International Society for Krishna Consciousness

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as Hare Krishnas after the mantra that they chant, is a worldwide religious organization founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966 in New York and is based on the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism inspired by the life and teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. The organization has the stated aim to foster bhakti (devotion) towards Krishna whom they consider as the Supreme God or 'Supreme Personality of Godhead'.