In 1966 Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which, for its active propagation of the maha-mantra, came to be popularly known as "the Hare Krishna movement." The chanting and propagation of the holy name are the stated basis and goal of the movement. Srila Prabhupada writes, "Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra to give everyone a chance to hear Krishna's holy name, for simply by hearing [the holy name] one becomes purified. Therefore our Krishna consciousness movement is chiefly engaged in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra all over the world." "The Krishna consciousness movement," he says, "is based on this principle: chant the Hare Krishna mantra at every moment, as much as possible, both inside and outside of the temple." This movement "is especially meant for creating an atmosphere in which people can take to the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra." The public chanting of the holy name performed by Srila Prabhupada's followers, clad in traditional Indian dhotis and saris, is now a familiar sight on the streets of most major cities of the world.

Srila Prabhupada, through his movement the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, established more than one hundred Hare Krishna temples in thirty-six countries – in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia – within the space of only ten years. In that same space of time, Srila Prabhupada was writing books – nearly seventy books including translations and commentaries on the greatest gifts of the Vedic knowledge so that all people may benefit from this knowledge. His literary works are said to be the standard of Vedic knowledge to lead us through the next ten thousand years.

Remarking on Srila Prabhupada’s horoscope, one astrologer has said, "This person can build a house big enough for the whole world to live in." Such is the contribution of His Divine Grace, A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness that he founded.

To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.

To propagate a consciousness of Krishna, as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus to develop the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).

To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy names of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.

To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.

With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings