ISKCON KANNUR

About

Kannur might have assumed its name from a compound of two words, Kannan (Lord Krishna) and Ur (Place) making it the place of Lord Krishna.

Kannur or Cannanore, one of the important sea coast towns of Kerala, was the capital of the north Kolathiri rajas for many centuries. This administrative headquarters of Kannur district, lies on the Northern side of the state, in between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Kannur is known for its eternal folk art and music.

Previously known as Cannanore, it is a place of historical interest and has many important monuments. There are several mythology and legends associated with the name Kannur. Some say that the district derived its name from the two words 'Kannan' ( Krishna- one of the Hindu deities ) and 'Ur' (place); i.e the place of Lord Krishna. It is also said that the name is a derivation of Kanathur, an ancient village in Kannur.

Theyyam- the traditional dance form of Kerala is associated with this district. St.Angelos Fort, Kannur The place is also famous for handloom. Once a premier port of ancient Kerala, Kannur has been a favourite destination of foreign travellers from Europe, China and Arab countries.

In his book of travels Marco Polo recounts his visit to the area in circa 1250 A.D and refers Cannanore as a great Emporia of spice trade. In the ‘Periplus of the Erithrean Sea’ a Greek work of great antiquity, Kannur finds mention as 'Naura'. Other famous visitors include Fahian, the Buddhist pilgrim and Ibn Batuta, writer and historian of Tangiers.

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History

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. It belongs to the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition, a devotional tradition based on the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. The precepts and practices of ISKCON were taught and codified by the 15th century saint and religious reformer Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his principle associates, the Six Goswamis of Vrindavana. Sri Chaitanya , whom devotees revere as a direct incarnation of Krishna, gave a powerful impetus for a massive bhakti (devotional) movement throughout India . Read more

Seven Purposes of ISKCON

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 great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing 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 name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Disciple Succession

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness draws its legitimacy from its place in a long succession of spiritual teachers and disciples (parampara). There are four major disciple successions (sampradayas), ISKCON belongs to the Brahma Sampradaya, founded by Lord Krishna Himself. There are many branches to this sampradaya. Our society belongs to the branch founded by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century.
The principle is that Vaisnava teachings should be passed on, unchanged, from guru to disciple. The most prominent devotees in this lineage are accepted as acharyas: those who teach by example, who carry the line forward. Listed below are the acharyas since, and including, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
The Six Goswamis of Vrindavana
- Srila Rupa Goswami
- Srila Sanatana Goswami
- Gopal Bhatta Goswami
- Ragunatha dasa Goswami
- Ragunatha Batta Goswami
- Jiva Goswami
Krsnadasa Kaviraj Goswami