International Society for Krishna Consciousness

{{Further|Achintya Bheda Abheda|Gaudiya Vaishnavism}}

File:Panca-tattva Altar.jpg deities: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara and Srivasa, installed in a Gaudiya Vaishnava temple]]

File:Navaratri Bajan.jpg 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. 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 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.{{Cite web |url=http://www.religionfacts.com/hare-krishna |title=Hare Krishna |website=ReligionFacts |language=en |access-date=2019-06-24 |archive-date=21 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721210102/http://www.religionfacts.com/hare-krishna |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/origins/influences |title=Influences |website=www.patheos.com |language=en |access-date=2019-06-24 |archive-date=18 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918042946/https://www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/origins/influences |url-status=live }}

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya's Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West in 1965.{{Cite book |last=Goswami |first=Tamal |title=A Living Theology of Krishna Bhakti: Essential Teachings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2012 |isbn=9780199950423 |pages=21–37}} At 70 years old, he landed in New York with only 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".{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2016/10/27/iskcon-celebrates-50-years-since-its-founding/ |title=ISKCON Celebrates 50 Years Since Its Founding |last=Desai |first=Ronak D. |website=Forbes |language=en |access-date=2019-06-25 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429130105/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2016/10/27/iskcon-celebrates-50-years-since-its-founding/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |url=https://vedabase.io/en/ |title=Online Vedabase - The topmost source of spiritual knowledge |website=vedabase.io |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=11 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060111075741/http://vedabase.net/ |url-status=live }}

In the last several decades, ISKCON has gone through Hinduization. Prabhupada considered Kr̥ṣṇa consciousness to be separate from and greater than Hinduism; however in recent decades the sect has self-identified as Hindu particularly in interactions with non-members. Scholars cite three factors for this: participation of diasporic Indian Hindus in the sect, ISKCON devotees having academic careers in which they studied Hindu texts, and increased participation in global interreligious dialogues in which ISKCON often stands as the representative for Hinduism.{{Cite book |last=Neubert |first=Frank |title=Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism Online |publisher=Brill |year=2018 |editor-last=Jacobsen |editor-first=Knut A. |chapter=ISKCON and Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada |editor-last2=Basu |editor-first2=Helene |editor-last3=Malinar |editor-first3=Angelika |editor-last4=Narayanan |editor-first4=Vasudha}}

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, based on the phrase "purushottama" found in Bhagavad-gita.

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.{{cite web

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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. While some say it is a monotheistic tradition, a deeper study reveals it is a Panentheistic tradition which has its roots in the theistic Vedanta traditions.{{cite book |author=Laderman, Gary |title=Religion and American Cultures: An Encyclopedia of Traditions, Diversity, and Popular Expressions |publisher=ABC-CLIO |location=Santa Barbara, Calif |year=2003 |isbn=1-57607-238-X |article=ISKCON}}

File:Luçay-le-Male Temple New Mayapur à Château d'Oublaise Innen Salle a Prière Srila Prabhupada 2.jpg, the founder of ISKCON.]]

File:International Society of Krishna Consciousness Chariot Procession.gif 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.

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:

{{Blockquote|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 every day.{{Cite web |date= |title=Official Website of ISKCON Temple |url=https://www.iskconbangalore.org/ |access-date= |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223173313/https://www.iskconbangalore.org/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite book|title=The Hare Krishna movement the postcharismatic fate of a religious transplant|last=Bryant, Edwin Francis. Ekstrand, Maria.|date=2004|publisher=Columbia University Press|oclc=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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/ritual-worship-devotion-symbolism/rites-and-ceremonies|title=Rites and Ceremonies|website=www.patheos.com|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}

ISKCON devotees meet regularly (typically on Sunday at a program known as the Sunday Feast){{Cite web|url=https://back2godhead.com/sunday-feast/|title=The Hare Krishna Temple Sunday Feast|date=2019-10-31|website=Back to Godhead|access-date=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.{{Cite web |title=Spiritual Discourses |url=https://www.iskconmysore.org/spiritual-discourses/ |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Iskcon |language=en-US}}

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 sexual intercourse in terms of engaging in illicit sexual activity and relationships outside of marriage.

File:Hare Krishna in Moscow H9202 C.JPG 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.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=Festivals » Home – ISKCON – The Hare Krishna Movement|url=https://www.iskcon.org/activities/festivals.php|access-date=2020-01-04|language=en-US|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520032656/https://www.iskcon.org/activities/festivals.php|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.krishna.com/ratha-yatra-festival-chariots|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801175825/http://krishna.com/ratha-yatra-festival-chariots|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 August 2014|title=Ratha-yatra, The Festival of Chariots {{!}} Krishna.com|website=www.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04}}

ISKCON advocates preaching.ISKON LAWBOOK, Section 4.3, International Society For Krishna Consciousness, http://krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123155425/http://krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf |date=23 November 2018 }}, Publication 19 October 2009 Members 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 – David G. Bromley, Prof. Larry D. Shinn, 1989, Page 149

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 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

File:Governing Body Commission (GBC). Commissioners during a conference in Prabhupadadesh, Italy, 2003..jpg

Prabhupada spent much of the last decade of his life setting up the institution of ISKCON.{{Cite book|author=Das Goswami, S.|title=Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, Vol 4: In Every Town and Village, Around the World, 1968–1971|publisher=Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust|year=1982|isbn=978-0892131150|author-link=Satsvarupa dasa Goswami}}[https://www.leeds.ac.uk/trs/staff/kim_knott.htm Knot, Kim] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508085314/http://www.leeds.ac.uk/trs/staff/kim_knott.htm |date=8 May 2011 }} "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.[https://archive.today/20130629124429/http://content.iskcon.com//icj/5_1/5_1knott.html available online]

The 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.{{cite book|author1=Maria Ekstrand|title=The Hare Krishna movement: the postcharismatic fate of a religious transplant|author2=Bryant, Edwin H.|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2004|isbn=0-231-12256-X|location=New York|page=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

{{Main|ISKCON guru system}}

File:Japa mala (prayer beads) of Tulasi wood with 108 beads - 20040101-01.jpg 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|date=April 2024}}

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.{{cite book |last1=Rochford |first1=E. Burke Jr. |title=Hare Krishna Transformed |publisher=New York University Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780814775783}} While some of its leaders advocate that women should take public leadership roles,{{cite web|url=https://hdgoswami.com/questions-and-answers/role-of-women/|title=Role of Women|last1=Dasa Goswami|first1=Hridayananda|date=15 August 2013|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802011419/https://www.hdgoswami.com/questions-and-answers/role-of-women/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://v1.bvks.com/2013/01/feminist-rhetoric-on-dandavats|title=Feminist Rhetoric on Dandavats|last1=Swami|first1=Bhakti Vikasa|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722095632/https://v1.bvks.com/2013/01/feminist-rhetoric-on-dandavats|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/moonsisterskrish0000palm/page/15|title=Moon Sisters, Krishna Mothers, Rajneesh Lovers: Women's Role in New Religions|last=Palmer|first=Susan|publisher=Syracuse University Press|year=1994|isbn=978-0-8156-0297-2|location=Syracuse, New York|pages=[https://archive.org/details/moonsisterskrish0000palm/page/15 15, 17]}}

File:Malati Dasi in Mayapur 2011.jpg 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, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009."[http://content.iskcon.com/icj/8_1/women.html Women in ISKCON] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130629124035/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/8_1/women.html|date=29 June 2013}}" by Visakha Dasi and Sudharma Dasi{{cite web |title=Dina Sharana Dasi Becomes Second-Ever Female GBC Member |url=https://iskconnews.org/dina-sharana-dasi-becomes-second-ever-female-gbc-member/ |website=ISKCON News |language=en |date=26 March 2011}}

A document released by the GBC in 2019 stating that it was permissible for women to become initiating gurus within the ISKCON movement.{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/gbc-approves-vaishnavi-diksa-gurus-in-iskcon,7126/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802004028/https://iskconnews.org/gbc-approves-vaishnavi-diksa-gurus-in-iskcon,7126/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 August 2020|title=GBC Approves Vaishnavi Diksa Gurus in ISKCON|website=ISKCON News|date=18 October 2019|language=en|access-date=2020-01-04}}

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.

In 2002, a suit for $900{{nbsp}}million was filed in Texas State Court by alleged victims of abuse in ISKCON boarding schools.{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1809847.stm|title=BBC News – Americas – Krishnas to file for bankruptcy|work=bbc.co.uk|date=8 February 2002|archive-date=14 May 2019|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514110834/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1809847.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html|title=Hare Krishna Movement Details Past Abuse at Its Boarding Schools|last=Goodstein|first=Laurie|date=9 October 1998|work=The New York Times|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210050217/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html|url-status=live}} ISKCON later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-09-me-chbrief9.2-story.html|title=Hare Krishnas Say Suit Spurs Bankruptcy Filing|work=Los Angeles Times|date=9 February 2002 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306031506/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/09/local/me-chbrief9.2|archive-date=6 March 2016|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}} The eventual 2008 settlement in what became known as the Turley Case was $15{{nbsp}}million.{{cite web|url=https://surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html|title=Children of ISKCON vs. ISKCON Timeline|publisher=Surrealist.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209234239/http://surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html|archive-date=9 February 2018|access-date=22 July 2018|df=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 were revised and ratified by the GBC in June 2018.{{cite web|url=https://childprotectionoffice.org/main/|title=ISKCON Child Protection Office|work=childprotectionoffice.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824031858/http://childprotectionoffice.org/main/|archive-date=24 August 2017|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}}

File:Hare Krishna in Helsinki C IMG 8105.JPG 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,{{Cite web|url=https://www.sadhusangaretreat.com/|title=Sadhu Sanga Retreat – Sadhu Sanga Retreat organized in the USA by Indradyumna Swami|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227131208/http://www.sadhusangaretreat.com/|url-status=live}} Kirtan 50{{Cite web|url=https://kirtan50.com/|title=Kirtan50 – Dallas New Year Kirtan Festival|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101202135/https://kirtan50.com/|url-status=live}} in Dallas, Texas, and Radhadesh Mellows, in Durbuy, Belgium. Notable kirtaneers include Jahnavi Harrison, Gaura Vani, and the Mayapuris,{{Cite web|url=https://mayapuris.com/|title=Home|last=kishrico|website=The Mayapuris|language=en-CA|access-date=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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/|title=Mantra Lounge|website=Kirtan London – Official Website|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229071049/http://www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/|url-status=dead}}

Full theatrical performances have been produced based on the Vedic theologies. Prominent performance companies include Viva Kultura{{Cite web|url=http://vivakultura.com/|title=Viva Kultura Home|last=Srinam|website=Viva Kultura|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909231716/http://vivakultura.com/|url-status=live}} and Vande Arts.{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/vande-supports-vaishnava-arts-and-culture-in-iskcon,3559/|title=VANDE Supports Vaishnava Arts and Culture in ISKCON|website=ISKCON News|date=November 2012|language=en|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818211816/https://iskconnews.org/vande-supports-vaishnava-arts-and-culture-in-iskcon,3559/|url-status=dead}}

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, 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".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 [https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/george-harrison-2 Rock's Backpages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215032558/http://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/george-harrison-2 |date=15 December 2014 }} (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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.alpineanarchist.org/r_krishna.html|title=Alpine Anarchist Productions|access-date=22 December 2020|archive-date=25 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225204430/https://www.alpineanarchist.org/r_krishna.html|url-status=live}}

In 2020, Willow Smith and Jahnavi Harrison collaborated on the song "Surrender (Krishna Keshava"), and the album "RISE",{{Cite web |title=Surrender (Krishna Keshava) – Single by Willow & Jahnavi Harrison |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/surrender-krishna-keshava-single/1512296922 |website=Music.apple.com |date=15 May 2020 |access-date=2020-05-20 |archive-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701001256/https://music.apple.com/us/album/surrender-krishna-keshava-single/1512296922 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Surrender (Krishna Keshava) de Willow – Streaming de música – Escúchalo en Deezer |url=https://www.deezer.com/mx/album/147378972 |website=Deezer.com|date=15 May 2020 |language=es-MX |access-date=2020-05-20}} featuring ancient sacred songs from India with Sanskrit lyrics.{{Cite web |title=Pause For Thought – Pause For Thought: 'How a simple song can become a beacon of hope.' BBC Sounds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08d1pjz |website=www.bbc.co.uk |access-date=2020-05-20 |archive-date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717210651/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08d1pjz |url-status=live }}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://ffl.org/about-us/mission/prabhupada/|title=Prabhupada|website=Food for Life Global|language=en-US|access-date=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.{{Cite journal |last=Dokras |first=Dr Uday |date=2023-01-01 |title=ISKCON temple |url=https://www.academia.edu/112578849 |journal=INAC |archive-date=19 August 2024 |access-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819075430/https://www.academia.edu/112578849 |url-status=live }}

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."{{cite journal | doi=10.33083/joghat.2020.28 | title=An Ethnographic Inquiry Towards 'Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna Religious Tourists Food Consumption Habits While on a Holiday in India | year=2020 | last1=Dewan | first1=Mayukh | journal=Journal of Gastronomy Hospitality and Travel | volume=3 | pages=30–41 | s2cid=225748638 | doi-access=free }}

File:FeriaCulturasAmigas07.JPG]]

File:2011. Карнавал на день города Донецка 227.jpg, Ukraine, 2011]]

ISKCON claims to have around one million congregational members worldwide (majority in India), with 15,000 in Great Britain.[https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/iskcon/ Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529141915/https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/iskcon/ |date=29 May 2020 }} of ISKCON on Religion Media Centre

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."Malory Nye, Religion: The Basics, Routledge, 2012, pp. 29–30

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.{{Cite book |last=Burke Rochford |first=Edmund Jr. |title=Hare Krishna in the Modern World |publisher=Arktos |year=2013 |editor-last=Dwyer |editor-first=Graham |pages=23 |chapter=Sociological Reflections on the History and Development of the Hare Krishna Movement |editor-last2=Cole |editor-first2=Richard}}

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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.{{cite web|url=https://content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html|title=Hare Krishna! iskcon.com is your official guide to the International Society For Krishna Consciousness|work=iskcon.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211232601/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html|archive-date=11 February 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}} ISKCON has also been scrutinised by some anti-cult movements.{{cite journal |last=Knott|first= K.|year=2000|title=In Every Town and Village: Adaptive Strategies in the Communication of Krishna Consciousness in the UK, the First Thirty Years |journal=Social Compass|volume=47 |issue=2 |page=153 |doi=10.1177/003776800047002002 |s2cid=144738742}}{{cite journal|author=Larry Shinn|title=The Maturation of the Hare Krishnas in America |url=https://content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103082938/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html|archive-date=2013-01-03|access-date=2008-04-18|author-link=Larry Shinn|website=iskcon.com }}

• In a 1976 case, People v. Murphy, 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. The case was decided on the basis of the First Amendment upholding freedom of religion, namely that "'[T]he Hare Krishna religion is a bona fide religion with roots in India that go back thousands of years."{{Cite journal|date=16 March 1977|title=People vs. Murphy|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/197733398misc2d2351294|journal=The Leagle|archive-date=23 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923002750/https://www.leagle.com/decision/197733398misc2d2351294|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/18/archives/judge-rejects-charges-of-brainwashing-against-hare-krishna-aides.html|title=Judge Rejects Charges of Brainwashing against Hare Krishna Leaders|date=18 March 1977|work=The New York Times|archive-date=23 July 2023|access-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723022443/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/18/archives/judge-rejects-charges-of-brainwashing-against-hare-krishna-aides.html|url-status=live}}
• In a 1984 case, George v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California, a lawsuit led to lengthy appeals resulting in a mixed judgment.{{Cite journal |last=Taylor |first=Wilbert Lee |date=Fall 1984 |title=Religion on Trial: George v. International Society of Krishna Consciousness |url=https://scholarworks.law.ubalt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi |journal=University of Baltimore Law Forum |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=16–29 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1775782.html|title=FindLaw's California Court of Appeal case and opinions|access-date=7 July 2021|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711032510/https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1775782.html|url-status=live}}
• Kirtanananda Swami, or Swami Bhaktipada, a leader of ISKCON, was expelled from the organisation in 1987 for various deviations.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-18-mn-7900-story.html|title=Krishna Expels Leader of Group Under U.S. Probe|work=Los Angeles Times|date=18 March 1987 |access-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910011138/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna|archive-date=10 September 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} He was the leader of New Vrindaban, the largest and most famous Hare Krishna community in the United States at that time.{{cite news|url=https://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|title=Can Hare Krishnas at Palace of Gold in W.Va. rebuild its tarnished community?|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=8 June 2023|access-date=16 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608031705/http://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|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/us/swami-bhaktipada-ex-hare-krishna-leader-dies-at-74.html|title=Swami Bhaktipada, Ex-Hare Krishna Leader, Dies at 74|first=Margalit|last=Fox|newspaper=The New York Times|date=24 October 2011|archive-date=21 August 2017|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821090728/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/us/swami-bhaktipada-ex-hare-krishna-leader-dies-at-74.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8849660/Disgraced-former-leader-of-US-Hare-Krishna-community-dies-at-74.html |archive-url=https://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 |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Disgraced former leader of US Hare Krishna community dies at 74|date=26 October 2011|work=Telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/kirtanananda-swami-us-hare-krishna-leader-deposed-after-a-racketeering-conviction-2376264.html|title=Kirtanananda Swami: US Hare Krishna leader, deposed after a racketeering conviction|work=The Independent|date=30 October 2011|access-date=16 December 2017|archive-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821043826/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/kirtanananda-swami-us-hare-krishna-leader-deposed-after-a-racketeering-conviction-2376264.html|url-status=live}}

• 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.{{Cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sex-abuse-case-could-ruin-hare-krishnas-5370498.html |title=Sex abuse case could ruin Hare Krishnas |date=2000-06-14 |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=2019-02-16 |archive-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408163207/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sex-abuse-case-could-ruin-hare-krishnas-5370498.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Goodstein |first1=Laurie |title=Hare Krishna Movement Details Past Abuse at Its Boarding Schools |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1998-10-09 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210050217/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html |url-status=live }} 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 of devotees, as well as their health and safety, are protected.{{Cite news|title=Once in the shadows, Hare Krishnas now seek to shake off the past|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/once-in-the-shadows-hare-krishnas-now-seek-to-shake-off-the-past-9944434|date=2 August 2017|newspaper=Channelnewsasia|department=City: Singapore|agency=TNN|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://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|url-status=dead}}
• In late 2024, Shelsing Rajpurohit filed a habeas corpus petition in the Gujarat High Court, alleging that the priests of Ahmedabad's ISKCON temple on the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar Highway had kidnapped and brainwashed his adult daughter (via drugs) into eloping with an ISKCON disciple. The petition was quashed by the high court bench after the woman appeared in court and testified, she was legally married of her free will to the man her father stated she had eloped with.{{Cite news |date=December 25, 2024 |title=Retd army officer alleges brainwashing of daughter at A'bad ISKCON temple: Accuses temple of detaining her unlawfully; files habeas corpus petition in high court |url=https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/retd-army-officer-alleges-brainwashing-of-daughter-at-abad-iskcon-temple/81881976.html |work=Ahmedabad Mirror}}{{Cite news |date=December 25, 2024 |title=Gujarat HC seeks govt's stand after father files plea over daughter's elopement with priest |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gujarat-hc-seeks-govts-stand-after-father-files-plea-over-daughters-elopement-with-priest-101735130711025.html |work=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite news |date=December 25, 2024 |title=Man accuses ISKCON of 'brainwashing' daughter, Gujarat HC seeks response |url=https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/gujarat/man-accuses-iskcon-of-brainwashing-daughter-gujarat-hc-seeks-response |work=Gujarat Samachar}}{{Cite news |date=7 January 2025 |title=Gujarat HC disposes of habeas corpus plea after woman denies being detained by ISKCON priests |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/gujarat/gujarat-hc-disposes-of-habeas-corpus-plea-after-woman-denies-being-detained-by-iskcon-priests-3345214 |work=Deccan Herald}}{{Cite news |date=January 8, 2025 |title=ISKCON case: Married by choice, girl tells HC |url=https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/in-the-high-court/81882976.html |work=Ahmedabad Mirror}}

• Amit Saha, who was given life imprisonment for the murder of Abrar Fahad, was a member of the organization.{{cite web

| title = বুয়েট ছাত্রলীগ নেতা অমিত সাহা কোথায়?

| url = https://samakal.com/bangladesh/article/707/ছাত্রলীগ-নেতা-অমিত-সাহা-কোথায়

| date = 2024-12-24

| archiveurl = https://archive.today/20241224191042/https://samakal.com/bangladesh/article/707/%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%97-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC

| archivedate = 2024-12-24 }}{{cite web|url=https://m.dailyinqilab.com/article/240383/%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE|language=bn|title=উগ্রবাদী ইসকনের সদস্য অমিত সাহা|date=11 October 2019|website=Daily Inqilab|access-date=27 November 2024|archive-date=4 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204013658/https://m.dailyinqilab.com/article/240383/%25E0%25A6%2589%25E0%25A6%2597%25E0%25A7%258D%25E0%25A6%25B0%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25BE%25E0%25A6%25A6%25E0%25A7%2580-%25E0%25A6%2587%25E0%25A6%25B8%25E0%25A6%2595%25E0%25A6%25A8%25E0%25A7%2587%25E0%25A6%25B0-%25E0%25A6%25B8%25E0%25A6%25A6%25E0%25A6%25B8%25E0%25A7%258D%25E0%25A6%25AF-%25E0%25A6%2585%25E0%25A6%25AE%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25A4-%25E0%25A6%25B8%25E0%25A6%25BE%25E0%25A6%25B9%25E0%25A6%25BE|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynayadiganta.com/crime/447245/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF|language=bn|title=আবরার হত্যার মূলচক্রী অমিত সাহা উগ্রবাদী ইসকনের সদস্য|date=11 October 2019|website=Daily Naya Diganta|access-date=27 November 2024|archive-date=30 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130202459/https://www.dailynayadiganta.com/crime/447245/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF|url-status=live}}

• 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.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title='ISKCON'-backed miscreants attack joint forces in Ctg, 12 injured |url=https://www.daily-bangladesh.com/english/country/99508 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Daily Bangladesh |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Riots erupt in Chattogram over Facebook post, policemen injured |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/8cf56f8a07dd |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=bdnews24 |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202001808/https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/8cf56f8a07dd |url-status=live }}
  Law enforcement intervened to rescue Osman Ali and his brother from the agitated crowd.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=চট্টগ্রামে পুলিশের উপর ইসকন সমর্থকদের হামলা এসিড নিক্ষেপ |url=https://dailyinqilab.com/bangladesh/news/701055 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Inqilab |language=bn |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202190155/https://dailyinqilab.com/bangladesh/news/701055 |url-status=live }} During the operation, the crowd allegedly turned on security forces, throwing bricks and acid while chanting "Jai Shree Ram."{{Cite web |date=2024-11-06 |title=ISKCON involved in attack on joint forces in Ctg incident: Police |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/iskcon-involved-attack-joint-forces-ctg-incident-police-986681 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}} The violence resulted in injuries to nine police officers and five army personnel. Osman's shop was destroyed, and neighboring businesses were damaged.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Chattogram shop vandalised over Facebook post on ISKCON |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/ctg-shop-vandalised-over-facebook-post-iskcon-985481?amp |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}
  In the aftermath, 82 individuals were arrested, with 49 facing formal charges. Osman Ali was also detained under blasphemy laws.

• Violence erupted in Chattogram on 26 November 2024 after protesters called for the release of the Hindu leader and former ISKCON Chinmoy Krishna Das.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-27 |title=Arrest of Chinmoy: Lawyer killed amid clashes in Chattogram |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/arrest-chinmoy-lawyer-killed-amid-clashes-chattogram-3762226 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=The Daily Star |language=en}} Lawyer Saiful Islam Alif has been reported killed in the violence. There are two accounts: eyewitnesses said that he was taken from outside the Rangan Community Center and beaten.{{Cite news |date=2024-11-26 |title=1 killed, 27 injured as Bangladesh police use teargas to disperse Hindu protesters after priest Chinmoy Krishna Das' arrest |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/1-killed-27-injured-as-bangladesh-police-use-teargas-to-disperse-hindu-protesters-after-priest-chinmoy-krishna-das-arrest/articleshow/115701407.cms |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Police attempted to disperse protesters using teargas and sound grenades and that escalated the clashes.{{cite web |date=2024-11-27 |title=One killed in Bangladesh as Hindu protesters clash with police |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-police-us-teargas-against-hindu-protesters-2024-11-26/#:~:text='RAMPAGE',had%20to%20fire%20tear%20gas. |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Reuters}} Some individuals associated with ISKCON have been accused in the incident, even though there are ongoing investigations.{{Cite web |title=Ctg court area turns violent over denial of ex-ISKCON leader's bail; lawyer killed |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/ctg-court-area-turns-violent-over-denial-of-ex-iskcon-leaders-bail-lawyer-killed/147779 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=unb.com.bd |language=English}} Among those linked to Saiful Islam Alif's death is Shuvo Kanti Das, alleged to be an active member of ISKCON and associated with Bangladesh Chhatra League, student wing of the political party, Bangladesh Awami League.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Who took part in attack on Ctg lawyer? |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/who-took-part-attack-ctg-lawyer-1004326 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}} Along with him around 30 suspects were detained in connection with the incident.{{Cite web |title=30 detained over killing of lawyer in clash between Bangladesh police, followers of jailed Hindu leader |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/30-detained-over-killing-of-lawyer-in-clash-between-bangladesh-police-followers-of-jailed-hindu-leader/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}

There have been multiple incidents of violent actions taken against ISKCON, resulting in the deaths of many, including its devotees.

• On January 21, 1974, two firebombs were thrown into the Hare Krishna temple in Knoxville, Tennessee. Allen Bruce North, a twenty-two-year-old member of the movement, suffered burns over 80% of his body and succumbed to his injuries 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.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Five-killed-in-Manipur-temple-blast/articleshow/1898888.cms|title=Five killed in Manipur temple blast | India News|website=The Times of India|date=16 August 2006|archive-date=27 February 2021|access-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227122411/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Five-killed-in-Manipur-temple-blast/articleshow/1898888.cms|url-status=live}}
• In August 2006, a bomb blast struck the ISKCON temple in Imphal, Manipur, India while the temple was full of worshipers. Five devotees were killed, and fifty others, including the chief priest, were injured. The director-general of the police announced that after an investigation, they believed the attack was carried out by two suspects, but their names were not released to the public.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/iskcon-temple-blast-case-cracked/cid/743106|title=Iskcon temple blast case cracked|website=www.telegraphindia.com|access-date=26 November 2020|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925032820/https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/iskcon-temple-blast-case-cracked/cid/743106|url-status=live}}
• The following year, in 2007, the Kazakhstan government authorities demolished twenty-five homes belonging to ISKCON members in the Sri Vrindavan Dham commune in Almaty. The government justified the demolitions by claiming the structures were illegal constructions, while ISKCON argued that they were victims of religious persecution.{{cite news |title=Kazakhstan: Hare Krishna Community Faces Uncertain Future |url=https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-hare-krishna-community-faces-uncertain-future|date=28 November 2007 |newspaper=Eurasianet |department=City: Kazakhstan |agency=TNN |access-date=2 January 2020}}
• 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.{{cite news|title=Punish temple attackers in Ctg|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-88375|date=16 May 2009|newspaper=Dailystar|department=City: Chittagong|agency=TNN|access-date=4 January 2020|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801230612/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-88375|url-status=live}}
• In 2015, the ISKCON Temple in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, was attacked by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorists. The attackers set off hand bombs and then opened fire on those in attendance, injuring at least two people who were later transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.{{cite news |title=Now gun attack on Iskcon temple in Dinajpur |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2015/12/10/now-gun-attack-on-iskcon-temple-in-dinajpur |date=10 December 2015 |newspaper=Dhakatribune |department=City:Dhaka |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802014617/https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2015/12/10/now-gun-attack-on-iskcon-temple-in-dinajpur |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=JMB operative confesses involvement|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/jmb-operative-confesses-involvement-198310|date=7 January 2016 |newspaper=Dailystar |department=City: Dinajpur |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020}}
• In 2016, the ISKCON Sylhet in Bangladesh was attacked by Muslims, resulting in injuries to at least ten people.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/09/03/least-10-injured-sylhet-iskcon-temple-attack/|title=At least 10 injured in Sylhet Iskcon temple attack|date=3 September 2016|website=Dhaka Tribune|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929185559/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/09/03/least-10-injured-sylhet-iskcon-temple-attack|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-clash-between-hindus-muslims-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangaldesh-10-injured-2251553|title=Clash between Hindus, Muslims at ISKCON temple in Bangladesh, 10 injured|date=3 September 2016|website=DNA India|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929184052/https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-clash-between-hindus-muslims-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangaldesh-10-injured-2251553|url-status=live}}
• 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.
• That same year, the Rath Yatra organized by ISKCON Dhaka in Bangladesh was attacked by an unidentified group, leaving six devotees injured.{{Cite web |title=Religious procession by Hindus attacked in Bangladesh |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/religious-procession-by-hindus-attacked-in-bangladesh-118072300713_1.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250415204151/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/religious-procession-by-hindus-attacked-in-bangladesh-118072300713_1.html |archive-date=2025-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Business Standard |language=en-US}}
• In 2020, an Ansar al-Islam group planned an attack on the ISKCON Temple in Dhaka, but the police successfully arrested them before they could act.{{cite news|title=5 Ansar-al-Islam members held in Dhaka|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2020/02/10/5-ansar-al-islam-members-held-in-dhaka-2|newspaper=Dhaka Tribune|department=City: Dhaka|agency=TNN|access-date=15 February 2020|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215160624/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2020/02/10/5-ansar-al-islam-members-held-in-dhaka-2|url-status=live}}
• in 2021, during Navami on October 15, an ISKCON temple in Noakhali, Bangladesh, was attacked by a Muslim mob. The violence resulted in the deaths of two devotees.{{Cite news |date=2021-10-18 |title=Hundreds protest in Bangladesh over religious violence |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hundreds-protest-bangladesh-over-religious-violence-2021-10-18/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |archive-date=18 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018205038/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hundreds-protest-bangladesh-over-religious-violence-2021-10-18/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=ISKCON temple vandalised, devotees 'violently attacked' by mob in Bangladesh's Noakhali|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/mob-attacks-devotees-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangladesh-1865302-2021-10-15|publisher=IndiaToday|access-date=15 February 2020|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015172002/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/mob-attacks-devotees-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangladesh-1865302-2021-10-15|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title="Deeply Shocked": ISKCON On Attacks On Devotees In Bangladesh |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladesh-communal-violence-deeply-shocked-iskcon-over-attacks-on-devotees-in-bangladesh-2580007 |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=18 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018233800/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladesh-communal-violence-deeply-shocked-iskcon-over-attacks-on-devotees-in-bangladesh-2580007 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2021-10-17 |title=ISKCON temple attacked and devotee killed in Bangladesh; Delhi sees move to stir trouble |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iskcon-temple-attacked-and-devotee-killed-in-bangladesh-delhi-sees-move-to-stir-trouble-7575408/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019041201/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iskcon-temple-attacked-and-devotee-killed-in-bangladesh-delhi-sees-move-to-stir-trouble-7575408/ |url-status=live }}
• 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.{{Cite web |last=bdnews24.com |title=Miscreants set fire to Kali temple |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/miscreants-set-fire-to-kali-temple |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Miscreants set fire to Kali temple |language=en |archive-date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808052108/https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/miscreants-set-fire-to-kali-temple |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=ISKCON temple targeted in Bangladesh, idols of deities burnt amid unrest |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bangladesh-unrest-iskcon-temple-vandalised-idols-burnt-hindu-temples-attacked-2577570-2024-08-06 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806094049/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bangladesh-unrest-iskcon-temple-vandalised-idols-burnt-hindu-temples-attacked-2577570-2024-08-06 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-05 |title=Two Hindu councillors killed in Bangladesh clashes; ISKCON, Kali temples vandalised: Reports |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/two-hindu-councillors-killed-in-bangladesh-clashes-iskcon-kali-temples-vandalised-reports-13801008.html |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us |archive-date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808052108/https://www.firstpost.com/world/two-hindu-councillors-killed-in-bangladesh-clashes-iskcon-kali-temples-vandalised-reports-13801008.html |url-status=live }}
• In November 2024, ISKCON temple in Bangladesh was attacked by three leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra League.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-30 |title=Case filed on charges of ISKCON temple vandalism, 3 BCL leaders arrested |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/crime-and-law/z7e72dxh45 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Prothom Alo |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/india/|title=India {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=9 July 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=9 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109003715/http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/india/|url-status=live}} ISKCON India disciples are more conservative than the ISKCON disciples in the west.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/04/hare-krishna-india-hinduism-florida-women|title='It's latent misogyny': Hare Krishnas divided over whether to allow female gurus|last=Blumetti|first=Jordan|date=2019-06-04|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-01-04|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}

File:Chandroday mandir uc side view.jpg

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.{{Cite web|url=https://tovp.org/|title=Temple of the Vedic Planetarium - Home|website=Temple of the Vedic Planetarium|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129181832/https://tovp.org/|url-status=live}}

File:ISKON TEMPLE 1.jpg

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.{{Cite web|url=https://iskconvrindavan.com/|title=ISKCON Vrindavan - Home|website=ISKCON Vrindavan|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}} The temple is also affiliated with the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education.{{Cite web|url=https://vihe.org/|title=Welcome to Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education|website=vihe.org|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802044714/https://vihe.org/|url-status=live}}

File:Radha-Rasabihari Jhumar.jpg

Inaugurated in August 2024, the [https://www.iskconraipur.org Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Mandir] in Raipur, Chhattisgarh sets new records as the largest temple in Raipur.

{{Main|Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir}}

In March 2014, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple project was inaugurated,{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/akhilesh-yadav-inaugurates-project-to-build-vrindavan-chandrodaya-mandir-the-tallest-temple-in-india/articleshow/32149629.cms|title=Akhilesh Yadav inaugurates project to build Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, the tallest temple in India|access-date=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.{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-president-pranab-mukherjee-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-tallest-krishna-temple-in-vrindavan-2035410 | title=President Pranab Mukherjee to lay foundation stone of tallest Krishna temple in Vrindavan | date=15 November 2014 | publisher=DNA | author=PTI | access-date=26 April 2018 | archive-date=25 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925000513/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-president-pranab-mukherjee-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-tallest-krishna-temple-in-vrindavan-2035410 | url-status=live }}{{update inline|date=October 2023}}

File:A_photograph_from_ISKCON_Radha_Parthasarathi_Mandir,_New_Delhi.jpg

File:ISKCON temple, Delhi at Janamashtami.jpg

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".{{Cite web|url=https://www.iskcondelhi.com/|title=Home|website=www.iskcondelhi.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=18 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118011242/http://www.iskcondelhi.com/|url-status=live}} It is located in East of Kailash in South Delhi.

File:ISKCON-Temple-Chennai-3.JPG

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.{{cite news

| title = Consecration of ISKCON temple

| newspaper = The Hindu

| location = Chennai

| date = 19 April 2012

| url = http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article3331867.ece

| access-date = 26 Apr 2012

| archive-date = 30 January 2013

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130130044105/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article3331867.ece

| url-status = live

}}

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.{{Cite web|last=says|first=Mrs Mallikathevy Amirthalingam|date=2018-01-04|title=Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda Temple Salem, Tamil Nadu -|url=https://templesinindiainfo.com/sri-sri-radha-gokulananda-temple-salem-tamil-nadu/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Temples In India Info|language=en-US|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101131929/https://templesinindiainfo.com/sri-sri-radha-gokulananda-temple-salem-tamil-nadu/|url-status=live}}

File:ISKCON Temple, Siliguri, West Bengal, India (2019).jpg

Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir is located at Siliguri, West Bengal{{cite web|url=https://www.infodata.in.net/2020/01/ward-no-40-siliguri.html|title=Siliguri ward no 40|publisher=Info Data India|access-date=15 June 2020|archive-date=25 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225204431/https://www.infodata.in.net/2020/01/ward-no-40-siliguri.html|url-status=dead}} and known as Gupta Nabadweep Dham.

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.{{cite news |title=Jagannath Rath Yatra by ISKCON Nepal |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-kathmandu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523031728/https://thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-kathmandu |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 May 2022 |publisher=The Himalayan Times }}{{cite news |last1=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu by ISKCON Desire Tree in association with ISKCON Nepal |first1=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu by ISKCON Desire Tree in association with ISKCON Nepal |title=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu |url=https://iskcondesiretree.com/photo/jagannath-ratha-yatra-2019-at-kathmandu-nepal-7 |work=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmanu |publisher=ISKCON Desire Tree |archive-date=29 September 2021 |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929214553/https://iskcondesiretree.com/photo/jagannath-ratha-yatra-2019-at-kathmandu-nepal-7 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=ISKCON Nepal activity |first1=ISKCON Nepal activity |title=ISKCON Nepal activity |url=https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/my-sweet-lord |agency=Nepali Times |publisher=Nepali Times |archive-date=29 September 2021 |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929214551/https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/my-sweet-lord/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Nepal Centre |date=8 September 2011 |url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/kathmandu |publisher=ISKCON Desire Tree |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929214714/http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/kathmandu/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Budhanilkantha |date=7 December 2017 |url=https://templesinindiainfo.com/iskcon-temple-kathmandu-iskcon-budhanilkantha-kathmandu-nepal |publisher=Templesinindiainfo |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929232836/https://templesinindiainfo.com/iskcon-temple-kathmandu-iskcon-budhanilkantha-kathmandu-nepal/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Nepal |url=https://www.salagram.net/sstp-KathmanduIskcon.html |publisher=Salagram |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627141636/http://www.salagram.net/sstp-KathmanduIskcon.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Nepal Devotees at ISKCON Vrindavan |date=5 October 2019 |url=https://thepranams.com/2019/10/05/iskcon-vrindavan-flooded-with-iskcon-nepal-devotees |publisher=The Pranams |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415111151/https://thepranams.com/2019/10/05/iskcon-vrindavan-flooded-with-iskcon-nepal-devotees/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=Nepali Actress Rekha Thapa is honored with Shrimad Bhagavad-gita by ISKCON Nepal |url=https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/srimad-bhagavad-gita-distribution-to-the-students-of-maiti-nepal |archive-date=11 April 2021 |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411163708/https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/srimad-bhagavad-gita-distribution-to-the-students-of-maiti-nepal |url-status=live }} As per a 2018 estimate, over 5000 devotees participate in the ratha yatra from across the globe.{{cite news

| last = ANI

| title = Jagannath Yatra begins in Nepal

| newspaper = Business Standard

| location = Kathmandu

| date = 15 July 2018

| url = https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/jagannath-yatra-begins-in-nepal-118071500027_1.html

| access-date = 1 January 2021}}{{cite news

| last = Bhattarai

| first = Sewa

| title = My Sweet Lord

| newspaper = Nepali Times

| location = Kathmandu

| date = 22 August 2019

| url = https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/my-sweet-lord/

| access-date = 1 January 2021

| archive-date = 3 December 2020

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201203171944/https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/my-sweet-lord/

| url-status = live

}}

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,{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/the-glories-of-nueva-vraja-mandala-spain,3505/|title=The Glories of Nueva Vraja Mandala, Spain|website=ISKCON News|date=21 September 2012|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801230302/https://iskconnews.org/the-glories-of-nueva-vraja-mandala-spain,3505/|url-status=dead}} La Nouvelle Mayapura in France, Villa Vrindavan{{Cite web|url=https://villavrindavana.org/english-home/|title=Villa Vrindavana|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802004030/https://villavrindavana.org/english-home/|url-status=live}} in Italy and Simhachalam in Germany.

There are also 31 additional centers in Russia, as Vaishnava Hinduism represents one of the largest denominations of faith in the country.{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/russia/|title=Russia {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=9 July 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113000025/http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/russia/|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://bhaktivedantacollege.com/|title=Bhaktivedanta College|website=Bhaktivedanta College|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003015403/https://bhaktivedantacollege.com/|url-status=live}} File:Bhakivedanta college1.jpgThe Radhadesh temple is also home to Radhadesh Mellows, an annual kirtan retreat.{{Cite web|url=https://radhadeshmellows.com/|title=Home|website=Radhadesh Mellows|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801224237/https://radhadeshmellows.com/|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://krishnatemple.com/home/|title=Bhaktivedanta Manor – Hare Krishna Temple|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}

Bhaktivedanta Manor is also home to the London College of Vedic Studies,{{Cite web|url=https://krishnacollege.co.uk/|title=New Home Page|website=The College of Vedic Studies|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=5 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205065515/https://krishnacollege.co.uk/|url-status=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.{{Cite web|url=https://avanti.org.uk/|title=Home|last=mayapur|website=Avanti Schools Trust|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809145058/https://avanti.org.uk/|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://btg.krishna.com/checkmate-iskcons-victory-russia|title=Checkmate: ISKCON's Victory in Russia {{!}} Back to Godhead|website=btg.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=16 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916175928/http://btg.krishna.com/checkmate-iskcons-victory-russia|url-status=dead}}

File:2015-09-28 14 28 58 View of the southeast side of the Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah.jpg

There are 56 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in the United States.{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/united-states-of-america/|title=United States Of America {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=11 July 2011|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=15 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115124355/http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/united-states-of-america/|url-status=live}} Notable centers include Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (Spanish Fork), Utah, New Raman Reti in Alachua, FL,{{Cite web|url=https://alachuatemple.com/|title=Home|website=Alachua Hare Krishna Temple|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201202703/https://alachuatemple.com/|url-status=live}} and The Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas, TX.{{Cite web|url=https://radhakalachandji.org/|title=Home|last=Bhisma|website=Radha Kalachandji Temple|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801213248/https://radhakalachandji.org/|url-status=live}} Hare Krishna-affiliated full-time communities include New Vrindaban in West Virginia,{{Cite web|url=https://newvrindaban.com/|title=New Vrindaban – The Land of Krishna|website=newvrindaban.com|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220163038/https://newvrindaban.com/|url-status=live}} and Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.{{Cite web|url=https://gnecofarm.org/|title=Home - Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary|website=Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=22 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922061151/https://gnecofarm.org/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://bhakticenter.org/|title=bhakticenter.org|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=6 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106035241/http://bhakticenter.org/|url-status=live}} The ISKCON Dallas temple is affiliated with the nearby TKG Academy,{{Cite web|url=https://www.tkgacademy.com/|title=TKG Academy {{!}} TKG Academy {{!}} Dallas' Only Vegetarian Friendly Private School|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221153843/https://www.tkgacademy.com/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://saranagati.ca/|title=Home {{!}} Saranagati Community Network|website=saranagati.ca|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801210720/https://saranagati.ca/|url-status=live}} There are 5 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in Mexico.

File:Fazenda Nova Gokula Templo Central Pindamonhangaba SP Lateral.jpg, 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.{{cite journal |last=Guerriero |first=Silas |title=O Movimento Hare Krishna no Brasil: uma interpretação da cultura védica na sociedade ocidental |url=http://www.pucsp.br/rever/rv1_2001/t_guerri.htm |language=pt |journal=REVER — Revista de Estudos da Religião |date=2001 |pages=44–56 |issn=1677-1222 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628222544/http://www.pucsp.br/rever/rv1_2001/t_guerri.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/latin-america/|title=Latin America {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=28 August 2011|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229063417/http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/latin-america/|url-status=live}} 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}}

File:New Dwarikadham Temple, Nyali.JPG, Kenya.]]

Asia is home to over 80 ISKCON affiliated centers, with most being located in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/asia/|title=Asia {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=28 August 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=9 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109144206/http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/asia/|url-status=live}}

There are 69 affiliated ISKCON centers in Africa, four of which are rural farming communities and three of which are educational centers.{{Cite web|url=http://centres.iskcon.org/centre-region/africa/|title=Africa – ISKCON Centres|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=30 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430173231/http://centres.iskcon.org/centre-region/africa/|url-status=live}} ISKCON Durban hosts the world's largest Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival outside of India.{{Cite web |title=Durban festival the largest outside India |url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/post-south-africa/20190410/282295321579504 |access-date=2020-01-04 |via=PressReader |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801204456/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/post-south-africa/20190410/282295321579504 |url-status=live }}

There are six ISKCON centers, including one farming village in Australia and four temple centers in New Zealand.{{Cite web|url=https://www.krishnafarm.net/|title=ISKCON New Govardhana Australia Home|website=ISKCON New Govardhana Australia|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215230614/https://www.krishnafarm.net/|url-status=live}}

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) is a nonprofit organization, of ISKCON, and supplies books both to ISKCON and to the book trade in general.{{cite web |title=About The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |url=http://bbt.org/about |website=bbt.org |access-date=3 November 2020 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027141340/http://bbt.org/about |url-status=live }} BBT is the publisher of books on the Gaudiya Vaishnava.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-EuD3M2QYoC&pg=PA53 |title=Krishna Consciousness in the West |page=53 |first1=David G. |last1=Bromley |first2=Larry D. |last2=Shinn |year=1989|publisher=Bucknell University Press |isbn=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.{{cite book | first = Dasa Goswami | last = Satsvarupa| title =Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Vol 1-2| publisher = BBT| orig-year=1980-82 |year=2002 | pages = vol.1 1133 pages vol.2 1191 pages | isbn = 978-0-89213-357-4 | no-pp = 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.

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".{{Cite web|url=https://iscowp.org/|title=ISCOWP – The International Society of Cow Protection|website=iscowp.org|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624172716/http://iscowp.org/|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite news |title=Tripura Minister praises ISKCON's India Tribal Care Trust|url=http://www.uniindia.com/tripura-minister-praises-iskcon-s-india-tribal-care-trust/states/news/1171920.html |date=18 March 2018 |newspaper=Uniindia|agency=TNN |access-date=22 February 2020}}

File:ISKCON Food for life.jpg

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.{{Cite web|url=http://psena.com/about/|title=About|website=ISKCON Pandava Sena|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222031840/http://psena.com/about/|url-status=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.{{Cite book|last1=Dwyer|first1=Graham|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7e8ORp2QrEC&q=ISKCON+Pandava+Sena&pg=PA132|title=Hare Krishna in the Modern World|last2=Cole|first2=Richard J.|year=2013|publisher=Arktos|isbn=978-1-907166-47-1|language=en}}

• Hare Krsna TV
• Hare Krishna in popular culture
• Krishna valley, Hungary
• New religious movement

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite book |title=Alternative Krishnas: Regional and Vernacular Variations on a Hindu Deity |editor-last=Beck |editor-first=Guy L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0SJ73GHSCF8C |publisher=SUNY Press |year=2005 |isbn =0-7914-6415-6 }}
• {{Cite book |editor-last1=Bryant |editor-first1=Edwin F. |editor-last2=Ekstrand |editor-first2=Maria |year=2004 |title=The Hare Krishna Movement: The Postcharismatic Fate of a Religious Transplant |location=New York |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=0-231-12256-X }}
• {{cite book |last1=Cole |first1=Richard |last2=Dwyer |first2=Graham |title=The Hare Krishna Movement: Forty Years of Chant and Change

|publisher=I. B. Tauris |location=London |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-84511-407-7 }}

• {{cite book |last=Gibson |first=Lynne |title=Modern World Religions: Hinduism – Pupil Book Core (Modern World Religions) |publisher=Heinemann Educational Publishers |location=Oxford (England) |year=2002 |isbn=0-435-33619-3 }}
• {{cite book |last=Greene |first=Joshua M. |title=Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location=Hoboken, New Jersey |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-470-12780-3 }}
• {{cite book |last=Lavezzoli |first=Peter |title=The Dawn of Indian Music in the West |publisher=Continuum |location=New York |year=2006 |isbn=0-8264-2819-3 }}
• {{cite book |last=Rochford |first=E. Burke |title=Hare Krishna Transformed

|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HiD5Enrerv0C |location=New York |publisher=NYU Press

|year=2007 |series=The New and Alternative Religions Series |isbn=978-0814775790 }}

• {{cite book|last=Spizer|first=Bruce|author-link=Bruce Spizer|title=The Beatles Solo on Apple Records|publisher=498 Productions|location=New Orleans, LA|year=2005|isbn=0-9662649-5-9}}

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