In the heart of Indian culture lies a gentle being — the cow. Known as “Gomata”, she is worshipped as a symbol of unconditional love, patience, and nourishment. Our scriptures describe her as a source of wealth, health, and divine blessings. Yet in today’s fast-moving world, many of these sacred beings are neglected, abandoned, or suffer in silence. That’s where Goseva — the service and protection of cows — becomes not just a noble act, but a deeply spiritual and necessary one.
At Acharya Vinoba Gosevak Sangh, located in the serene village of Koyali Tarfe Chakan, Taluka Rajgurunagar (Khed), District Pune, we are committed to the mission of cow rescue, protection, rehabilitation, and seva. Our aim is to revive the traditional values of cow reverence while offering practical, compassionate solutions for their care in modern times.
The Concept and Spiritual Meaning of Goseva
Goseva has its roots in the Vedic tradition. Ancient texts refer to the cow as Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling celestial being. Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd, spent his early life among cows and gopas, teaching the value of living in harmony with all creatures. Goseva, therefore, is not merely an act of charity — it is a form of sadhana (spiritual practice). It is believed that sincere service to cows brings inner peace, prosperity, and divine grace.
In modern times, Goseva also serves a social and ecological purpose. Cows play a vital role in organic farming, rural livelihoods, and traditional health systems. Their presence in villages brings a unique balance to the ecosystem, and their dung and urine are used to produce bio-fertilizer, biogas, and even eco-friendly household products.
Rescuing and Protecting Cows in Need
One of the most urgent aspects of Goseva today is cow rescue. With the rise of urbanization, many cows are abandoned after their milking age, left to wander on roads and scavenge through garbage piles. These cows often eat harmful substances like plastic or face accidents. Goseva calls upon us to intervene and offer help.
At Acharya Vinoba Gosevak Sangh, we actively work on rescuing and rehabilitating such cows. Our process includes arranging medical care, secure transport, and lifelong shelter at our goshala in Koyali. Even one act of rescue can create ripples of awareness in society.
What Do Cows Eat? Understanding Proper Cow Nutrition
Feeding cows properly is central to their health and well-being. A common mistake is offering leftover food or bread, but cows need a nutritionally balanced diet. Their meals should ideally include:
- Green fodder like grass, maize, or seasonal greens (e.g., barseem).
- Dry fodder such as wheat or rice straw.
- Grains and oil cakes (cottonseed cake, wheat bran) for strength.
- Mineral mixture and salt for essential nutrients.
- Constant access to clean drinking water.
We also include Ayurvedic herbs and tonics to boost immunity, especially for rescued or weak cows. Feeding a cow with love and care is a sacred offering — a true act of devotion.
Supporting or Starting a Goshala
A goshala is more than a shelter — it is a space of healing, community service, and dharma. At Acharya Vinoba Goseva Sangh, our goshala not only provides food and medical care to cows but also works on awareness campaigns, volunteer engagement, and sustainable rural development through cow-based products.
You can support us by:
- Donating fodder or funds
- Sponsoring a cow’s care
- Volunteering your time or skills
- Sharing our mission with your friends and networks
If you wish to start your own goshala, we’re happy to guide you with insights from our own journey.
How You Can Begin Your Goseva Journey
Goseva doesn’t require a huge budget or land — it begins with a compassionate heart. Start by feeding a stray cow with fresh fodder or water. Visit a nearby goshala with your family, offer seva, or sponsor a cow. Celebrate festivals like Gopashtami or Govardhan Puja by honoring cows with rituals and gifts.
You can also:
- Use cow-based organic products in daily life
- Support natural farming using cow dung and urine
- Educate others about responsible dairy consumption
- Participate in our programs at Acharya Vinoba Gosevak Sangh
Every small step counts and brings us closer to a more compassionate and harmonious society.
Goseva: A Way of Life
In a world driven by consumption, Goseva teaches us the power of giving. The cow gives everything — milk, dung, labor, and even spiritual joy — without expecting anything in return. Serving such a being is among the noblest forms of seva.
As Acharya Vinoba Bhave beautifully said,
“Goseva is not just cow protection — it is a movement for the protection of all life.”
We at Acharya Vinoba Gosevak Sangh invite you to walk this path with us — to serve, to love, and to protect. Whether you rescue one cow or support a whole goshala, your contribution is sacred.
