At ISKCON Bhavnagar, our NandNandan Gaushala (cow sanctuary) is not just an ancillary project; it is the heart of our community and a vital expression of our core spiritual values. Go-Rakshya, or the protection of cows, is a foundational principle of a compassionate, civilized, and spiritually progressive society.

This mission is inspired by the direct teachings of Lord Krishna Himself, who is known as Gopala (protector of the cows) and Govinda (one who gives pleasure to the cows). His eternal abode is called Goloka Vrindavana, “the planet of cows.”

Furthermore, our spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, gave a clear mandate to all ISKCON centers:

“The human society should recognize the importance of the cow and the bull and thus give all protection to these important animals, following in the footsteps of Mahārāja Parīkṣit. For protecting the cows and brahminical culture, the Lord, who is very kind to the cow and the brāhmaṇas (go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya), will be pleased with us and will bestow upon us real peace”

The Sacred Position of Mother Cow

In the timeless Vedic scriptures, the cow is not seen as just another animal. She is revered as Gomata, or Mother Cow. This title is not sentimental; it is a position of honor based on her selfless contribution to human life.

According to the scriptures, we have seven mothers:

1. atma-mata (one’s own birth mother)

2. guroh patni (the wife of the spiritual master)

3. brahmani (the wife of a brahmana)

4. raja-patnika (the wife of the king)

5. dhenu (the cow)

6. dhatri (the nurse)

7. prithvi (the Earth)

Just as a child is nourished by the milk of its birth mother, all of human society is nourished by the milk given by Mother Cow. She provides this “miracle food,” which is essential for developing the finer tissues of the brain needed to understand spiritual life.

The bull is likewise honored as a father, for he traditionally helps till the fields to produce grains, acting as the farmer’s partner. A society that protects and honors its “mother” (the cow) and “father” (the bull) is naturally blessed with peace and prosperity.

ISKCON’s Mission: Protection, Not Exploitation

In the modern world, the dairy industry is often built on a cycle of exploitation and violence. Cows are treated as milk-producing machines and are cruelly slaughtered when their production declines. This is a severe violation of Vedic principles and creates a heavy karmic burden on society.

ISKCON’s cow protection program is the antithesis of this. Our mission is built on the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Seva (devotional service).