The teachings of ISKCON and its form of bhakti yoga (literally, "path of devotion") dates back to the teachings of Caitanya Mahaprabhu in present-day West Bengal in the 1500s. It was revived in the 20th century in India, and introduced to the Western world by Prabhupada A.C. Bhaktivedanta, who incorporated ISKCON in New York in 1966 and subsequently published translations of the Bhagavad Gita and many other scriptures in English, as well as other Western languages, Hindi, and all Indian dialects, Chinese, Japanese, and African languages too. In fact his books are now published in over 60 languages all over the world.

The nickname "Hare Krishnas" for devotees of this movement comes from the maha-mantra (great chant) they recite, which begins with those words. They are more appropriately referred to as Krishna devotees. Krishna devotees wearing saffron robes are celibate monks.

ISKCON has absorbed many western influences and maintains mandirs (temples) in more countries of the world than any other Hindu sect. Unlike other branches of Hinduism, it is actively evangelical, seeking to help anyone throughout the world irrespective of their "designated religion or faith", in development of love of God.

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