From Ancient Roots to Global Movement: A Timeline
ISKCON's journey began centuries ago in India and exploded onto the world stage in the 1960s. This timeline tracks the pivotal moments that shaped the movement, from the foundational teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to its official establishment in the West.
1486: The Spark
Birth of Sri Krishna Caitanya, who ignited the massive *bhakti* (devotional) movement across India, establishing public chanting (*Sankirtan*) as a core practice.
1965: The Arrival
At age 69, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada arrives penniless in New York City, tasked by his spiritual master to spread Krishna consciousness to the West.
July 13, 1966: The Founding
Prabhupada officially incorporates the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in a small New York storefront, resonating with the 1960s counterculture.
1970: The Structure
The Governing Body Commission (GBC) is established by Prabhupada to serve as the highest managerial authority, ensuring unity and continuity for the growing global movement.
Late 1990s: Global Presence
The movement expands to approximately 225 centers across 60 countries, demonstrating its successful global establishment and enduring appeal.
Core Philosophy
At its heart, ISKCON theology is panentheistic: Krishna is the singular, supreme reality who is both within and beyond all of existence. The goal is to revive one's innate "Krishna Consciousness" and escape the cycle of reincarnation (*samsara*).
Supreme Godhead: Krishna
The original source of all avatars and manifestations of God.
The Four Regulative Principles
To purify consciousness and advance spiritually, initiated devotees vow to follow four foundational rules, which are seen as pillars of a devotional life.
No Meat-Eating
A strict lacto-vegetarian diet, avoiding meat, fish, and eggs.
No Intoxication
Abstaining from alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other drugs.
No Gambling
Avoiding all forms of gambling and frivolous speculation.
No Illicit Sex
Sexual activity is restricted to within marriage, for procreation.
The Maha-Mantra
The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is the cornerstone of devotional practice, believed to purify the mind and revive one's original spiritual consciousness.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Rama Rama, Hare Hare
16 Rounds Daily
Initiated devotees chant the mantra 1,728 times a day using *japa* beads.
Organizational & Membership Structure
ISKCON is governed by a commission established by its founder and organized in concentric circles of community involvement, from celibate monks to the wider congregation that forms the movement's lifeblood. This structure balances spiritual authority with managerial oversight.
Governing Body Commission (GBC)
Highest Decision-Making Body
Gurus & Temple Presidents
Spiritual & Regional Leaders
Full-Time Temple Residents
Brahmacharis & Sannyasis
A major shift has occurred from a monastic base to a majority congregational membership, vital for financial support.
Global Impact: "Kitchen Religion"
ISKCON's emphasis on preparing and distributing sanctified vegetarian food (*prasadam*) has had a massive global impact, earning it the nickname "the kitchen religion."
1 Million+
Plates of Free Food Daily
Distributed by ISKCON's "Food for Life" program, the world's largest vegetarian food relief initiative.
Challenges & Adaptation
Following its founder's passing, ISKCON faced significant internal crises. In response, the movement has adapted, shifting its membership model and increasingly self-identifying as a branch of Hinduism to integrate more into mainstream society.
Future Strategic Focus
The GBC has outlined key strategic areas to guide ISKCON's future, balancing the preservation of its founder's teachings with the need for internal reform, leadership development, and devotee care.