GOSALA

‘GO’ which denotes cow in Sanskrit, occupies a very important place in Hindu mythology Go signifies many aspects. She is identified with Goddess Lakshmi. She also represents Hiranyagarbha, the universal womb. It is believed that all the Gods and Goddess occupy different parts of Gomata. She is so sacred that she is worshipped all over India. Go is associated with many religious rituals such as Grihapravesa etc. in fact Lord Narayana sees the womb of the Go as his first darshan ie Viswaroopa dharshanam, every day. There is hardly any big Temple, which does not follow this practice.

Our temple is a very unique one, both in terms of the size of the vigraha of our Lord as well as the way the temple is run. Many poojas, parayanas and homas are being performed, some even continuously. No doubt our temple has become very popular and many devotees are benefited by the Grace of our Lord. The presence of Gomata will add to the sanctity and serenity of our temple.

It is submitted to the Trust to consider the proposal to set up a Gosala. A brief study on this proposal has been made for the benefit of the Trustees.

It is proposed to set up a Gosala for the Temple. The Gosala will be located at the site near the Temple. The site measures about k2400 sft. It is proposed to raise two sheds on either side of the plot. A compound wall to the height of 12 sft. will be raised, so that there is no inconvenience to the neighbors. This apart a small quarter for the staff will be constructed. Proper drainage facility will be provided so that water does not stagnate inside or around the premises. A bore well will be installed. High standards of hygiene will be maintained.

It is proposed to make a modest beginning with about 6 cows, which can be increased up to a maximum of 12 cows. Devotees who are interested in doing Godana can very well do so. However the donors will have to pay a certain sum, which will be used to buy good cows. This will enable the Trust to maintain good standards. The cows during their pregnancy period will be sent to farms which maintain such cows. This period will be for about 4 months in a year. The lactation will be for about 8 months. Thus on an average there will be about six cows at the Gosala.

Each cow will yield about 15 litres of milk every day. Thus the total milk production will be about 90 litres every day. This will be used for abhishekam and prasadam. Presently the Trust is buying about 50 litres of milk everyday.

This apart the cow dung can be used to make dung cakes to be used for homas. The Trust can also consider installing a Gobar gas plant at a alter date, which can be used for lighting and cooking.

A couple will be appointed to take care of the Gosala and milking. One more male worker will be required.

For donors who wish to perform Godana, a one time fee of Rs. 30,000 will be charged for each dana. Out of this 25,000 will be used for buying a cow and the balance will be retained for the Gosala Maintenance Fund.

As briefed above the importance of setting up a Gosala are beyond economic factors. Still the costs involved in the project are detailed below. The costs are basically divided into two, the capital costs and the revenue expenses to maintain the Gosala.

Capital costs

Maintenance expenses

The major expenses for maintaining the Gosala will be in the form of feed and salaries to the staff. The monthly expenses for each of the item is expected to be as follows.

Godhanam will also be accepted. Gosala has many religious as well as economic advantages as explained above.