OUR MISSION
Krishna Consciousness
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a global spiritual movement rooted in Bhakti Yoga, with a mission to make the world aware of the Supreme Lord, Krishna, and foster deep devotion to Him. ISKCON gently guides you on the path of devotion, helping you cultivate Krishna consciousness while continuing to live in the world and fulfill your worldly duties.
Krishna Consciousness does not ask of you to renounce anything rather it asks that you add Krishna to your life and become Krishna Conscious. The charm lies in the simplicity of the practice; continue to be in the world even as you cultivate deep devotion to Krishna. Chant His name as often as you can, hear of His accounts and sing His glories.
Hare Krishna devotees chant God’s names in the form of the Mahamantra, “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” The Srimad Bhagavatam states that Krishna, the friend of the devotees, purifies the hearts of those who take His name — that He manifests in their hearts and erases all evil tendencies.
ISKCON is widely acknowledged as the fastest-growing global religious community in the world. Since 1966, when His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada opened his first temple in New York City, today the movement has grown to be a vibrant community of 600 temples, numerous rural projects and educational institutes, thousands of namahattas or local meeting groups, nearly 100 vegetarian restaurants and millions of congregational members worldwide.
ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya, a monotheistic tradition of Hinduism based on the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Srila Prabhupada, in giving the world Krishna Consciousness, has not only brought the bliss of Krishna to the world but he has also shared India’s Vaishnava spiritual heritage and Vedic culture with the world.
Dissolve in Krishna Consciousness
Krishna consciousness is the awareness of and loving devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna. To be Krishna conscious means to become His devotee (bhakta) and follow the path of bhakti-yoga. Bhakti teaches that the highest duty of every person is to cultivate pure devotion to Krishna. Such devotion is free from selfish motives, remains steady despite difficulties, and fills the heart with lasting peace and spiritual satisfaction.
Srila Prabhupada
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) is widely regarded as the foremost Vedic scholar, translator, and teacher of the modern era. He is especially respected as the world's most prominent contemporary authority on bhakti-yoga, devotional service to the Supreme Person, Sri Krishna, as taught by the ancient Vedic writings of India. He is also the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada, as he is affectionately known by his followers, translated and wrote extensive commentaries on many of the Vedas' most important bhakti scriptures. These include the Bhagavad-Gita, a concise guide to understanding the purpose and goal of human life, and the multi-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, which narrates the glories of Lord Krishna, His various incarnations (avatars), and His devotees throughout the history of the universe.
In 1965, at age sixty-nine, with forty rupees and a trunk of his Bhagavatam commentaries – the first ever in English – he made his way to New York with but one aim, “introduce India’s message of peace and goodwill” to the Western world. Only a year later, in 1966, he established ISKCON by way of a humble store-front presence in New York and went on to inspire thousands to devote their lives to Krishna consciousness, launching one of the fastest-growing spiritual movements in the history of the world.
Men and women from all backgrounds came forward and with their help, Srila Prabhupada, as he is known by his followers, established temples, farm communities, a publishing house and educational institutions around the world. Simultaneously he began what has now become the world’s largest vegetarian food relief programme, Food for Life, Annadaan.
Desiring to nourish the roots of Krishna Consciousness in its homeland, Srila Prabhupada returned to India several times after beginning his worldwide mission. There, he inspired a revival of the Vaishnava tradition and established dozens of temples, including major spiritual centers in the sacred towns of Vrindavan and Mayapur.
Among Srila Prabhupada’s most significant contributions are his books. He authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition, which are highly respected by scholars for their authority, depth and clarity. Several of his works are used as textbooks in numerous college courses. His writings have been translated into 76 languages. His most prominent works include: Bhagavad Gita As It Is, the 30-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Sri Caitanya Caritamrita.
Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in the holy town of Vrindavan, surrounded by his loving disciples who carry on his mission today.
For more information on our beloved Founder Acharya, please Learn More
The Story of
ISKCON Attapur
Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir
A very generous Life Member at Abids Temple, one of the oldest ISKCON temples in India, wished to render some service to please Radha and Krishna. His Grace Sitaram Prabhuji was inspired to build a temple for Radha and Krishna and provide service throughout the year. It took just six months for ISKCON Attapur to manifest — a five-floor building, including a cellar, in the heart of Attapur, Hyderabad.
The temple altar is on the first floor, with their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra, and Gaur Nitai giving their beautiful darshan. Madhava, the Lord who is sweet as honey and the most gracious, is here at our temple to accept the love and devotion of His devotees. Govinda's international restaurant is open in the cellar for those who wish to experience the diversity of Krishna Prasadam and every Saturday and Sunday, we hold special Bhagavad Gita classes for youth and congregation devotees.
Food for Life - Annadaan, the world's largest vegetarian food relief programme and among the most important aspects of the Hare Krishna Movement, distributes 1,000 meals every day across Cancer Hospital in Banjara Hills, Champapet near LB Nagar, Chilkur Balaji Temple, Osmania Hospital, Niloufer Hospital near Lakdi ka Pul, Gudimalkapur, Gandhi Hospital, and the slum areas of Rajendranagar.
We also have a popular street Harinaam programme and a unique Travelling Sankirtan Party, a group of 30 devotees who travel all around the country propagating and spreading the nectar of the holy name. Our devotees also conduct seminars in schools, colleges, factories, business centres, and other institutions. Daily classes on Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam are held inside the temple as well as online.
We welcome you to the abode of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Come and engage in the services of Krishna. Hare Krishna!