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Lord Krishna: The Divine Journey

Exploring the eternal teachings and divine pastimes of Lord Krishna through the devotional lens of ISKCON

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The Divine Persona

Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, represents the embodiment of divine love, wisdom, and cosmic consciousness. Born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna's life is a tapestry of miraculous events, profound teachings, and divine pastimes that continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Known for his enchanting flute, playful nature, and profound wisdom as expressed in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches humanity the path of devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga). His eternal relationship with devotees exemplifies the highest form of divine love.

Through the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966, Krishna's teachings have spread globally, creating a spiritual renaissance that continues to transform lives through devotional service and spiritual practice.

Lord Krishna Deity
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The Divine Timeline

The life of Lord Krishna spans from his miraculous birth to his departure from this world, filled with divine pastimes that reveal spiritual truths and exemplify perfect devotion.

Birth in Mathura

Born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell, Krishna's birth was marked by divine omens and the fulfillment of prophecy. His parents were imprisoned by the evil king Kamsa.

Childhood in Vrindavan

Growing up among cowherds, Krishna performed many miraculous feats, including lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Indra's wrath and defeating numerous demons.

Rasa Lila

The divine dance with the gopis of Vrindavan symbolizes the soul's longing for union with God. This transcendental pastime represents the highest form of devotional love.

Return to Mathura

Krishna returned to Mathura to fulfill his destiny, defeating the evil king Kamsa and freeing his parents and the kingdom from tyranny.

Establishment of Dwarka

Krishna established the golden city of Dwarka on the western coast of India, ruling as a king and demonstrating ideal leadership and governance.

Kurukshetra War

Serving as Arjuna's charioteer during the great Mahabharata war, Krishna delivered the profound spiritual discourse known as the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita

Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna on the battlefield contains timeless spiritual wisdom on duty, devotion, knowledge, and the nature of reality.

Uddhava Gita

Before departing from this world, Krishna imparted final spiritual instructions to his dear devotee Uddhava, emphasizing pure devotion.

Departure

Krishna departed from this world, marking the beginning of the current age of Kali. His eternal pastimes continue in the spiritual realm of Goloka Vrindavan.

ISKCON: Spreading Krishna Consciousness

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to systematically propagate spiritual knowledge and the practice of bhakti-yoga, the science of devotion to Lord Krishna.

Core Principles

  • Chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

  • Following four regulative principles: no meat-eating, no intoxication, no illicit sex, and no gambling

  • Studying Vedic scriptures, particularly Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam

  • Engaging in devotional service (seva) to Krishna and his devotees

700+

Temples Worldwide

150+

Countries

Millions

Devotees Globally

500M+

Books Distributed

Srila Prabhupada

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Divine Gallery

Explore the beauty and devotion of Krishna consciousness through these captivating images from temples and festivals around the world.

Divine Videos

Experience the beauty of Krishna consciousness through these inspiring videos of bhajans, lectures, and temple tours.

Krishna Bhajan

Govinda Damodara Madhaveti

Traditional bhajan praising the names of Krishna

Spiritual Lecture

The Science of Self-Realization

Lecture on Krishna consciousness philosophy

Temple Tour

Vrindavan Temple Tour

Guided tour of the sacred ISKCON temple in Vrindavan

Krishna Worship Practices

Devotional service to Lord Krishna follows ancient Vedic traditions, adapted for modern practitioners through the teachings of ISKCON.

Daily Worship Practices

Morning Program (Mangala Arati)

Early morning worship beginning at 4:30 AM with arati ceremony, kirtan, japa meditation, and Srimad Bhagavatam class.

Japa Meditation

Chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra on prayer beads (japa mala), typically 16 rounds (1,728 mantras) daily.

Scripture Study

Regular study of Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other Vaishnava texts to deepen spiritual understanding.

Prasadam

Offering vegetarian food to Krishna before eating, transforming material food into spiritual prasadam (mercy).

Temple Schedule

  • Mangala Arati: 4:30 AM
  • Tulasi Arati: 7:00 AM
  • Darshan Arati: 7:15 AM
  • Bhagavatam Class: 7:30 AM
  • Noon Arati: 12:00 PM
  • Evening Arati: 6:30 PM
  • Bhagavad Gita Class: 7:00 PM

The Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Rama Rama, Hare Hare

This sixteen-word mantra is the principal chant for devotees of Krishna. It is a call to the Lord and His energy (Hara) to engage the devotee in His service. The mantra is chanted for spiritual purification and to awaken love of God.

1:45 / 5:30

Home Altar Setup

1

Select a Clean, Elevated Space

Choose a shelf, table, or dedicated area in your home that is clean and elevated.

2

Place Pictures or Deities

Arrange pictures of Krishna, Radha-Krishna, Lord Chaitanya, and the spiritual master.

3

Gather Worship Items

Incense, a small bell, a lamp or candle, flowers, and a small plate for food offerings.

4

Daily Worship

Offer arati by circling the lamp, ring the bell, offer incense, flowers, and food with prayers.

For guidance on setting up a home altar and performing worship, consult with devotees at your local ISKCON temple or visit iskcon.org for detailed resources.

Sacred Cities of Krishna Consciousness

Explore the spiritual significance of Varanasi and Mayapur, two of India's most sacred cities deeply connected to Krishna consciousness and Vedic traditions.

Varanasi: The Eternal City

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major spiritual center. Lord Shiva's city, it holds immense significance in Krishna consciousness as a place where spiritual knowledge and devotion flourish.

Spiritual Significance

  • Home to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva

  • Sacred Ganges River where devotees perform rituals and meditation

  • Ancient center of Vedic learning and spiritual practices

Varanasi Ghats
ISKCON Mayapur

Mayapur: The Spiritual Capital

Mayapur, the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, serves as ISKCON's global headquarters. This sacred city represents the heart of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and modern Krishna consciousness movement.

Key Attractions

  • Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) - World's largest temple

  • Birthplace of Lord Chaitanya at Yogapith

  • Srila Prabhupada's Samadhi and museum

24/7

Kirtan & Worship

10,000+

Daily Visitors

Experience the Divine Cities

Varanasi Aarti

Evening Aarti at Varanasi

Experience the magical Ganga aarti ceremony

Mayapur Temple

TOVP Temple Tour

Inside the magnificent Temple of Vedic Planetarium

Mayapur Festival

Gaura Purnima Festival

Annual celebration of Lord Chaitanya's appearance

Interactive Experience

Engage with Krishna consciousness through these interactive features and resources.

ISKCON Temples Worldwide

ISKCON Mayapur

Mayapur, West Bengal, India

The spiritual headquarters of ISKCON and birthplace of Lord Chaitanya

ISKCON Vrindavan

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India

Located in the sacred land of Lord Krishna's childhood pastimes

ISKCON London

London, United Kingdom

Historic temple established by Srila Prabhupada in 1969

ISKCON New York

Brooklyn, New York, USA

First temple established in the Western world

ISKCON Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, USA

One of the largest ISKCON temples in North America

ISKCON Durban

Durban, South Africa

Temple of Understanding, one of Africa's largest temples

ISKCON Moscow

Moscow, Russia

Major center for Krishna consciousness in Eastern Europe

ISKCON has established over 700 temples, centers, communities, schools, and restaurants worldwide. Find a temple near you to experience Krishna consciousness firsthand.

Virtual Aarti Experience

Experience the sacred aarti ceremony from your home. Light a virtual lamp and offer it to Lord Krishna while listening to traditional prayers.

Offer the lamp with devotion

Move in circular motion clockwise

Krishna Bhajan Radio

Listen to beautiful devotional songs and kirtans dedicated to Lord Krishna from renowned artists and temple recordings.

Govinda Jaya Jaya

Traditional Bhajan • ISKCON Choir

2:15 / 5:00

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