At the heart of ISKCON’s leadership sits a partnership between the Governing Body Commission (GBC) – effectively the movement’s spiritual “board of directors” – and the cadre of initiated gurus, each empowered to guide disciples in Krishna bhakti. Since Srila Prabhupada didn’t appoint a single successor, today’s guru system blends collective oversight with individual mentorship, ensuring checks and balances and a rainbow of voices from five continents.

Key figures on the guru roster include:

• His Holiness Jayapataka Swami
– Often called ISKCON’s “elder statesman,” he’s been spearheading mission outposts from Mayapur to Manila for over five decades.

• Radhanath Swami
– Famed author of The Journey Home, he’s the driving force behind Mumbai’s Radha Gopinatha Temple and the annual Mayapur Kartik festival, which this year drew record crowds.

• Bhakti Purusottama Swami
– Based in Europe, he’s nurtured flourishing congregations from London’s Bhaktivedanta Manor to Warsaw, teaching environmental stewardship alongside devotional practices.

• Giriraja Swami
– A longtime resident of Vancouver, he’s well known for deep theological talks and efforts to make ISKCON’s archives digitally accessible worldwide.

• Indradyumna Swami
– Organizer of ISKCON’s Festival of India tour, his kirtans and eco-friendly Rathayatra parades have spread Krishna consciousness like wildfire across Eastern Europe.

• Bhakti Vijnana Goswami
– Overseeing Eastern Europe and Russia, he’s also a voice for interfaith dialogue at the United Nations.

• Gopal Krishna Goswami
– Based in Germany, he’s brought a fresh face to youth outreach via music, social media and documentary film projects.

Beyond these stalwarts, roughly eighty more GBC-approved gurus – men and women ordained directly by Prabhupada’s disciples – are planting temples, schools and farm communities from South America to Southeast Asia. This decentralized tapestry means local devotees often enjoy one-on-one access to a guiding presence, while the GBC secures doctrinal unity. As ISKCON continues to evolve in 2025, its blend of global strategy and personal mentorship remains its secret sauce for spreading Krishna’s message far and wide.