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At Nilachala Dhama, located in the pure Purushottama Kshetra, the eternal abode of Bhagavan Daru Bhrama Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Bhagavati Subhadra, Shivavtara Bhagavatpada Sri Adi Shankaracharya consecrated the Purvamnaya Sri Govardhana Pitha (Govardhana Matha) associated with the Rigveda.
The name “Govardhana Matha” was given by Sri Adi Shankaracharya with the intention of the protection and expansion of gauvansh. The murti of Bhagavan Govardhana Natha, hence, was consecrated by Him in the maṭha. Govardhana Natha is the form of Bhagavan who grazes cattle, who took avatar as Krisha to protect cows. Govardhan Matha is His eternal abode.
Aim of Shree Govardhan Gaushala
Shree Govardhan Gaushala has one aim – the promotion of gauvansh, and the protection of Bharataiya indigenous cows (cows with dewlap and hump), which are indicated in the vedas and shastras.
The Purvacharya Svami Niranjanadeva Tirthaji Maharaj, created many campaigns for protection of cows. In 1967, he fasted for 72 days for cow protection.
Shree Govardhan Gaushala is located on a pure land where gaubhakta Acharyas have performed penance.
The current Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Svami Sri Nischalananda Sarasvatiji Maharaja. Pujyapad has created many campaigns for cow protection across Bhārata. In 1966, He participated in the gauraksha movement with His guru, Dharma Samraṭ Svami Sri Karpatriji Maharaja.
Svami Sri Karpatriji Maharaja’s eyes were pierced with iron rods when in jail. This was a plan to kill him but he was protected by other sants who shielded him during the horrific attack and thus only eyes were damaged. The pain he had was excruciating, and in this state, post puja, he left his body in samadhi (while that was much after the incident).
Speciality of cows at Shree Govardhan Gaushala
The milk obtained from cows here is not sold but used for making milk products like curd, buttermilk and ghṛta, that are used as an offering to Bhagavan Govardhan Natha, Bhagavan Ardhanarishvara, and in yajnas performed at the maṭha.
The milk that is leftover is offered to sants, great people and vedacharyas who teach there, and the young brahmacharis brahmana boys who study there with full dedication. Hence, the seva of this gaushala is in itself an important seva.
Offer Seva
Pujyapad Puri Shankaracharyaji and Svami Nirvikalpa Sarasvatiji Maharaja (Secretary to Shankaracharya of Puri) guide the entire functioning of the Shree Govardhan Gaushala at Govardhana Maṭha.
Ideally, each Hindu family must try to take care of one cow in their homes. In cities, it is almost impossible to do so due to lack of space, etc. Often, there are not enough family members to take care of the cow due to break up of traditional joint families.
Keeping in mind the above limitations, a Hindu family can adopt one cow at the Shree Govardhan Gaushala by providing financial aid. The family must come and visit when possible, and do puja and seva by themselves.
May each family start adopting one cow. This would give the fruit of gauseva. Little efforts by individuals can add up to the whole and pave the way for gau raksha in Bhārata.
At this time whoever supports the protection of cows in obvious or hidden ways, shall be the beloved of Bhagavān.
Interested in adopting a cow or donating?
Contact Govardhan Math directly: https://govardhanmath.org/contact-us/
Donate: https://govardhanmath.org/donate/
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