Gaudiya Vaishnavism (also known as Chaitanya Vaishnavism and Hare Krishnas) is a Vaishnava religious movement founded by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534) in India in the 16th century.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a prominent sect within the broader Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism, with a particular emphasis on devotion to Lord Krushna as the supreme personality of Godhead. It traces its origins to the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534), a saint and mystic from Bengal, India. Gaudiya Vaishnavism is named after the region of Gauda (present-day West Bengal and Bangladesh), where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu primarily preached.

“Gaudiya” refers to the Gauda region (present day West Bengal & Bangladesh) and Vaishnavism meaning “the worship of Vishnu”. Its philosophical basis is primarily that of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavat Puran, as well as other Puranic scriptures and Upanishads.

Key aspects of Gaudiya Vaishnavism include:

1. Bhakti Yoga: Gaudiya Vaishnavism places great emphasis on the path of bhakti yoga, or the yoga of devotion. Practitioners engage in various devotional practices such as chanting the Hare Krushna mantra, singing bhajans (devotional songs), reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, and engaging in service to God and humanity.
2. Goloka Vrindavan: Gaudiya Vaishnavism teaches that the ultimate spiritual goal is to attain the divine realm of Goloka Vrindavan, the eternal abode of Lord Krushna. Devotees aspire to develop a loving relationship (bhakti) with Krushna and his divine consort Radha, modeled after the intimate devotional exchanges between them.
3. Achintya-bhedabheda Philosophy: Gaudiya Vaishnavism follows the Achintya-bhedabheda philosophy, which was formulated by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s foremost disciple, Sri Chaitanya Charan. This philosophy asserts the simultaneous oneness and difference between the individual soul (jiva) and God (Krushna). It acknowledges the inconceivable nature of the relationship between the finite soul and the infinite God.
4. Sankirtan Movement: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu popularized the sankirtan movement, which involves congregational chanting of the holy names of God, especially the Hare Krushna mantra: Hare Krushna, Hare Krushna, Krushna Krushna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Sankirtan is considered a potent means of purifying the consciousness and awakening divine love.
5. Literature and Teachings: Gaudiya Vaishnavism has a rich literary tradition, including works such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita, the Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, and the Gita-govind. These texts expound the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and provide guidance for practitioners on the path of devotion.
6. ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness): ISKCON, commonly known as the Hare Krushna movement, is one of the largest organizations representing Gaudiya Vaishnavism worldwide. Founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966, ISKCON aims to spread the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and promote spiritual consciousness through outreach, education, and cultural activities.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism has a significant following both in India and internationally, with devotees practicing its principles of devotion, service, and chanting in various parts of the world.