Who was the Founder of ISKCON?
If you are a Lord Krishna devotee, then you have already heard about ISKCON. The term ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness which is also colloquially referred to as the Hare Krishna movement and adheres to the Gaudiya Vaishnavism school of Hinduism which is further a monotheistic tradition.
This organization operates temples both at a national and international level. Any devotee or visitor who seeks a break from the hustle of life can seek divinity and relaxation as the stunning ISKCON temples around the globe provide wonderful attractions. However, I guess you are wondering who founded it and have other related information. Well, in that case, keep reading until the end to gather relevant information.
Who Founded ISKCON? Founder of ISKCON
If you are thinking about who founded the ISKCON Temple, then know that it was
Abhaya Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami. By birth, he was known as Abhay Charan De. He established ISKCON in New York City, USA, in the year of 1966. Known as the spiritual leader of the foundation, he established ISKCON with the goal of promoting Bhakti Yoga or Krishna consciousness throughout the globe.
Every single member of ISKCON performs deeds and dedicates everything they say to please Lord Krishna whom they consider as the Supreme being. The organization has been successfully operating for over 53 years now and has managed to develop several ISKCON temples across the world. Not only temples, but several vegetarian restaurants, meeting groups, free food distribution programmes, and others have been organized.
History of the ISKCON Temple
The movement of ISKCON was carried out by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in the year of 1896. He departed from Vrindavan to disseminate the word about Lord Krishna in the West. This legendary figure carried a trunk full of books devoted to Lord Krishna.
Though he struggled a lot in the beginning, soon people began to notice him and even join his spiritual mission. People chanted along and attended lectures on the holy book of Hindus namely Bhagavad Gita which soon led to the establishment of ISKCON in the year of 1966.
What are the Practices Followed by ISKCON?
As the organization grew with time, several events were conducted by ISKCON. However, what did not change is the practices that are followed by it. These practices that every devotee or member of ISKCON participates in include
Japa
A practice that ISKCON gives importance to is Japa. It is basically chanting or reciting the name of Lord Krishna on a rosary-style string of prayer beads. It is customary for the devotees of Lord Krishna to pray using the rosary at least sixteen times a day.
Kirtan
Another prominent practice includes performing Kirtan which is basically singing of mantras devoted to Lord Krishna and celebrating his existence. Not only piety is expressed towards the deity through this, but more people are attracted as it is performed on the streets and other public places.
Deity Worship
Deities are thought to be identical to Lord Krishna himself as the Hindus believe that lords can appear in a variety of ways. They manifest in numerous shapes and various incarnations. There is a chance that Lord Krishna would manifest as the god and so the worship should continue.
Aarti
Here comes another crucial practice of ISKCON which includes performing Aarti. It is an extremely precise practice that is performed on a punctual schedule every day. As the worshiper feels unworthy of making a direct offering to Lord Krishna, everything is given to the guru first m, then it is handed over to the next guru and then everything is finally offered to the deity. This continues around the Lord Krishna seven times and everything needs to be offered during the Aarti takes place.
Sunday Feast
Every Sunday, ISKCON devotees gather for a practice known as the Sunday Feast. The feast is practised with the performance of Kirtan and Japa alongside the prayers of the
ISKCON devotees taking place. This happens by utilizing the food provided by the temple.
What are the Major Principles an ISKCON Member Must Follow?
Anyone who wants to be an ISKCON member must remember to follow the four major principles. These principles are basically religious beliefs where an individual is stopped from engaging in sinful activities. To be precise, these principles include
Staying away from intoxicants like alcohol, coffee, tea, drugs and others is forbidden.
Gambling is restricted as it is considered to be an unethical activity
Only being a vegetarian is allowed. Animal killing or eating flesh is strictly prohibited.
One must not engage in sex except with the person they are wedded to.
List of Some Famous ISKCON Temples in India
Wondering where are some of the famous ISKCON Temples in India? Well, then check out the list curated below.
ISKCON temples have become a popular tourist destination in India as well as abroad. You can always visit these temples and take a dive deeper into the culturally and spiritually rich atmosphere. Apart from this, the architectural magnificence and the tranquillity of the temples will leave no chance to convince you to become a member of the religious ideas promoted by the organization. If you have not visited an ISKCON temple yet, then make sure to add it to your bucket list and walk in the path of light.