Gau Seva - ISKCON Nellore

Gau Seva at ISKCON Nellore is a sacred opportunity to serve and protect cows, which are revered as divine mothers in Vedic culture. The temple manages the Sri Krishna Balram Goshala, where rescued and abandoned cows are lovingly cared for with nutritious food, clean shelter, and medical treatment. Gau Seva includes feeding cows, cleaning their shelter, sponsoring fodder, or simply offering respectful prayers and care. This service is considered highly meritorious and spiritually uplifting, as Lord Krishna Himself tended cows and emphasized their importance. ISKCON Nellore promotes Gau Seva not just as a ritual, but as a lifelong dharmic responsibility. Devotees, visitors, and well-wishers are encouraged to contribute physically or financially to support the well-being of these gentle beings. Through Gau Seva, one cultivates humility, compassion, and devotion, while participating in a cause that preserves both ecological harmony and Vedic traditions in a spiritually vibrant environment.

Gau Seva Puja at ISKCON Nellore begins with Achamanam (purification) and a Sankalpam, where the devotee makes a heartfelt vow to serve and honor the cow. The cow is gently bathed with clean water and sometimes Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar), followed by applying haldi, kumkum, and adorning her with flowers and a cloth. A lamp (diya) and incense (dhoop) are lit, and Go Puja Mantras or Go Suktam are recited to invoke divine blessings. Devotees offer favorite cow foods like green grass, jaggery, bananas, and perform pradakshina (circumambulation) around the cow as a mark of reverence. The cow is then offered aarti with devotion. Finally, devotees touch the cow’s feet or back to seek blessings and offer prasadam. Participation in Gau Seva puja cultivates spiritual purity and supports cow protection, aligning one's life with the dharmic path shown by Lord Krishna.