[35] VAISHNAVISM IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

ARTICLE INFO: Date of Submission: Mar 08, 2026, Revised: Mar 21, 2026, Accepted: Mar 24 , 2026, CrossRef D.O.I : https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i3.2026.373-381. How To Cite: Radhakrishna Das Adhikari (2026). Vaishnavism in an International context. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews. 5(3). 373-381.

Abstract

In the international context, Vaiṣṇava devotion has emerged as a significant religious and cultural movement. In particular, the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition and ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) have played a vital role in spreading this devotional path across the globe. The primary source of the global expansion of Vaiṣṇava devotion lies in the message of divine love (prema-bhakti) propagated by Śrī Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Through the practice of nāma-saṅkīrtana (the congregational chanting of the holy names), he made devotion to God simple and accessible to all. His philosophical doctrine of Achintya Bhedābheda (inconceivable simultaneous oneness and difference) stands as a unique contribution to Vaiṣṇava philosophy worldwide. In the 20th century, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada introduced this tradition to the Western world. With the establishment of ISKCON in New York in 1966, Krishna devotion spread widely across Europe, America, Russia, Africa, and various parts of Asia. The development of Vaiṣṇava devotion can be observed in many countries. In the United States and Europe, ISKCON temples, Ratha Yatra festivals, Bhagavata recitations, and kirtan have made devotion increasingly popular. Major centers have been established in cities such as New York, London, and Berlin. Despite challenging political conditions, Krishna devotion has also spread significantly in Russia, where many devotees actively participate in harināma-saṅkīrtana. In Bangladesh and Nepal, Vaiṣṇava traditions have long been practiced, with devotion expressed through temples, nāma-yajña, and various festivals. The global appeal of Vaiṣṇava devotion lies in several key aspects: its simple spiritual practices, such as chanting and kirtan; its universal acceptance beyond distinctions of caste, creed, or religion; its cultural influence through music, dance, and cuisine (prasāda); and its ability to provide spiritual peace, offering relief from the stresses of modern life. Today, Vaiṣṇava devotion is not merely a religion but has evolved into a way of life. Practices such as yoga, meditation, vegetarianism, and Krishna consciousness are gaining widespread popularity across the world.