In July 1966, Srila Prabhupada officially established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in a small storefront at 26 Second Avenue in New York City. This humble place became the first Hare Krishna temple in the Western world. There he regularly gave lectures on Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, led kirtans, and personally trained his early disciples in devotional practices.

One memorable moment occurred when the small group of students formally signed the legal incorporation document for ISKCON. Few could imagine that this simple beginning would soon grow into a global spiritual movement with temples and communities across the world.

Srila Prabhupada introduced the public chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, which soon became known as the Hare Krishna Movement. Devotees would sing and dance in the streets, parks, and public places, inviting people to experience spiritual joy.

A famous early event occurred in Tompkins Square Park in New York in 1966, where Srila Prabhupada led a public kirtan beneath a large elm tree. Many young people joined the chanting, and the event attracted media attention. Today that place is remembered as the starting point of the worldwide Hare Krishna kirtan movement.

As more people became inspired by his teachings, Srila Prabhupada began sending disciples to different cities to establish temples. Within a few years, centers appeared in San Francisco, London, Los Angeles, Hamburg, Tokyo, Sydney, and Mumbai.

One historic milestone occurred in London in 1969, when devotees collaborated with George Harrison of The Beatles. He helped produce the famous recording of the “Hare Krishna Mantra”, which became a popular song in Europe and helped introduce millions of people to the chanting of Krishna’s holy names.

Srila Prabhupada considered books to be the foundation of the movement. Despite his advanced age, he worked tirelessly late into the night translating and writing commentaries on sacred texts.

Among his most influential works are Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Chaitanya Charitamrita. His books presented the teachings of bhakti in clear language while preserving the original Sanskrit verses and traditional explanations. Today these works are translated into dozens of languages and distributed worldwide.

Public chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra became one of the most visible features of ISKCON. Devotees organized street kirtans, festivals, and temple programs in cities across the world.

A major milestone occurred in 1967, when Srila Prabhupada organized the first Ratha-Yatra festival in San Francisco outside India. Thousands of people gathered to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra through the streets. Today Ratha-Yatra festivals are celebrated annually in major cities across the globe.

Srila Prabhupada taught the principle of “simple living and high thinking.” He encouraged the development of farm communities where devotees could grow food, protect cows, and live close to nature while practicing spiritual life.

One of the earliest examples was New Vrindaban in West Virginia, where devotees developed a spiritual farm community. Such projects reflected Srila Prabhupada’s vision of creating self-sufficient communities centered on devotion to Krishna.

ISKCON also developed many programs to share Vedic culture and spiritual education. Temples organized Bhagavad-gita classes, cultural festivals, dramatic performances, and devotional music programs.

Srila Prabhupada also encouraged the establishment of gurukulas (traditional schools) where children could learn spiritual values along with academic education. Through festivals, literature, and cultural presentations, ISKCON helped introduce millions of people worldwide to the philosophy and traditions of bhakti-yoga.

By the time Srila Prabhupada departed from this world in November 1977 in Vrindavan, he had traveled around the globe 14 times, established over 100 temples, and initiated thousands of disciples.

Perhaps his greatest legacy is his books and teachings, which continue to guide millions of people. What began with one devotee arriving alone in America grew into a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to sharing the message of Lord Krishna and the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.