How Purohit Performs Gau Poshana Seva at the Temple

1. Preparations for Gau Poshana Seva

• Sacred Cleansing: The temple’s Gau Shala (cow shelter) is cleaned and purified with Gangajal (holy water), turmeric, and cow dung (which is considered sacred).
• Altar Decoration: A sacred altar is set up near the cow shelter, with a picture or idol of Kamadhenu (the divine wish-fulfilling cow), decorated with flowers, lamps (deepam), and incense.
• Food Arrangements for the Cows: Special nutritious food is prepared, including:
  • Green grass – Symbolizing prosperity.
  • Jaggery and bananas – Representing sweetness in life.
  • Cooked rice, grains, wheat, and lentils – Symbolizing nourishment.
  • Water mixed with Tulsi leaves – Representing purity and divine grace.

2. Sankalpa (Intention Setting for Seva)

• The Purohit guides the devotee(s) to take a Sankalpa (spiritual vow), stating the purpose of the seva, such as:
  • Seeking prosperity, good health, family peace, financial stability, relief from sins, or success in life.
  • Removing negative karma and planetary doshas.
  • Expressing gratitude and devotion to Gau Mata.
• The devotee prays for divine blessings and requests Gau Mata’s grace and protection.

3. Invocation of Lord Ganesha

• To remove obstacles, the Purohit invokes Lord Ganesha before starting the seva.
• The Ganapati mantra is chanted:
  • "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah."
• Offerings of fruits and betel leaves are placed as a mark of auspicious beginnings.

4. Gau Puja (Worship of the Cows)

• The Purohit and devotees perform Gau Puja by:
  • Applying kumkum (vermilion) and turmeric to the forehead of the cow.
  • Offering garlands and sandalwood paste to decorate the cow.
  • Performing Aarti with lamps and incense.
• The Purohit recites Vedic mantras to invoke divine blessings from Gau Mata.

Important Mantras Chanted During Gau Puja

• Gau Gayatri Mantra (to invoke divine protection and blessings):
  • "Om Surabhyai Cha Vidmahe, Gomaayai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Dhenu Prachodayat."
• Shri Krishna Mantra (for devotion and prosperity):
  • "Govindaya Namah."

5. Feeding the Cows (Gau Bhojan Seva)

• The Purohit and devotees then lovingly feed the cows with:
  • Fresh green grass – Symbolizing prosperity and wealth.
  • Bananas, jaggery, and sweets – For sweetness and joy in life.
  • Cooked rice, wheat, and grains – Ensuring nourishment and well-being.
  • Tulsi-infused water – For divine blessings and purity.
• While feeding the cows, devotees chant "Gau Mata Ki Jai" and express gratitude.

6. Gau Pradakshina (Circumambulation of the Cows)

• Devotees walk around the cow three times (Pradakshina) while chanting sacred Vedic hymns and prayers.
• It is believed that touching and walking around a cow brings divine energy, removes negative karma, and grants spiritual upliftment.

7. Gau Aarti and Final Prayers

• The Purohit lights camphor (deepam) and performs Aarti while singing devotional bhajans dedicated to Gau Mata and Lord Krishna.
• Devotees bow down before the cows and seek their blessings for prosperity, happiness, and well-being.

8. Distribution of Prasad and Sacred Ash (Vibhuti)

• The Purohit blesses the devotees with sacred ash (Vibhuti) or sandalwood paste, applying it to their foreheads as a mark of divine grace.
• Prasad (sacred food offerings) is distributed to devotees, symbolizing spiritual blessings and fulfillment of wishes.