About ISKCON – ISKCON Salem

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement is a spiritual society founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in July 1966 in New York. ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradaya, a monotheistic tradition within Vedic culture. Today ISKCON comprises of more than 400 temples, 40 rural communities and over 100 vegetarian restaurants. It also conducts special projects throughout the world, such as “Food for Life”, the only free vegetarian relief program in the world.

The aim of ISKCON is to acquaint all people of world with universal principles of self-realization and God consciousness so that they may derive the highest benefit of spiritual understanding, unity and peace. The Vedic literature recommend that in the present age of Kali-yuga the most effective means of achieving self-realization is always hear about, glorify, and remember the all-attractive Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. Therefore, it recommends the chanting of the Holy Names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This sublime chanting puts the chanter directly in touch with the Supreme Lord through the sound vibration of His Holy Name.

ISKCON follows the teachings of the Vedas and Vedic scriptures, including the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam which teach Vaishnavism or devotion to God (Krishna) in His Supreme Personal aspect of Sri Sri Radha Krishna.

These teachings are received through the preceptorial line known as the Brahma-Madhav-Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya. ISKCON is part of the disciplic succession which started with Lord Krishna Himself and continued with Srila Vyasadeva, Srila Madhavacharya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and in the present day His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his followers.

ISKCON’s teachings are non-sectarian, following the principle of sanatana dharma or eternal religion, which denotes the eternal activity of all living beings – loving devotional service (bhakti-yoga) to Supreme Personality of Godhead.

History of the Hare Krishna Movement

In 1965, at the age of 69, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada boarded the steamship ‘Jaladuta’ from Mumbai on his way to United States. At an age when most people think of retiring Srila Prabhupada undertook this arduous journey to fulfill the mission of Lord Caitanya and follow the instruction of his spiritual master Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur to carry the message of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to Western world.

After arriving in New York City in September 1965, Srila Prabhupada struggled alone for the first year to establish his Krishna conscious movement. He lived simply, lectured whenever and wherever he got the opportunity and gradually began to attract some small interest in his teaching. In July of 1966, while still working from an obscure storefront on New York City’s Lower East Side, Srila Prabhupada nonetheless founded a spiritual society intended for worldwide participation. He called it International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON for short and thus began the Hare Krishna movement in America.

At the time of incorporation, Srila Prabhupada had not attracted even one committed follower. Undeterred, he enlisted volunteers from among the small group of regular attendees at his evening lectures to act as ISKCON’s first trustees. That was then. Today, ISKCON comprises of more than 400 temples worldwide, 40 rural communities and over 100 vegetarian restaurants. It also conducts special projects throughout the world, such as “Food for Life”, the only free vegetarian relief program in the world.

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ISKCON Salem

Sri Sri Gokulananda Temple (ISKCON Salem), situated on a serene 4.5-acre campus on the outskirts of Salem, Tamil Nadu, is a remarkable center of spiritual and architectural beauty. Inspired by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, this temple embodies devotion and serves as a beacon of Krishna consciousness in the region.

Presiding Deities

The temple is home to the sacred Deities of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda, Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, and Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra. Their divine presence draws countless devotees, offering solace and inspiration through heartfelt worship and rituals.

Architectural Marvel

As the first-ever full-stone temple in ISKCON, it features 108 intricately carved stone pillars and 64 exquisite Krishna Leela carvings. Unique additions, such as a 75×75 ft kurma (tortoise) and a 6-foot Ananta Sesha, symbolize cosmic aspects of Lord Vishnu, adding to the temple’s spiritual significance.

A Spiritual Hub

ISKCON Salem provides more than a place of worship. The campus hosts an open-air theater for spiritual events, a prasadam hall serving sanctified meals, and guest accommodations, allowing visitors to experience daily spiritual practices and immerse themselves in devotional life.

A Journey of Faith

What once seemed like an ambitious vision has now become a reality through steadfast determination. ISKCON Salem stands as a testament to unwavering faith, offering peace, inspiration, and a sense of divine connection to all who visit.

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Our Mission

1. Spreading Spiritual Knowledge

To educate people about spiritual life, correct imbalances in values, and promote unity and peace through talks, seminars, and the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books.

2. Promoting Krishna Consciousness

To share the teachings of Krishna as revealed in the Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, helping people understand their relationship with the Supreme Being.

3. Building a Spiritual Community

To bring individuals closer to Krishna and create a supportive community focused on spiritual growth and helping others on the path of devotion.

4. Encouraging Sankirtana

To promote the congregational chanting of Krishna’s holy names, as taught by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, through kirtans and spiritual gatherings.

5. Establishing Holy Places

To create temples and centers where people can glorify Krishna, learn about His pastimes, and connect with spirituality.

6. Teaching Simple Living

To inspire a simpler, more natural lifestyle that allows individuals to focus on spiritual practices and live in harmony with nature.

7. Publishing Spiritual Literature

To publish and distribute books, magazines, and writings to share Krishna consciousness and inspire spiritual understanding globally.

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Founder Acharya

His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

The beautiful concept of ISKCON was brought to life by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, born in 1896 in Calcutta, India. In 1922, he met his spiritual teacher, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who inspired him to dedicate his life to sharing Vedic knowledge with the Western world. In 1933, he officially became his initiated disciple.

Srila Prabhupada worked tirelessly to spread Krishna consciousness. In the 1940s, he wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita and started a magazine to share spiritual teachings. He was honored with the title “Bhaktivedanta” in 1947 for his deep understanding of Vedic knowledge. In 1959, he fully devoted himself to writing and translating the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

In 1965, Srila Prabhupada traveled to the United States with almost no money but a strong mission. A year later, he founded ISKCON, which grew rapidly under his guidance. Today, his vision has spread across the world, with hundreds of temples, schools, and communities sharing Krishna consciousness with millions.