Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its unique form of monotheistic core beliefs are based on Hindu scriptures , particularly Prabhupada's commentaries and translations of the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana. ISKCON is "the largest and, arguably, most important branch" of Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, [3] which has had adherents in India since the early 16th century and its American and European devotees since the mid and late 20th century.
The religious organization practices vegetarianism and was initially formed to spread the practice of Bhakti yoga. Its followers, called bhaktas , dedicate both their thoughts and actions towards pleasing Krishna , whom they consider the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially West Bengal and Odisha , for the past five hundred years. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , who rapidly spread his form of ecstatic bhakti devotion throughout Bengal.
He established Sankirtan , the practice of publicly expressing devotion to Krishna, the Supreme God, through dance and song.
This form of communal worship responded to rigid caste structures by engaging all people in worship regardless of caste and creed. He is considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas to be an incarnation of Krishna himself. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya's Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West in Instead of preaching to New York's elite, he tapped into the s countercultural spirit by preaching and chanting in public parks and attracting hippies and the youth.
His movement, then known as the "Hare Krishna Movement", grew even larger when he relocated to San Francisco a year later. For its devotees, Radha represents Krishna's divine female counterpart, the original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of devotional love.
