killed[91] during a clash between security forces and protesters demanding the release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.[92][93][94]

    According to eyewitness Kayes Uddin Didar, "advocate Alif was at the entrance of Rangan Community Center. He was taken from there and was hacked to death."[95] Senior lawyer Nurul Mostafa Sohel stated that "Alif went to the spot after being informed about an attack on a mosque. He was taken from there and was hacked dead."

    The violence began when protesters obstructed a prison van carrying the former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, demanding his release.[96][97][98]

    According to Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, demonstrators threw bricks at the police, prompting officers to use tear gas and sound grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd. This escalation occurred as tensions rose during the protests.[99] In retaliation, the protesters attacked nearby establishments, mosques and lawyers' vehicles.[100][101][102]

    Among those linked to Saiful Islam Alif's death is Shuvo Kanti Das, allegedly to be an active member of ISKCON and associated with the banned organization Bangladesh Chhatra League, student wing of the political party, Bangladesh Awami League.[103][104] Along with him around 30 suspects were detained in connection with the incident.[105][106][107]

Persecutions

In the last several decades, there have been multiple counts of violent actions taken against ISKCON that have resulted in the deaths of many, including devotees of ISKCON.

On January 21, 1974, two firebombs were tossed into the Hare Krishna temple in Knoxville, Tennessee. Allen Bruce North, a twenty-two year old member of the movement, died of his injuries (burns over 80% of his body) several days later at St. Mary's Hospital with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William North, by his side. Winfield Dunn, the then governor of Tennessee, offered a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. In August 2006, a bomb blast struck the ISKCON temple in Imphal in Manipur, India while the temple was full of worshipers. Five devotees were killed and a further 50 were injured, among them being the chief priest. The director-general of the police announced that, after an investigation, they believed that the attack was carried out by two suspects, but their names were not released to the public.[108][109] The next year, in 2007, the Kazakhstan government authorities demolished 25 homes belonging to the ISKCON members in Sri Vrindavan Dham commune in Almaty, on the grounds that they were illegal constructions. ISKCON argued that they were victims of religious persecution and the government maintains that it was purely related to property rights.[110]

In 2009, an orphanage run by the ISKCON Chittagong (Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir) in Bangladesh was attacked in an incident linked to an internal feud between two groups within the organization. The group vandalized furniture and a statue in the orphanage and beat the devotees of other group. They also tried to take control of the temple and the orphanage. Despite the violence that was perpetrated, there was immense support by the surrounding community after the attack.[111]

In 2015, the ISKCON Temple, Dinajpur in Bangladesh was attacked by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorists. The terrorists set off hand bombs and then opened fire on those in attendance. At least two people were injured in the attack and both were transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.[112][113] In 2016, the ISKCON Sylhet in Bangladesh was attacked by Muslims and at least ten people were injured in that attack.[114][115] In 2018, the gate of the ISKCON Temple in Curitiba, Brazil was targeted by unknown perpetrators. The painting of Krishna with his mother Yashoda was defaced.[116]In that same year. Rath Yatra organized by ISKCON Dhaka in Bangladesh was attacked by a unknown group of people, leaving six devotees injured.[117] In 2020, an Ansar al-Islam group planned an attack on the ISKCON Temple Dhaka but police arrested them.[118] An ISKCON temple ended up being attacked by a Muslim mob during Navami, which fell on October 15 of 2021. The Muslim mob attacked the ISKCON temple that was located in Noakhali, Bangladesh. The results these attacks ended up in the deaths of two devotees.[119][120][121][122] In early August 2024, violence targeting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh led to the burning of the ISKCON temple in Meherpur and a 200-year-old Kali temple in Noakhali. Incidents of burning of properties belonging to Hindu people have also been reported.[123][124][125]

On November 5 2024, a procession of individuals moved from Teri Bazar to Cheragi in Chattogram, Bangladesh, allegedly with the intent to incite communal tensions. Video evidence showed participants raising incendiary slogans such as, "There is no place for ISKCON in this Bangla," "Burn down ISKCON," and "Demolish ISKCON's establishments."[126] The unrest followed a controversial Facebook post by Osman Ali, member of the Jamat-e-Islami[127] and a local trader, who allegedly labeled ISKCON a "terrorist group."[128][129] This post sparked outrage among the Hindu community, particularly in Chattogram’s Hazari Gali area, leading to communal clashes.[130] In response, joint police and military forces conducted operations in the region, resulting in the arrest of nearly 100 suspects involved in the violence.[126]

Centers worldwide

India

India has the highest density of ISKCON centers in the world, with over 800 temples, 12 state-recognized educational institutions, 25 affiliated and non-affiliated restaurants, and a number of tourist and pilgrimage hotels.[131] ISKCON India disciples are more conservative than the ISKCON disciples in the west.[132]

Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur

 
The ISKCON Temple of the Vedic Planetarium at Mayapur, under construction.

Set to be completed in 2024, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur in West Bengal is built in the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Gaudiya-Vaishnava lineage of Hinduism. The temple itself currently sits at 425,000 square feet (39,500 m2) and is 340 feet (100 m) tall, and is surrounded by accompanying lodges, shops, residences, educational centers, and gardens. The project cost an estimated $75 million, with its major investor being Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford. The complex has a planetarium based on Vedic cosmology and exhibitions about the Vedic arts, sciences, and culture as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam.[133]

Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan

 
Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan.

Located in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, the Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir temple was built in the original village where the spiritual figures Krishna and Balarama are said to have resided in the Vedic period of Indian history. It is built in close proximity to other holy sites such as the village of Gokul, Govardhana Hill, the Mathura palace, and various holy lakes. As a result, ISKCON Vrindavan is a common pilgrimage site for followers of the Krishna Conscious movement. The complex is home to a guesthouse, a museum, gift shops, a restaurant, a bakery, a broadcast studio as well as a marble temple hall.[134] The temple is also affiliated with the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education.[135]

Sri Sri Radha-Rasabihari Mandir, Raipur

 
Decoration at Sri Sri Radha-Rasabihari Mandir in Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Inaugurated in August 2024, the Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Mandir in Raipur, Chhattisgarh sets new records as the largest temple in Raipur.

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

Main article: Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

In March 2014, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple project was inaugurated,[136] and on 16 November 2014, the foundation stone of the temple was laid. Overseen by ISKCON Bangalore, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple building is currently under construction.[137][needs update]

Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi

 
Sculpture of Krishna at ISKCON East of Kailash, New Delhi
 
The ISKCON Temple in New Delhi.

The Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir temple complex houses the Glory of India Vedic Cultural center, which is a set of interactive educational exhibits, as well as the world's largest printed religious book, known as the "Astounding Bhagavad Gita".[138] It is located in East of Kailash in South Delhi.

Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai

 
The ISKCON Temple Chennai, established 2012.

The Chennai temple is located on the East Coast Road in southern part of the city. Built on 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) of land and consecrated in 2012, the temple is the largest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu.[139]

Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple, Salem

The ISKCON Salem temple, also known as the Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple of Vedic Knowledge and Culture, is located on Hare Krishna Land, Karuppur, Salem. Built on 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) of land, the temple is one of the Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It was formally inaugurated in October 2019.[140]

Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri

 
One of the ISKCON temples in West Bengal—Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri.

Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir is located at Siliguri, West Bengal[141] and known as Gupta Nabadweep Dham.

Nepal

ISKCON Temple Nepal or ISKCON Nepal is located in Kathmandu. The geographic coordinates of ISKCON Nepal are 27.784062° or (27°47'2.62") of North and 85.356938° or (85°21'24.98") of East. It is on the lap of Shivapuri Mountain where the Holy Bishnumati River flows.

In this temple, the Deities of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Hari (Radha and Krishna), Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra, Gaur Nitai, Narasimha are worshiped. ISKCON Nepal celebrates Jagannath Rath Yatra every year.[142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149] As per a 2018 estimate, over 5000 devotees participate in the ratha yatra from across the globe.[150][151]

Europe

There are over 135 ISKCON-affiliated temples and cultural centers in Europe. The ISKCON movement in Europe is home to a number of rural and farming communities, including Nueva Vrajamandala in Spain,[152] La Nouvelle Mayapura in France, and Villa Vrindavan[153] in Italy.

There are also 31 additional centers in Russia, as Vaishnava Hinduism represents one of the largest denominations of faith in the country.[154]

Radhadesh, Belgium

The Radhadesh temple in Durbuy, Belgium, is home to Bhaktivedanta College, which opened in 2002 to provide ministerial and spiritual education for students, offering degrees and certificates online and on-campus in Vaishnava theology externally validated by the University of Chester.[155]

 
Bhaktivedanta College in Belgium

The Radhadesh temple is also home to Radhadesh Mellows, an annual kirtan retreat.[156]

Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford

A landscaped property featuring gardens, lakes, a school, farm, numerous temple and housing buildings, accommodations, and a bakery. The property for Bhaktivedanta Manor was donated by George Harrison of the Beatles and is on the National Heritage List for England. The houses on the property, including the temple, are built in the mock-Tudor mansion style of the 1800s.[157]

Bhaktivedanta Manor is also home to the London College of Vedic Studies,[158] and is the birthplace of the Avanti Schools Trust, a sponsor of state-funded primary and secondary schools that provides both non-denominational and Hindu-faith education throughout the UK.[159]

Demographically, the majority of devotees in Europe are ethnic Europeans. An exception can be made with the demographics of devotees in the United Kingdom, which caters to the Indian immigrant population, mirroring the demographics of most North American centers.[160]

North and South America

 
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, view of the southeast side.

There are 56 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in the United States.[161] Notable centers include Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (Spanish Fork), Utah, New Raman Reti in Alachua, FL,[162] and The Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas, TX.[163] Hare Krishna-affiliated full-time communities include New Vrindaban in West Virginia,[164] and Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.[165] There are various other centers in the United States that promote Krishna Conscious culture without being formally affiliated with ISKCON, including The Bhakti Center in New York City.[166] The ISKCON Dallas temple is affiliated with the nearby TKG Academy,[167] which provides private school academic education with additional Vedic-based courses.

There are 12 ISKCON centers in Canada, including the Vedic Education Centre (ISKCON Brampton) and the self-sustaining Saranagati Eco Village in BC.[168] There are 5 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in Mexico.

 
The temple of ISKCON eco-village "Nova Gokula", Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

There are 60 affiliated ISKCON temples in South America, with most congregations located in Argentina and Brazil. There are also a number of devotee-run farming communities throughout Latin America.[169][170] Most notable is the eco-village "Nova Gokula" at Pindamonhangaba in the Brazil state of São Paulo, founded in 1978, with two temples planning as traditional Hindu architecture.[171]

Asia, Africa, and Australasia

 
The ISKCON Temple in Mombasa, Kenya.

Asia is home to over 80 ISKCON affiliated centers, with most being located in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.[172]

There are 69 affiliated ISKCON centers in Africa, four of which are rural farming communities and three of which are educational centers.[173] ISKCON Durban hosts the world's largest Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival outside of India.[174]

There are six ISKCON centers, including one farming village in Australia and four temple centers in New Zealand.[175]

Subsidiaries

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) is a nonprofit organization, of ISKCON, and supplies books both to ISKCON and to the book trade in general.[176] BBT is the publisher of books on the Gaudiya Vaishnava.[177] BBT was established in 1972 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta as the publisher for his books and for books by other authors. It also publishes the magazine Back to Godhead in multiple languages.[178] Apart from the BBT's work in publishing, it helps finance the construction and renovation of Krishna temples in the Gaudiya Vaishnava holy places like Vrindavan and Mayapur.

Cow protection and ISCOWP

ISCOWP (International Society for Cow Protection) claims to "present alternatives to agricultural and dietary practices that support and depend upon the meat and dairy industries' slaughter of the cow".[179]

ISKCON Tribal Care Trust

ISKCON Tribal Care Trust (ITCT) is an affiliate targeting the tribal people. The trust has set up schools and potable water sources for the tribal people.[180]

 
Member of Food for Life Russia giving food.

Pandava Sena

Based out of Bhaktivedanta Manor of Watford UK, Pandava Sena is a youth organization started in 1994. It is composed of professionals and university students that host annual international mentorship and reunion retreats and weekly social gatherings.[181]

Pandava Sena has also established "KCSocs" or "Krishna Conscious Societies" across 30 universities in the UK. Many universities have similar student groups featuring youth from local ISKCON temples.[182]

Notable people

Main article: List of International Society for Krishna Consciousness members and patrons

See also

References

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