ISKCON (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was founded in New York in 1966 by His Devine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It rapidly expanded to become a worldwide confederation of several hundred temples and ashramas, with affiliated farm communities and gurukula schools.

ISKCON is based on the timeless teachings of Bhagvad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, as received in disciplic succession from Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Lord Chaitanya appeared five hundred years ago in Mayapur Dhama and taught the science of Krishna Bhakti. He popularized the chanting of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, the mahamantra (great chanting for deliverance) most effective in this age of Kali (Kaliyuga). ISKCON is meant to fulfil Lord Chaitanya's mission by preaching Krishna consciousness all over the world.

ISKCON is part of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya. It's spiritual lineage is traced from Srila Prabhupada back through a chain of spiritual masters, through Lord Chaitanya, through Madhvacharya, to Lord Brahma and ultimately to Lord Krishna Himself. This principle of parampara (unbroken disciplic succession) is a major hallmark of ISKCON's authenticity.

Shrila Prabhupada set up ISKCON so that everybody coming to this society can get everything they need to achieve all perfection in Krishna Consciousness. Anyone who takes full shelter of Shrila Prabhupada through his ISKCON will get all the guidance needed to become fully Krishna conscious.