Gau Danam - ISKCON Nellore

ISKCON Nellore maintains the Sri Krishna Balram Goshala, a dedicated cow shelter aligned with traditional Vedic values. Serving cows—offering nourishment, shelter, medical attention, and respectful interaction—is revered as a sacred act, believed even to invoke the presence of Krishna in the cows themselves, as described in the Śrimad Bhāgavatam. The primary mission of the goshala includes:

Fostering love and respect for cows, upheld as maternal and spiritual beings

Promoting cow protection as a social movement

Shielding them from cruelty and neglect

Ensuring their care through free grazing, clean shelter, and regular veterinary support 

Performing Gau‑Dānam (cow donation or service to cows) at this goshala holds high spiritual significance: it’s considered a pure, selfless act that yields profound merit (puṇya), helps alleviate karmic debts, and supports the preservation of dharmic culture. This practical seva benefits both the cows and devotees in spiritual and ethical ways. 

The Gau Dānam puja at ISKCON Nellore begins with a purifying achamana and sankalpam, where the devotee mentally resolves to donate or serve the cow with devotion. The cow is first bathed (abhishekam) with water, turmeric, and sometimes milk, followed by adorning her with kumkum, haldi, flowers, and a clean cloth. A sacred lamp (deepa) is lit, and incense (dhoop) is offered while chanting Sri Krishna and Go Mata mantras.The cow is then offered favorite foods like green grass, bananas, jaggery, and fodder. Vedic priests may chant go-suktam and other protective mantras for the welfare of the donor and society. After circumambulating the cow with folded hands, the daan (donation) — such as ghee, food, money, or a cow itself — is offered with humility.Finally, blessings are sought by touching the cow’s feet, and prasadam is distributed. This puja promotes dharma, compassion, and spiritual upliftment.