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{{Short description|Religious organisation}}{{EngvarB|date=September 2017}}{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}

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| abbreviation = ISKCON| logo_caption = Official emblem of ISKCON| image = Iskon Temple, Vrindawan.jpgKrishna Balarama Mandir>ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaNew York City}}, United States| logo = ISKCON official logo.jpg{{!}}border| type = Religious organizationFoundation (nonprofit)>FoundationMayapur, Nabadwip, Nadia district>Nadia, West Bengal, India23.4248 88.3889display=inline}}| leader_title = | leader_name = | main_organ = Governing Body Commission| affiliations = Gaudiya Vaishnavism (Hinduism)| founder = A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada| membership = www.iskcon.org/}}|}}{{Vaishnavism}} The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization. It was founded on 13 July 1966 in New York City by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.{{Harvnb|Gibson|2002|p=6}} Its main headquarters is located in Mayapur, West Bengal, India.Its unique form of monotheistic core beliefs are based on Hindu scriptures, particularly Prabhupada’s commentaries and translations of the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana. ISKCON is “the largest and, arguably, most important branch” of Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition,{{Harvnb|Bryant|Ekstrand|2004|p=34}} which has had adherents in India since the early 16th century and its American and European devotees since the early 1900s.Bharati, Baba Premanand {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031529hinduism.enacademic.com/150/Bharati%2C_Baba_Premanand |date=1 October 2017 }}. Hinduism.enacademic.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-26. It has around 10 million followers worldwide.{{Citation |title=Spiritual Leader Gauranga Das Of ISKCON Hails Historic Ram Mandir Moment {{!}} Newshour Agenda |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX0ArvoNYnE |access-date=2024-01-21 |language=en}}The religious organization practices vegetarianism and was initially formed to spread the practice of Bhakti yoga. Its followers, called bhaktas, dedicate both their thoughts and actions towards pleasing Krishna, whom they consider the Supreme Personality of Godhead.{{Harvnb|Beck|2005|p=39|loc=“According to Orthodox Gaudiya. Krishna’s svarupa, or true form manifests in three ways. His svayam-rupa or transcendent form is self-existent, not dependent on anything. His tadekatma rupa is identical in essence to his true form, though it differs in appearance (and would include such forms of Krishna as Narayana and Vasudeva). His avesa form has Krishna appearing though in varying degrees of possession“}} Its most rapid expansion in registered membership has been within India and (after the collapse of the Soviet Union) in Russia and other formerly Soviet-aligned states of Eastern Europe.{{Harvnb|Cole|Dwyer|2007|p=38}}

History and belief

{{Further|Achintya Bheda Abheda|Gaudiya Vaishnavism}}File:Panca-tattva Altar.jpg|thumb|Pancha-Tattva deities: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara and SrivasaSrivasaFile:Navaratri Bajan.jpg|thumb|ISKCON’s Bhajan during Navratri Golu at CoimbatoreCoimbatoreISKCON devotees follow a disciplic line of Gaudiya Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. 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.WEB,www.religionfacts.com/hare-krishna, Hare Krishna, ReligionFacts, en, 2019-06-24, WEB,www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/origins/influences, Influences, www.patheos.com, en, 2019-06-24, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya’s Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West in 1965.BOOK, Goswami, Tamal, A Living Theology of Krishna Bhakti: Essential Teachings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Oxford University Press, 2012, 9780199950423, 21–37, 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. 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”.WEB,www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2016/10/27/iskcon-celebrates-50-years-since-its-founding/, ISKCON Celebrates 50 Years Since Its Founding, Desai, Ronak D., Forbes, en, 2019-06-25, The first Hare Krishna commune, New Vrindavan (West Virginia), was established by Prabhupada in 1968. Since then, ISKCON has established more than 800 centers all over the world and has millions of followers.Key to the spread of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology in the Western world were Prabhupada’s writings and translations,A Hinduism, Page 8, Lynne Gibson, 2002 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.WEB,vedabase.io/en/, Online Vedabase - The topmost source of spiritual knowledge, vedabase.io,

Singular worship of Krishna

ISKCON describes Krishna as the original source of all the avatars of the Almighty God.{{Harvnb|Gibson|2002|p=18}} 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.WEB , 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.BOOK, Laderman, Gary, Religion and American Cultures: An Encyclopedia of Traditions, Diversity, and Popular Expressions, ABC-CLIO, Santa Barbara, Calif, 2003, 1-57607-238-X, ISKCON,

Religious practices

File:Luçay-le-Male Temple New Mayapur à Château d’Oublaise Innen Salle a Prière Srila Prabhupada 2.jpg|thumb|Statue of PrabhupadaPrabhupadaFile:International Society of Krishna Consciousness Chariot Procession.gif|right|thumb|Hare Krishna Ratha-YatraRatha-YatraThe 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.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:on the chanting bead. This mantra is repeated 108 times on the bead. Devotees usually chant 16 rounds of this everyday.WEB, Official Website of ISKCON Temple,www.iskconbangalore.org/, en-GB, 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.Hüsken, Ute, and Christiane Brosius, eds. Ritual matters: dynamic dimensions in practice. Routledge, 2010. Each round consists of 1728 repetitions of the names of Krishna.BOOK, The Hare Krishna movement the postcharismatic fate of a religious transplant, Bryant, Edwin Francis. Ekstrand, Maria., 2004, Columbia University Press, 748865897, 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.WEB,www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/ritual-worship-devotion-symbolism/rites-and-ceremonies, Rites and Ceremonies, www.patheos.com, en, 2019-08-03, ISKCON devotees meet regularly (typically on Sunday at a program known as the Sunday Feast)WEB,back2godhead.com/sunday-feast/, The Hare Krishna Temple Sunday Feast, 2019-10-31, Back to Godhead, 2020-01-04, 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.WEB, Spiritual Discourses,www.iskconmysore.org/spiritual-discourses/, 2022-10-28, Iskcon, en-US,

Four Regulative Principles

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

• 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

File:Hare Krishna in Moscow H9202 C.JPG|thumb|Hare Krishna street show on Arbat Street in MoscowMoscowBesides 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.WEB, 2020-11-02, Festivals » Home – ISKCON – The Hare Krishna Movement,www.iskcon.org/activities/festivals.php, 2020-01-04, en-US, 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.WEB,www.krishna.com/ratha-yatra-festival-chariots, Ratha-yatra, The Festival of Chariots {{!, Krishna.com|website=www.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04}}

Public preaching

ISKCON advocates preaching.ISKON LAWBOOK, Section 4.3, International Society For Krishna Consciousness,krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123155425krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf |date=23 November 2018 }}, Publication 19 October 2009 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.Krishna Consciousness in the West â€“ David G. Bromley, Prof. Larry D. Shinn, 1989, Page 149A 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.Rochford, E Burke, Jr. Recruitment Strategies, Ideology, and Organization in the Hare Krishna Movement. Social Problems Vol.29, No. 4, 1982

Organizational management

(File:Governing Body Commission (GBC). Commissioners during a conference in Prabhupadadesh, Italy, 2003..jpg|thumb|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.BOOK, Das Goswami, S., Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, Vol 4: In Every Town and Village, Around the World, 1968–1971, Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1982, 978-0892131150, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, Knot, Kim “Insider and Outsider Perceptions of Prabhupada” in ISKCON Communications Journal Vol. 5, No 1, June 1997: “In an evaluation of the nature of the guru, Larry Shinn, a scholar of religions, utilised Max Weber’s analysis of charisma in order to understand Prabhupada and the issue of leadership in ISKCON. He noted that ‘Prabhupada profited from two intertwined sources of authority’ (1987:40), the traditional authority of the disciplic lineage, parampara, inherited from his own guru, and his own charismatic authority, derived from his spiritual attainment and presence{{nbsp}}[...] (49) Shinn offered an analysis based on sociological rather than spiritual (Vaishnava) authority in order to make sense of the role of guru in ISKCON and the unique qualities of Prabhupada.” See also Larry D. Shinn (1987), The Dark Lord: Cult Images and the Hare Krishnas in America. Philadelphia: The Westview Press.content.iskcon.com//icj/5_1/5_1knott.html" title="archive.today/20130629124429content.iskcon.com//icj/5_1/5_1knott.html">available onlineThe Governing Body Commission (or GBC) is the managerial authority of ISKCON. Created by Bhaktivedanta in 1970, it meets annually.{{Harvnb|Cole|Dwyer|2007|pp=181–183; 30: “Out of some of his most committed disciples, Srila Prabhupada created ISKCON’s international Governing Body Commission (GBC)“}} 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. 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.BOOK, Maria Ekstrand, The Hare Krishna movement: the postcharismatic fate of a religious transplant, Bryant, Edwin H., Columbia University Press, 2004, 0-231-12256-X, New York, 205, Prabhupada. Letter of 28 July 1970. “As we have increased our volume of activities, now I think a Governing Body Commission (hereinafter referred to as the G.B.C.) should be established. I am getting old, 75 years old, therefore at any time I may be out of the scene, therefore I think it is necessary to give instruction to my disciples how they shall manage the whole institution. They are already managing individual centers represented by one president, one secretary and one treasurer, and in my opinion they are doing nice. But we want still more improvement in the standard of Temple management, propaganda for Krishna consciousness, distribution of books and literatures, opening of new centers and educating devotees to the right standard.“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.Streissguth, Thomas (1995) Charismatic cult leaders pp. 128–132 {{ISBN|1-881508-18-8}}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.Bromley, David G. & Phillip E. Hammond (1987) The Future of new religious movements, New Ecumenical Research Association, Mercer University Press, pp. 126–129, {{ISBN|0-86554-238-4}} 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.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.Rochford (2007) p. 148 NYU Press The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.“Women in ISKCON {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130629124035content.iskcon.com/icj/8_1/women.html |date=29 June 2013 }}” by Visakha Dasi and Sudharma Dasi{{Verify source|date=March 2010}}

Succession of teachings

File:Japa mala (prayer beads) of Tulasi wood with 108 beads - 20040101-01.jpg|thumb|Chanting beads, normally of tulsi wood given by an ISKCON guru at the initiation to an ISKCONISKCONPrabhupada 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|date=April 2024}}

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.BOOK, Rochford, E. Burke Jr., Hare Krishna Transformed, New York University Press, 2007, 9780814775783, While some of its leaders advocate that women should take public leadership roles,WEB,hdgoswami.com/questions-and-answers/role-of-women/, Role of Women, Dasa Goswami, Hridayananda, 15 August 2013, other leaders disagree, and maintain that “traditional” roles for women are more appropriate. They fear an undesirable influence of secular feminism within ISKCON.WEB,v1.bvks.com/2013/01/feminist-rhetoric-on-dandavats, Feminist Rhetoric on Dandavats, Swami, Bhakti Vikasa, Since mother is the most respected position in Vedic culture, women within the Hare Krishna community are all viewed as mothers, especially by celibate male members brahmacharis. “Mother is a term of respect for women in ISKCON, and is often prefixed to the Sanskrit name they receive in initiation. Even unmarried women are referred to as mothers”.BOOK,archive.org/details/moonsisterskrish0000palm/page/15, Moon Sisters, Krishna Mothers, Rajneesh Lovers: Women’s Role in New Religions, Palmer, Susan, Syracuse University Press, 1994, 978-0-8156-0297-2, Syracuse, New York, 15, 17, File:Malati Dasi in Mayapur 2011.jpg|thumb|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. The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.“Women in ISKCON {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130629124035content.iskcon.com/icj/8_1/women.html|date=29 June 2013}}” by Visakha Dasi and Sudharma Dasi{{Verify source|date=March 2010}}An updated document was released by the GBC in 2019 stating that it was permissible for women to become initiating gurus within the ISKCON movement.WEB,iskconnews.org/gbc-approves-vaishnavi-diksa-gurus-in-iskcon,7126/, GBC Approves Vaishnavi Diksa Gurus in ISKCON, ISKCON News, 18 October 2019, en, 2020-01-04,

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 Hare Krishna 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 Krishna pupils testified that they had been regularly beaten at school, denied medical care, and sexually molested and raped.In 2002, a suit for $900{{nbsp}}million was filed in Texas State Court by alleged victims of abuse in ISCKON boarding schools.NEWS,news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1809847.stm, BBC News – Americas – Krishnas to file for bankruptcy, bbc.co.uk, 8 February 2002, WEB,www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html, Hare Krishna Movement Details Past Abuse at Its Boarding Schools, Goodstein, Laurie, 9 October 1998, The New York Times, ISKCON later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.WEB,articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/09/local/me-chbrief9.2, Hare Krishnas Say Suit Spurs Bankruptcy Filing, Los Angeles Times, dead,articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/09/local/me-chbrief9.2," title="web.archive.org/web/20160306031506articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/09/local/me-chbrief9.2,">web.archive.org/web/20160306031506articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/09/local/me-chbrief9.2, 6 March 2016, 22 July 2018, dmy-all, The eventual 2008 settlement in what became known as the Turley Case was $15{{nbsp}}million.WEB,surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html, Children of ISKCON vs. ISKCON Timeline, Surrealist.org, dead,surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180209234239surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180209234239surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html, 9 February 2018, 22 July 2018, dmy-all, 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 was revised and ratified by the GBC in June 2018.WEB,childprotectionoffice.org/main/, ISKCON Child Protection Office, childprotectionoffice.org, dead,childprotectionoffice.org/main/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170824031858childprotectionoffice.org/main/,">web.archive.org/web/20170824031858childprotectionoffice.org/main/, 24 August 2017, 22 July 2018, dmy-all,

Kirtan and musical influence

File:Hare Krishna in Helsinki C IMG 8105.JPG|thumb|Hare Krishna devotees were singing at the Esplanadi Park in Helsinki, Finland in August 2014]]The practice of mantra meditation, 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,WEB,www.sadhusangaretreat.com/, Sadhu Sanga Retreat – Sadhu Sanga Retreat organized in the USA by Indradyumna Swami, en-US, 2020-01-04, Kirtan 50WEB,kirtan50.com/, Kirtan50 – Dallas New Year Kirtan Festival, en-US, 2020-01-04, in Dallas, Texas, and Radhadesh Mellows, in Durbuy, Belgium. Notable kirtaneers include Jahnavi Harrison, Gaura Vani, and the Mayapuris,WEB,mayapuris.com/, Home, kishrico, The Mayapuris, en-CA, 2020-01-04, 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.WEB,www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/, Mantra Lounge, Kirtan London – Official Website, en-US, 2020-01-04, 29 December 2019,www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/," title="web.archive.org/web/20191229071049www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/,">web.archive.org/web/20191229071049www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/, dead, Full theatrical performances have been produced based on the Vedic theologies. Prominent performance companies include Viva KulturaWEB,vivakultura.com/, Viva Kultura Home, Srinam, Viva Kultura, en-US, 2020-01-04, and Vande Arts.WEB,iskconnews.org/vande-supports-vaishnava-arts-and-culture-in-iskcon,3559/, VANDE Supports Vaishnava Arts and Culture in ISKCON, ISKCON News, November 2012, en, 2020-01-04, File:The Head, ISKCON, Shri Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on March 18, 2016.jpg|thumb|The Head, ISKCON, Shri Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja calls on the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in New DelhiNew Delhi The Hare Krishna mantra appears in some famous songs, such as former Beatle George Harrison’s 1970 hit “My Sweet Lord”.Graham M. Schweig, “Krishna: The Intimate Deity”, in Bryant and Ekstrand, p. 14.{{Harvnb|Lavezzoli|2006|p=186}} 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.{{sfn|Spizer|2005|p=294}}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.{{Harvnb|Cole|Dwyer|2007|pp=31–32}} Harrison enjoyed a warm friendship with Prabhupada,{{Harvnb|Greene|2006|pp=148, 198–199}}Carol Clerk, “George Harrison”, Uncut, February 2002; available at Rock’s Backpages (subscription required). who provided the inspiration for Harrison songs such as “Living in the Material World”.{{Harvnb|Lavezzoli|2006|pp=194–195}}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.WEB,www.alpineanarchist.org/r_krishna.html, Alpine Anarchist Productions, In 2020, Willow Smith and Jahnavi Harrison collaborated on the song “Surrender (Krishna Keshava“), and the album “RISE”,WEB, Surrender (Krishna Keshava) – Single by Willow & Jahnavi Harrison,music.apple.com/us/album/surrender-krishna-keshava-single/1512296922, Music.apple.com, 15 May 2020, 2020-05-20, WEB, Surrender (Krishna Keshava) de Willow – Streaming de música – Escúchalo en Deezer,www.deezer.com/mx/album/147378972, Deezer.com, 15 May 2020, es-MX, 2020-05-20, featuring ancient sacred songs from India with Sanskrit lyrics.WEB, Pause For Thought – Pause For Thought: ‘How a simple song can become a beacon of hope.’ BBC Sounds,www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08d1pjz, www.bbc.co.uk, 2020-05-20,

Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is one of the four tenets of ISKCON. Due to Prabhupada’s focus on food distribution, many ISKCON devotees have opened vegan and vegetarian eateries.WEB,ffl.org/about-us/mission/prabhupada/, Prabhupada, Food for Life Global, en-US, 2020-01-04, 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.JOURNAL, Dokras, Dr Uday, 2023-01-01, ISKCON temple,www.academia.edu/112578849, INAC, The ISKCON followers call their type or style of eating behaviour 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.“JOURNAL, 10.33083/joghat.2020.28, An Ethnographic Inquiry Towards ‘Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna Religious Tourists Food Consumption Habits While on a Holiday in India, 2020, Dewan, Mayukh, Journal of Gastronomy Hospitality and Travel, 3, 30–41, 225748638, free,

Demographics

File:FeriaCulturasAmigas07.JPG|thumb|Hare Krishna musicians in Mexico CityMexico CityFile:2011. Карнавал на день города Донецка 227.jpg|thumb|Hare Krishna street show in DonetskDonetskISKCON claims to have around one million congregational members worldwide (majority in India), with 15,000 in Great Britain.Profile of ISKCON on Religion Media CentreIn 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.“Malory Nye, Religion: The Basics, Routledge, 2012, pp. 29–30After 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.BOOK, Burke Rochford, Edmund Jr., Hare Krishna in the Modern World, Arktos, 2013, Dwyer, Graham, 23, Sociological Reflections on the History and Development of the Hare Krishna Movement, Cole, Richard,

List of 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.WEB,content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html, Hare Krishna! iskcon.com is your official guide to the International Society For Krishna Consciousness, iskcon.com,content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110211232601content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110211232601content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html, 11 February 2011, dead, 22 July 2018, dmy-all, ISKCON has also been scrutinised by some anti-cult movements.JOURNAL, Knott, K., 2000, In Every Town and Village: Adaptive Strategies in the Communication of Krishna Consciousness in the UK, the First Thirty Years, Social Compass, 47, 2, 153, 10.1177/003776800047002002, 144738742, JOURNAL, Larry Shinn, The Maturation of the Hare Krishnas in America,content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html, dead,content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html," title="archive.today/20130103082938content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html,">archive.today/20130103082938content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html, 2013-01-03, 2008-04-18, Larry Shinn, iskcon.com, 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 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.JOURNAL, 16 March 1977, People vs. Murphy,www.leagle.com/decision/197733398misc2d2351294, The Leagle, NEWS,www.nytimes.com/1977/03/18/archives/judge-rejects-charges-of-brainwashing-against-hare-krishna-aides.html, Judge Rejects Charges of Brainwashing against Hare Krishna Leaders, 18 March 1977, The New York Times,
• In a 1984 case, George v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California, a lawsuit led to lengthy appeals resulting in a mixed judgment.JOURNAL, Taylor, Wilbert Lee, Fall 1984, Religion on Trial: George v. International Society of Krishna Consciousness,scholarworks.law.ubalt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi, University of Baltimore Law Forum, 15, 1, 16–29, 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.WEB,caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1775782.html, FindLaw’s California Court of Appeal case and opinions,
• Kirtanananda Swami, or Swami Bhaktipada, a leader of ISKCON, was expelled from the organisation in 1987 for various deviations.WEB,articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna, Krishna Expels Leader of Group Under U.S. Probe, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2018,articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna," title="web.archive.org/web/20160910011138articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna,">web.archive.org/web/20160910011138articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna, 10 September 2016, dead, dmy-all, He was the leader of New Vrindaban, the largest and most famous Hare Krishna community in the United States at that time.NEWS,www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/can-hare-krishnas-at-palace-of-gold-in-wva-rebuild-its-tarnished-community/2013/01/04/38dbf6a8-ebc8-11e1-a80b-9f898562d010_story.html, Can Hare Krishnas at Palace of Gold in W.Va. rebuild its tarnished community?, The Washington Post, 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.NEWS,www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/us/swami-bhaktipada-ex-hare-krishna-leader-dies-at-74.html, Swami Bhaktipada, Ex-Hare Krishna Leader, Dies at 74, Margalit, Fox, The New York Times, 24 October 2011, WEB,www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8849660/Disgraced-former-leader-of-US-Hare-Krishna-community-dies-at-74.html,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8849660/Disgraced-former-leader-of-US-Hare-Krishna-community-dies-at-74.html, 11 January 2022, subscription, live, Disgraced former leader of US Hare Krishna community dies at 74, 26 October 2011, Telegraph.co.uk, {{cbignore}}WEB,www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/kirtanananda-swami-us-hare-krishna-leader-deposed-after-a-racketeering-conviction-2376264.html, Kirtanananda Swami: US Hare Krishna leader, deposed after a racketeering conviction, The Independent, 30 October 2011,
• 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.NEWS,www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sex-abuse-case-could-ruin-hare-krishnas-5370498.html, Sex abuse case could ruin Hare Krishnas, 2000-06-14, The Independent, 2019-02-16, NEWS, Goodstein, Laurie, Hare Krishna Movement Details Past Abuse at Its Boarding Schools,www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html, The New York Times, 1998-10-09, 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. 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.NEWS, Once in the shadows, Hare Krishnas now seek to shake off the past,www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/once-in-the-shadows-hare-krishnas-now-seek-to-shake-off-the-past-9944434, 2 August 2017, Channelnewsasia, City: Singapore, TNN, 9 January 2020, 28 September 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200928182200/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/once-in-the-shadows-hare-krishnas-now-seek-to-shake-off-the-past-9944434, dead,

Persecution

• On January 21, 1974, 2 firebombs were tossed into the Knoxville Tennessee Hare Krishna temple. Allen Bruce North, 22, a member, died of his injuries (burns over 80% of his body) several days later at St. Mary’s Hospital. His parents (Mr. and Mrs. William North Of Baltimore) were at his side. Governor Winfield Dunn offered a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. February 28,1974 issue of the Kingsport News (UPI), also Jan26 1974 Portsmouth Herald (AP)
• In 2006, a bomb blast struck the ISKCON temple in Imphal in Manipur, India. Five devotees were killed and a further 50 were injured. The attack was not claimed by any individual or organization.NEWS,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Five-killed-in-Manipur-temple-blast/articleshow/1898888.cms, Five killed in Manipur temple blast &124; India News, The Times of India, 16 August 2006, WEB,www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/iskcon-temple-blast-case-cracked/cid/743106, Iskcon temple blast case cracked, www.telegraphindia.com,
• 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.NEWS, Kazakhstan: Hare Krishna Community Faces Uncertain Future,eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-hare-krishna-community-faces-uncertain-future, 28 November 2007, Eurasianet, City: Kazakhstan, TNN, 2 January 2020,
• In 2009, an orphanage run by the ISKCON Chittagong (Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir) in Bangladesh was attacked by unknown men. The gang vandalised furniture and a statue in the orphanage and beat the devotees. They also tried to take control of the temple and the orphanage.NEWS, Punish temple attackers in Ctg,www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-88375, 16 May 2009, Dailystar, City: Chittagong, TNN, 4 January 2020,
• In 2015, the ISKCON Temple, Dinajpur in Bangladesh was attacked by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorists. The terrorists opened fire and at least two people were injured in the attack.NEWS, Now gun attack on Iskcon temple in Dinajpur,www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2015/12/10/now-gun-attack-on-iskcon-temple-in-dinajpur, 10 December 2015, Dhakatribune, City:Dhaka, TNN, 4 January 2020, NEWS, JMB operative confesses involvement,www.thedailystar.net/backpage/jmb-operative-confesses-involvement-198310, 7 January 2016, Dailystar, City: Dinajpur, TNN, 4 January 2020,
• In 2016, the ISKCON Sylhet in Bangladesh was attacked by Muslims and at least ten people were injured in that attack.WEB,www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/09/03/least-10-injured-sylhet-iskcon-temple-attack/, At least 10 injured in Sylhet Iskcon temple attack, 3 September 2016, Dhaka Tribune, WEB,www.dnaindia.com/world/report-clash-between-hindus-muslims-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangaldesh-10-injured-2251553, Clash between Hindus, Muslims at ISKCON temple in Bangladesh, 10 injured, 3 September 2016, DNA India,
• 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.NEWS, Brazil: Vandals target ISKCON Temple, deface Lord Krishna’s pic,www.currentriggers.com/world/brazil-isckon-temple/, Currentriggers, City: World, TNN, 2 January 2020,
• In 2018, Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON Dhaka in Bangladesh was attacked by a group of people, leaving six devotees injured.NEWS, Religious procession by Hindus attacked in Bangladesh,wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/religious-procession-by-hindus-attacked-in-bangladesh-118072300713_1.html, Business Standard, City: World, TNN, 6 February 2020,
• In 2020, an Ansar al-Islam group planned an attack on the ISKCON Temple Dhaka but police arrested them.NEWS, 5 Ansar-al-Islam members held in Dhaka,www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2020/02/10/5-ansar-al-islam-members-held-in-dhaka-2, Dhaka Tribune, City: Dhaka, TNN, 15 February 2020,
• In 2021, during Navami (15 October), a Muslim mob attacked the ISKCON temple in Noakhali, Bangladesh and killed two devotees.NEWS, 2021-10-18, Hundreds protest in Bangladesh over religious violence, en, Reuters,www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hundreds-protest-bangladesh-over-religious-violence-2021-10-18/, 2022-03-22, NEWS, ISKCON temple vandalised, devotees ‘violently attacked’ by mob in Bangladesh’s Noakhali,www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/mob-attacks-devotees-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangladesh-1865302-2021-10-15, IndiaToday, 15 February 2020, WEB, “Deeply Shocked”: ISKCON On Attacks On Devotees In Bangladesh,www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladesh-communal-violence-deeply-shocked-iskcon-over-attacks-on-devotees-in-bangladesh-2580007, 2022-03-22, NDTV.com, WEB, 2021-10-17, ISKCON temple attacked and devotee killed in Bangladesh; Delhi sees move to stir trouble,indianexpress.com/article/india/iskcon-temple-attacked-and-devotee-killed-in-bangladesh-delhi-sees-move-to-stir-trouble-7575408/, 2022-03-22, The Indian Express, en,

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.WEB,centers.iskcondesiretree.com/india/, India {{!, ISKCON Centers|date=9 July 2011 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}} ISKCON India disciples are more conservative than the ISKCON disciples in the west.NEWS,www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/04/hare-krishna-india-hinduism-florida-women, ‘It’s latent misogyny’: Hare Krishnas divided over whether to allow female gurus, Blumetti, Jordan, 2019-06-04, The Guardian, 2020-01-04, en-GB, 0261-3077,

Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur

(File:Chandroday mandir uc side view.jpg|thumb|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 {{convert|425,000|sqft}} and is {{convert|340|ft}} tall, and is surrounded by accompanying lodges, shops, residences, educational centers, and gardens. The project cost an estimated $75{{nbsp}}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.WEB,tovp.org/, Temple of the Vedic Planetarium - Home, Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, en-US, 2020-01-04,

Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan

(File:ISKON TEMPLE 1.jpg|thumb|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.WEB,iskconvrindavan.com/, ISKCON Vrindavan - Home, ISKCON Vrindavan, en-US, 2020-01-04, The temple is also affiliated with the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education.WEB,vihe.org/, Welcome to Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education, vihe.org, 2020-01-04,

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

In March 2014, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple project was inaugurated,NEWS,economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/akhilesh-yadav-inaugurates-project-to-build-vrindavan-chandrodaya-mandir-the-tallest-temple-in-india/articleshow/32149629.cms, Akhilesh Yadav inaugurates project to build Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, the tallest temple in India, 7 May 2020, 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.NEWS,www.dnaindia.com/india/report-president-pranab-mukherjee-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-tallest-krishna-temple-in-vrindavan-2035410, President Pranab Mukherjee to lay foundation stone of tallest Krishna temple in Vrindavan, 15 November 2014, DNA, PTI, 26 April 2018, {{update inline|date=October 2023}}

Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi

(File:A_photograph_from_ISKCON_Radha_Parthasarathi_Mandir,_New_Delhi.jpg|thumb|Sculpture of Krishna at ISKCON East of Kailash, New Delhi)(File:ISKCON temple, Delhi at Janamashtami.jpg|thumb|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”.WEB,www.iskcondelhi.com/, Home, www.iskcondelhi.com, en-US, 2020-01-04, It is located in East of Kailash in South Delhi.

Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai

(File:ISKCON-Temple-Chennai-3.JPG|thumb|The ISKCON Temple Chennai, established 2012.)The Chennai temple is located on the East Coast Road in southern part of the city. Built on {{convert|1.5|acre}} of land and consecrated in 2012, the temple is the largest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu.NEWS

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 {{convert|4.5|acre}} of land, the temple is one of the Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It was formally inaugurated in October 2019.WEB, says, Mrs Mallikathevy Amirthalingam, 2018-01-04, Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda Temple Salem, Tamil Nadu -,templesinindiainfo.com/sri-sri-radha-gokulananda-temple-salem-tamil-nadu/, 2021-11-01, Temples In India Info, en-US,

Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri

(File:ISKCON Temple, Siliguri, West Bengal, India (2019).jpg|thumb|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 BengalWEB,www.infodata.in.net/2020/01/ward-no-40-siliguri.html, Siliguri ward no 40, Info Data India, 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.NEWS, Jagannath Rath Yatra by ISKCON Nepal,thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-kathmandu,web.archive.org/web/20220523031728/https://thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-kathmandu, dead, 23 May 2022, The Himalayan Times, NEWS, Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu by ISKCON Desire Tree in association with ISKCON Nepal, Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu by ISKCON Desire Tree in association with ISKCON Nepal, Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu,iskcondesiretree.com/photo/jagannath-ratha-yatra-2019-at-kathmandu-nepal-7, Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmanu, ISKCON Desire Tree, NEWS, ISKCON Nepal activity, ISKCON Nepal activity, ISKCON Nepal activity,www.nepalitimes.com/banner/my-sweet-lord, Nepali Times, Nepali Times, WEB, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal Centre, 8 September 2011,centers.iskcondesiretree.com/kathmandu, ISKCON Desire Tree, WEB, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Budhanilkantha, 7 December 2017,templesinindiainfo.com/iskcon-temple-kathmandu-iskcon-budhanilkantha-kathmandu-nepal, Templesinindiainfo, WEB, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal,www.salagram.net/sstp-KathmanduIskcon.html, Salagram, WEB, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal Devotees at ISKCON Vrindavan, 5 October 2019,thepranams.com/2019/10/05/iskcon-vrindavan-flooded-with-iskcon-nepal-devotees, The Pranams, NEWS, ISKCON Nepal, ISKCON Nepal, Nepali Actress Rekha Thapa is honored with Shrimad Bhagavad-gita by ISKCON Nepal,iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/srimad-bhagavad-gita-distribution-to-the-students-of-maiti-nepal, As per a 2018 estimate, over 5000 devotees participate in the ratha yatra from across the globe.NEWS

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,WEB,iskconnews.org/the-glories-of-nueva-vraja-mandala-spain,3505/, The Glories of Nueva Vraja Mandala, Spain, ISKCON News, 21 September 2012, 2020-01-04, La Nouvelle Mayapura in France, and Villa VrindavanWEB,villavrindavana.org/english-home/, Villa Vrindavana, 2020-01-04, in Italy.There are also 31 additional centers in Russia, as Vaishnava Hinduism represents one of the largest denominations of faith in the country.WEB,centers.iskcondesiretree.com/russia/, Russia {{!, ISKCON Centers|date=9 July 2011 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}

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.WEB,bhaktivedantacollege.com/, Bhaktivedanta College, Bhaktivedanta College, en-US, 2020-01-04, (File:Bhakivedanta college1.jpg|thumb|Bhaktivedanta College in Belgium)The Radhadesh temple is also home to Radhadesh Mellows, an annual kirtan retreat.WEB,radhadeshmellows.com/, Home, Radhadesh Mellows, en-US, 2020-01-04,

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.WEB,krishnatemple.com/home/, Bhaktivedanta Manor – Hare Krishna Temple, en-US, 2020-01-04, Bhaktivedanta Manor is also home to the London College of Vedic Studies,WEB,krishnacollege.co.uk/, New Home Page, The College of Vedic Studies, en-US, 2020-01-04, 5 February 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190205065515/https://krishnacollege.co.uk/, dead, 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.WEB,avanti.org.uk/, Home, mayapur, Avanti Schools Trust, en-GB, 2020-01-04, 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.WEB,btg.krishna.com/checkmate-iskcons-victory-russia, Checkmate: ISKCON’s Victory in Russia {{!, Back to Godhead|website=btg.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04}}

North and South America

(File:2015-09-28 14 28 58 View of the southeast side of the Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah.jpg|thumb|Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, view of the southeast side.)There are 56 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in the United States.WEB,centers.iskcondesiretree.com/united-states-of-america/, United States Of America {{!, ISKCON Centers|date=11 July 2011 |access-date=2020-01-04}} Notable centers include Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (Spanish Fork), Utah, New Raman Reti in Alachua, FL,WEB,alachuatemple.com/, Home, Alachua Hare Krishna Temple, 2020-01-04, and The Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas, TX.WEB,radhakalachandji.org/, Home, Bhisma, Radha Kalachandji Temple, 2020-01-04, Hare Krishna-affiliated full-time communities include New Vrindaban in West Virginia,WEB,newvrindaban.com/, New Vrindaban – The Land of Krishna, newvrindaban.com, 2020-01-04, and Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.WEB,gnecofarm.org/, Home - Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary, Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary, en-US, 2020-01-04, 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.WEB,bhakticenter.org/, bhakticenter.org, en-US, 2020-01-04, The ISKCON Dallas temple is affiliated with the nearby TKG Academy,WEB,www.tkgacademy.com/, TKG Academy {{!, TKG Academy {{!}} Dallas’ Only Vegetarian Friendly Private School|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}} which provides private school academic education with additional Vedic-based courses.There are 12 ISKCON centers in Canada, including the self-sustaining Saranagati Eco Village in BC.WEB,saranagati.ca/, Home {{!, Saranagati Community Network|website=saranagati.ca|access-date=2020-01-04}} There are 5 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in Mexico.File:Fazenda Nova Gokula Templo Central Pindamonhangaba SP Lateral.jpg|thumb|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.JOURNAL, Guerriero, Silas, O Movimento Hare Krishna no Brasil: uma interpretação da cultura védica na sociedade ocidental,www.pucsp.br/rever/rv1_2001/t_guerri.htm, pt, REVER — Revista de Estudos da Religião, 2001, 44–56, 1677-1222, WEB,centers.iskcondesiretree.com/latin-america/, Latin America {{!, ISKCON Centers|date=28 August 2011 |access-date=2020-01-04}} 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.{{sfn|Guerriero|2001|p=52}}

Asia, Africa, and Australasia

File:New Dwarikadham Temple, Nyali.JPG|thumb|The ISKCON Temple in MombasaMombasaAsia is home to over 80 ISKCON affiliated centers, with most being located in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.WEB,centers.iskcondesiretree.com/asia/, Asia {{!, ISKCON Centers|date=28 August 2011 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}There are 69 affiliated ISKCON centers in Africa, four of which are rural farming communities and three of which are educational centers.WEB,centres.iskcon.org/centre-region/africa/, Africa – ISKCON Centres, en-GB, 2020-01-04, ISKCON Durban hosts the world’s largest Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival outside of India.WEB, Durban festival the largest outside India,www.pressreader.com/south-africa/post-south-africa/20190410/282295321579504, 2020-01-04, PressReader, There are six ISKCON centers, including one farming village in Australia and four temple centers in New Zealand.WEB,www.krishnafarm.net/, ISKCON New Govardhana Australia Home, ISKCON New Govardhana Australia, en-AU, 2020-01-04, The Hare Krishna Temple in Christchurch, New Zealand, distributed free meals to mourners and the local Muslim community after a mosque shooting in March 2019.WEB,www.facebook.com/kalasamvara/posts/10212844508018914,ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1575469019/10212844508018914, 2022-02-26, limited, Kalasamvara Das, www.facebook.com, en, 2020-01-04, {{cbignore}}{{better source needed|date=October 2023}}

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.WEB, About The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust,bbt.org/about, bbt.org, 3 November 2020, BBT is the publisher of books on the Gaudiya Vaishnava.BOOK,books.google.com/books?id=F-EuD3M2QYoC&pg=PA53, Krishna Consciousness in the West, 53, David G., Bromley, Larry D., Shinn, 1989, Bucknell University Press, 9780838751442, 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.BOOK, Dasa Goswami, Satsvarupa, Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Vol 1-2, BBT, 1980-82, 2002, vol.1 1133 pages vol.2 1191 pages, 978-0-89213-357-4, true, 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”.WEB,iscowp.org/, ISCOWP – The International Society of Cow Protection, iscowp.org, 2020-01-04,

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.NEWS, Tripura Minister praises ISKCON’s India Tribal Care Trust,www.uniindia.com/tripura-minister-praises-iskcon-s-india-tribal-care-trust/states/news/1171920.html, 18 March 2018, Uniindia, TNN, 22 February 2020, (File:ISKCON Food for life.jpg|thumb|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.WEB,psena.com/about/, About, ISKCON Pandava Sena, en-US, 2020-01-04, 22 December 2019,psena.com/about/," title="web.archive.org/web/20191222031840psena.com/about/,">web.archive.org/web/20191222031840psena.com/about/, dead, 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.BOOK, Dwyer, Graham,books.google.com/books?id=P7e8ORp2QrEC&q=ISKCON+Pandava+Sena&pg=PA132, Hare Krishna in the Modern World, Cole, Richard J., 2013, Arktos, 978-1-907166-47-1, en,

Notable people

• Alfred Ford
• George Harrison
• Poly Styrene
• Russell Brand
• Robert Downey Jr.

See also

• Hare Krsna TV
• Hare Krishna in popular culture
• Krishna valley, Hungary

References

{{reflist}}

Sources

• BOOK, Alternative Krishnas: Regional and Vernacular Variations on a Hindu Deity, Beck, Guy L.,books.google.com/books?id=0SJ73GHSCF8C, SUNY Press, 2005, 0-7914-6415-6,
• BOOK, Bryant, Edwin F., Ekstrand, Maria, 2004, The Hare Krishna Movement: The Postcharismatic Fate of a Religious Transplant, New York, Columbia University Press, 0-231-12256-X,
• BOOK, Cole, Richard, Dwyer, Graham, The Hare Krishna Movement: Forty Years of Chant and Change

• BOOK, Gibson, Lynne, Modern World Religions: Hinduism â€“ Pupil Book Core (Modern World Religions), Heinemann Educational Publishers, Oxford (England), 2002, 0-435-33619-3,
• BOOK, Greene, Joshua M., Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey, 2006, 978-0-470-12780-3,
• BOOK, Lavezzoli, Peter, The Dawn of Indian Music in the West, Continuum, New York, 2006, 0-8264-2819-3,
• BOOK, Rochford, E. Burke, Hare Krishna Transformed

location=New York, NYU Pressseries=The New and Alternative Religions Series, 978-0814775790,

• BOOK, Spizer, Bruce, Bruce Spizer, The Beatles Solo on Apple Records, 498 Productions, New Orleans, LA, 2005, 0-9662649-5-9,

External links

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official websiteiskcon.org/}}

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