Cows are believed to be sacred in Sanatana Dharma. Shri Krishna, the Supreme Lord, spent his entire childhood in herding and serving cows in Vrindavan. The act of Gau Seva Donations (serving cows) is an ancient tradition as well as a way to express devotion to Shri Krishna. ISKCON, follows the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam and promotes cow protection in ISKCON as a fundamental service to the Lord.
Serving cows means serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The scriptures state that the cow is like a mother because she selflessly nourishes humanity with her milk. Protecting cows is not only an act of kindness but a sacred responsibility given to every devotee. By supporting ISKCON’s Goshala, you are directly engaging in such an activity that pleases Shri Krishna and supports dharma.
Why is Gau Seva Important?
In today’s world, where modernization has led to the mass slaughter of cows, protecting sacred cows is a responsibility that devotees must acknowledge. ISKCON took up this mission by establishing ISKCON cow sanctuaries that provide shelter, food, and medical care to rescued cows. These efforts align with the teachings of Lord Krishna, who personally showed the importance of cow protection.
Srimad Bhagavatam (10.21.18)
धेनुनां असि मे नाथो गोविन्दाय नमो नमः।
Transliteration:
dhenūnāṁ asi me nātho govindāya namo namaḥ
Meaning: Shri Krishna is the protector of cows. I offer my respects to him.
Shri Krishna is also known as “Govinda” and “Gopala” which means the protector and friend of cows. He highlighted the significance of cow service. It states that those who protect cows, attain divine blessings. Gau Mata donation helps continue these ISKCON initiatives and ensures that the cows receive proper care, love, and shelter.
How Gau Seva Brings Shri Krishna’s Blessings
Every act of donating for cow care purifies the soul and brings one closer to Lord Krishna. The Padma Purana states that offering service to cows brings prosperity and spiritual advancement. The Vedas also emphasize that all demigods reside in the body of a cow. It makes Gau Seva donations an act of worshipping the entire divine assembly.
Bhagavad Gita (3.10)
सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः।
अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक्॥
Transliteration:
saha-yajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛṣṭvā purovāca prajāpatiḥ
anena prasaviṣyadhvam eṣa vo ‘stv iṣṭa-kāma-dhuk
Meaning: At the beginning of creation, Lord Brahma guided people to do Yajna (sacrifices and service) for their welfare and prosperity.
Cows play an important role in Yajna, as their milk, ghee, and dung are essential in Vedic sacrifices. Serving cows sustains dharma and brings divine blessings.
By contributing to ISKCON temple donations, you are not only protecting cows but also securing your spiritual progress. Shri Krishna assures in the Bhagavad Gita that those who serve him with love and devotion are never forgotten. When devotees sponsor ISKCON activities like cow care, they are offering their wealth in the service of the Supreme Lord, which leads to eternal rewards.
Support ISKCON’s Goshala: A Home for Cows
ISKCON’s goshala projects are established worldwide, providing cows with a safe haven. These centers work tirelessly to rescue abandoned and abused cows. They make sure that cows live in a peaceful environment where they are fed, nurtured, and protected. Every devotee has the opportunity to support ISKCON initiatives by offering financial help or volunteering in these cow protection programs.
Each ISKCON donor program allows devotees to participate in temple donation online, making it easier to serve from anywhere in the world. The funds are used for fodder, medical treatment, shelter maintenance, and expansion of cow sanctuaries. Just as Shri Krishna cared for the cows of Vrindavan, we too must take part in this noble service.
Gau Seva: A Gateway to Spiritual Growth
Performing Gau Seva donations is a means to spiritual purification. By contributing to ISKCON projects, devotees collect eternal spiritual merit. In return, Shri Krishna showers his blessings, removes obstacles from one’s life, and grants peace and prosperity.
Food donation is another important aspect of serving Shri Krishna. The Bhagavad Gita (3.13) states
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः।
भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्॥
Transliteration
yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ santo mucyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ
bhuñjate te tv aghaṁ pāpā ye pacanty ātma-kāraṇāt
Meaning: Those who prepare food as an offering to the Lord and share it with others, achieve liberation. ISKCON’s prasadam distribution programs ensure that the poor receive sanctified food, nourishing both their bodies and souls.
Save Tax & Serve Shri Krishna to Build Temples
Every donation you make towards ISKCON temple donations is tax-exempted. It allows you to save tax, serve Shri Krishna, and contribute to spiritual welfare. Each donation becomes a brick for temple construction, helping ISKCON build centers of devotion and learning worldwide.
By participating in Gau Mata donation and other charitable services, you are playing an essential role in spreading Shri Krishna’s teachings and protecting His beloved cows.
Use of CSR Fund to Save Tax & Serve Shri Krishna
This is the right time to contribute to ISKCON projects through CSR funds. As the financial year comes to an end, individuals and businesses look for tax-saving opportunities. ISKCON charity programs provide a way to serve a spiritual cause while enjoying tax benefits.
i) 100% Tax Benefits: Offerings made to ISKCON temple donations are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. By choosing Gau Seva donations, you can reduce your taxable income and fulfil your financial obligations while earning spiritual merit.
ii) Fulfilling CSR Obligations: Businesses are required to give Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for meaningful causes. Cow protection in ISKCON is a noble initiative that qualifies for CSR spending. This allows companies to meet government compliance while contributing to a higher purpose.
iii) A Time-Sensitive Opportunity: The financial year is ending soon, and this is the perfect chance to support ISKCON’s Goshala with tax-saving benefits. By donating now, you ensure that your contribution goes toward a divine cause before the deadline passes.
Why Your Contribution Matters
When you donate for cow care, you are not just providing financial help; you are ensuring the well-being and protection of sacred cows. Each donation supports essential needs that directly impact ISKCON’s mission of cow protection.
i) Nutritious food and water are provided to ensure that rescued cows live a healthy and peaceful life in a safe environment.
ii) Medical treatments and veterinary care are arranged to heal injured or sick cows who have been abandoned or neglected.
iii) Expansion of ISKCON cow sanctuaries is carried out to shelter more cows in need and improve existing facilities for their proper care.
iv) Sustainable agriculture and organic farming are promoted using cow dung and cow urine, which are considered highly beneficial in Vedic farming methods.
Each Gau Mata donation strengthens ISKCON’s initiatives, making it possible to serve Krishna through Gau Seva and keep His divine mission alive.
How You Can Support ISKCON’s Gau Seva
Your contribution towards cow protection in ISKCON can take many forms, each of which plays an important role in ensuring the well-being of these divine animals.
i) Direct sponsorship of cows allows you to take full responsibility for the care and nourishment of a rescued cow.
ii) Corporate CSR funds for cow care can be used by businesses to support ISKCON’s Goshala while fulfilling their CSR requirements.
iii) Monthly ISKCON donor programs enable you to make regular contributions, ensuring a continuous supply of resources for cow protection.
Donating fodder, medicines, or shelter materials helps in providing immediate assistance to cows in need.
When you support ISKCON initiatives, you do more than just donate money. You actively participate in the divine mission of Shri Krishna, and your small act of kindness becomes an eternal blessing.
Conclusion
This is not just a charitable act; it is a spiritual duty. Shri Krishna holds cows dear to his heart, and by contributing to ISKCON’s Gau Seva donations, you express your devotion and love for him.
Save tax while serving Shri Krishna. Your donation provides tax benefits under 80G and supports a cause that pleases the Lord. Fulfil CSR obligations with purpose as companies and individuals can use their CSR funds to protect sacred cows and serve humanity.
Act before the financial year ends. The opportunity to support ISKCON’s Goshala with tax-saving benefits is limited. Take action today and become a part of Shri Krishna’s divine mission.
