FEATURES

Cow Shelter
ABOUT
The Project

Gaushalas play an important role in the life-long care and protection of cows. In our Surabhi Gaushala, we endeavour to conserve the indigenous breeds and provide adequate care for the cows through Gau Raksha program. We are working on expanding our Gaushala to accommodate the growing cattle population and facilitate them to lead a comfortable life.

Vision

To restore, protect and promote the culture of cow protection and help the cows of Vrindavan find their home in Surabhi Gaushala.

Objectives:

The major objective of this program is to recognize the importance of the cows and bulls and give all protection to these important animals. Broadly our objectives can be enumerated as:

  • Excellent treatment and care of the cows
  • Improve the livelihood of local farmers maintaining cows
  • Preserve the drastically declining indigenous cattle breeds of India

These objectives are summarized in the statement of Srila Prabhupada, Founder of Worldwide Hare Krishna Movement: “In the Vedic tradition, cows are worshipped as mothers, providing us the pure nectar of milk and the bull tills the earth to produce food grains. A civilized man is, therefore, expected to give all protection to these animals”.

 

SIGNIFICANCE OF

Cow Protection

Gau Seva is an integral aspect of our Vedic heritage and culture. In our country, cows are not only protected but also revered and worshipped. Our Vedic scriptures state that all the devatas reside in a cow's body. Hence, the cow is considered to be divine and regarded as a mother. Gau Mata renders many valuable services to human civilization and she is an example of selflessness.

Cow's milk is known for its innumerable health benefits. Research shows that cow's milk contains the essential nutrients of a meal as it provides complete nourishment to our body and mind. We also obtain dairy products like ghee, butter, and cheese from cow's milk, which are integral to every kitchen. Cow dung and urine have medicinal properties that can treat various illnesses. They are widely used in ayurvedic products for good health and well-being. They can also be used as manure and fertilisers. Cow Protection is a practical means to benefit society.

Surabhi Gaushala

We have set up a spacious Gaushala on our campus for cow protection. The Gaushala activities started in 2006 on the auspicious occasion of Gopashtami. It is named after the Surabhi cows that are tended by Krishna in Goloka. The Gaushala is spread across 2.5 acres and we have more than 300 cows and calves who are happily residing here.

We have designated areas for calves, pregnant cows, milking cows and oxen. All the residents of Surabhi Gaushala undergo routine health check-ups and treatments for any discomforts or illnesses.

Breeds
There is a rapid decline in the number of the indigenous cows due to the neglect in their natural habitat. We have been striving to conserve native breeds like Gir, Sahewal, and Gangatiri cows in our Surabhi Gaushala and facilitating to increase their population.

 

 

OUR

Activities

We use a blend of traditional knowledge and modern scientific methods in our cow protection program. A dedicated team of well-trained members works tirelessly to ensure that the residents receive the best care and comfort. These cows and calves are fed three times a day with well- planned nutritious feeds like green fodder, dry fodder, and specially made preparations from wheat and other grains mixed with jaggery.

The milk produced by our cows is fed first to their calves. The cowherds use the remaining milk to make dairy products like yogurt, butter, cheese and ghee. These items are used in the temple kitchen for cooking a variety of preparations and offered to Sri Radha Vrindavan Chandra, the presiding Deities of Vrindavan Heritage Tower.