Nestled amidst the serene Bidar city side, a goshala is a sanctuary for cows, revered as sacred animals in Hindu culture. Recently, we had the privilege of visiting one such goshala, an experience that left us deeply inspired and enlightened. This article chronicles our journey to the goshala, specially organized by Arttothana Parishat & Swavlambi Abhiyan and the profound insights we gained during our visit. A goshala is not merely a shelter for cows; it is a sacred haven that exemplifies the veneration of these gentle creatures. The word ‘goshala’ itself is a fusion of two Sanskrit words: “go” meaning cow and “shala” meaning shelter. The primary objective of a goshala is to provide a nurturing environment for cows, safeguarding them from exploitation and harm. Apart from providing a loving home for cows, this goshala is also engaged in educational and outreach programs. They aim to raise awareness about the significance of cow protection and the environmental benefits of cow-based agriculture. Our visit included informative sessions where we learned about the various products derived from cow dung and urine, which have been traditionally used in Ayurveda and organic farming. We had Mr C.B. Reddy, Mr Srikant Modi, Mr Sachchidanand Chidre, Mr Shriram Joshi, Mr Rajkumar Alle, Mr Satyaprakash, Dr Lokesh, Mrs Shivleela Chidre, Mrs Rani Alle, Mr Satish Swamy, Mr Raju Chidre, Mr Devraj, Mrs Archana, Ms Ramani, kids- Shreya, Spoorthi, Saanu, Anushka, Ayush, Kamalaja (she was one of the most happiest as she celebrated her birthday in a goshala this year!) visiting this wonderful place among others.
As we arrived at the goshala which is situated in Nagur village, Bidar, we were greeted by the melodious mooing of cows that resonated with tranquility. The sprawling grounds were impeccably maintained, with lush green pastures and well-ventilated sheds where the cows could find shade during hot summer days. The air was filled with a sense of serenity and devotion, a stark contrast to the bustling world outside. For many, a visit to the goshala is not just about the physical care of cows; it is a spiritual journey. In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred and revered as a symbol of wealth and abundance. They are associated with various deities, especially Lord Krishna, who is often depicted as a cowherd. The goshala we visited had a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, where devotees could offer their prayers and seek blessings. The atmosphere was charged with devotion and reverence. As we joined in the aarti (ritual of worship) at the temple, we couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to the divine. It was a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of compassion in our lives. We performed a small puja dedicated to the holy cows. Followed by some warm up exercises, yoga postures & few fun games especially organized by Mr Srikant Modi. There after we were enlightened about the benefits we can get from products of gomata like gomaya, gomuthra, arka etc. We had the privilege to get this information from none other than C.B.Reddy sir. He spoke about how gomaya & its products (cow dung products) brings positive vibes in our lives. For example, just by replacing toxic chemicals induced agarbattis by gomaya dhoopa we can 4x reduce the chances of cancer & fill not just our home but nearby homes with clean toxin free air, positivity, good energy etc. Reddy sir threw some light on Gomuthra & how its usage can reduce/cure ‘N’ number of diseases & boosts our immunity too! He also demonstrated a gomaya product which just by holding in our hands releases powerful energy! Unbelievable right? But that’s the truth. We were lucky enough to witness some of his experiments showcasing power of gomuthra- how it removed toxins from unclean water among other things. We also had the privilege of getting Mr Srikant Modi’s ideology regarding gomata. He also demonstrated sculpting a Ganpati from gomaya. In traditional Indian culture and Ayurveda, cow dung, like many other cow-derived products, is believed to have various benefits and uses. Some of the potential benefits and uses of gomaya include: Fertilizer, Insect Repellent, Biogas Production, Traditional Construction, Traditional Medicine, Environmental Benefits, and Cultural Significance etc. It’s strange that gradually we are forgetting how powerful our Gomata is! Sadly, because of this dynamic times especially with evolution of gadgets etc we are losing our ties with our roots! And we must preserve it before it’s too late. We had an exciting opportunity of making ganpati idols, diyas etc from gomaya/cow dung. All of us especially kids loved this activity. It was a pleasant view to see these enthusiastic kids play in a healthy & fresh environment with mud/gomaya rather than playing with their phones/TV etc. We also met the caretakers of the goshala, affectionately known as “gaushalaks,” take their responsibility with utmost seriousness. Their day begins at the crack of dawn, tending to the cows’ needs, which includes feeding, cleaning, and ensuring their well-being. Cows of various breeds, from the sturdy Sahiwal to the graceful Gir, were lovingly cared for. One aspect that struck us profoundly was the concept of “ahimsa” or non-violence towards animals. The goshala exemplified this principle in action. The cows were treated with the utmost compassion and respect, and their milk was used for a variety of purposes, including preparing prasad (offering) for the temple adjacent to the goshala. Our visit to the goshala was not just a physical journey; it was a spiritual and educational experience that left an indelible mark on our heart and mind. It reinforced the idea that compassion, non-violence, and reverence for all living beings are essential values that we should uphold in our lives. Goshalas, with their noble mission, serve as beacons of light in a world that often forgets the sanctity of life. A visit to such a place is not only a testament to our cultural heritage but also an opportunity for personal growth and reflection.
