- November 24, 2024
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ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) is a religious organization that was founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. The organization is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam, which are ancient Hindu scriptures.
The history of the ISKCON temple dates back to 1965 when A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a spiritual teacher and scholar from India, arrived in New York City to spread the message of Krishna consciousness. He began teaching the philosophy of Bhakti Yoga, which involves devotion and service to Lord Krishna, and attracted a small group of followers.
In 1966, Prabhupada established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in New York City, with the aim of spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna throughout the world. The first ISKCON temple was established in a small storefront in New York City, and it quickly became a hub for spiritual seekers and devotees.
Over the years, ISKCON has grown into a global organization with temples and centers in many countries around the world. The organization is known for its colorful and festive temple ceremonies, which include singing, dancing, and feasting.
Today, ISKCON continues to promote the teachings of Lord Krishna through its temples, festivals, and other events. The organization has also been involved in a number of charitable activities, including disaster relief, food distribution, and education programs.
International Society for Krishna Consciousness [ISKCON] has numerous temples and centers around the world. Here are some of the prominent ones:
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many other ISKCON temples and centers around the world.
ISKCON temples are famous for their grand architecture, intricate artwork, and vibrant cultural events that showcase the rich traditions and teachings of the movement. These temples are a hub for spiritual activities, devotional singing, and worship ceremonies.
In addition to their spiritual offerings, ISKCON temples are also famous for their vegetarian food, which is prepared with the utmost care and devotion, and offered to the deities as part of the worship process. Visitors to ISKCON temples can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals at their restaurants or take part in their free food distribution programs, which serve nutritious meals to the needy.
ISKCON temples primarily worship Lord Krishna and His consort, Radha. They also worship other deities, such as Lord Rama, Lord Nrsimhadeva, and Lord Jagannath, who are considered incarnations or expansions of Lord Krishna. The main deity of each ISKCON temple is typically Lord Krishna, who is worshipped in the form of a deity or idol. The temples also often have a shrine dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, who is regarded as a great spiritual teacher and guide for the movement.
As of September 2021, there were over 600 ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temples worldwide, with a presence in more than 60 countries. However, the number of temples may have increased since then, as ISKCON continues to expand its global outreach.
ISKCON was founded by Abhaya Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami (born Abhay Charan De) in New York City, USA, in the year 1966.
In ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), the three primary idols or deities worshipped are:
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/