Gau Bhagwad katha presents the importance of cows, its uses, and stories from Puranas. During this ritual, the recitation of quotes from Bhagwad Gita is done alongwith their meanings. The Gau Bhagwad katha is done for Lok Kalyan (benefit of the mankind), worldwide peace and for protection of cows.
The importance of protecting cows is stressed by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita:
krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam
vaisya-karma svabhava-jam
paricaryatmakam karma
sudrasyapi svabhava-jam
[Bhagavad Git 18.44])
Lord Krishna as Govinda is more inclined to the brahmanas and the cows, indicating thereby that human prosperity depends more on these two items, namely brahminical culture and cow protection. Lord Krishna is never satisfied where these are lacking. (Teachings of Queen Kunti Ch. 4).
A society devoid of cow protection and brahminical culture is not under the direct protection of the Lord, just as the prisoners in the jails are not under the protection of the king but under the protection of a severe agent of the king. Without cow protection and cultivation of the brahminical qualities in human society, at least for a section of the members of society, no human civilization can prosper at any length. (Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.14.34 Purport)
Thus as soon as Maharaja Parikshit saw that a lower-class man in the dress of a king was hurting the legs of a cow and a bull, at once he arrested and punished him.The king cannot tolerate insults to the most important animal, the cow, nor can he tolerate disrespect for the most important man, the brahmana.Human civilization means to advance the cause of brahminical culture, and to maintain it, cow protection is essential.There is a miracle in cow's milk, for it contains all the necessary vitamins to sustain human physiological conditions for higher achievements.(Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.16.4 Purport)
Where wealth and strength are not engaged in the advancement of brahminical culture, God consciousness and cow protection, the state and home are surely doomed by Providence. If we want peace and prosperity in the world, we should take lessons from this verse; every state and every home must endeavour to advance the cause of brahminical culture for self-purification, God consciousness for self-realization and cow protection for getting sufficient milk and the best food to continue a perfect civilization.(Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.19.3 Purport)
The miserable conditions of this material world can be corrected by a sufficient supply of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, molasses, food grains, ornaments, bedding, sitting places and so on. This is human civilization. Ample food grains can be produced through agricultural enterprises, and profuse supplies of milk, yogurt and ghee can be arranged through cow protection.(Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam 5.16.25 Purport)
If one is trained to honor and worship the cows and brahmanas, he is actually civilized. The worship of the Supreme Lord is recommended, and the Lord is very fond of the cows and brahmanas (namo brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya ca). In other words, a civilization in which there is no respect for the cows and brahmanas is condemned. One cannot become spiritually advanced without acquiring the brahminical qualifications and giving protection to cows. Cow protection insures sufficient food prepared with milk, which is needed for an advanced civilization. One should not pollute civilization by eating the flesh of cows. A civilization must do something progressive, and then it is an Aryan civilization. Instead of killing the cow to eat flesh, civilized men must prepare various milk products that will enhance the condition of society. If one follows the brahminical culture, he will become competent in Krishna consciousness. (Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam 6.18.52 Purport)
Agriculture and cow protection are the way to become sinless and thus be attracted to devotional service. Those who are sinful cannot be attracted by devotional service. (Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam 8.6.12 Purport)
Krishna is worshiped with this prayer:
namo brahmanya-devaya
go-brahmana-hitaya ca
jagad-dhitaya krnnaya
govindaya namo namah
“My Lord, You are the well-wisher of the cows and the brahmanas, and You are the well-wisher of the entire human society and world.” For perfect human society there must be protection of go-dvija—the cows and the brahmanas. The word dvija refers to the brahmana, or one who knows Brahman (God). When the demoniac give too much trouble to the brahmanas and the cows, Krishna descends to reestablish religious principles. As the Lord says in Bhagavad-gita (4.7) (Srila Prabhupada in Teachings of Queen Kunti Purport to verse 43)
The Event:
1st day: Kalash Yatra (approx. 200 women will carry Kalash on their heads from nearest water body to the puja venue. Followed by Sankalpa, Varun Puja, Shobha yatra.
2nd day onwards: 10 hours of daily puja having references to cows from several Puranas.
Final day: Havan and Bhandara. Donation in cow shelters.
This puja can be done:
- With 1 recitation of Gau Bhagwad Katha: 1 recitation of Gau Bhagwad katha would be done.
Duration: 8 days ; Team members: 3 priests and 5 musicians - With 108 recitations of Gau Bhagwad Katha: Please email us at contact@pujayagna.com , expressing your interest.
Eshwar Bhakti priests will perform your Puja as per the Vedic procedure. Please mention your birth details (name, date, time, and place of birth), & Sankalp (your wish) at checkout. This is an individual Puja (you may book puja only on your name or include your near/dear ones in your puja).
You can book this puja with or without a DVD. An hour-long DVD will have the main elements of your puja: Sankalpa, Abhishek or invocation mantras, presiding deity mantra chants, Homa and Aarti. If you opt for a DVD, we will upload it on a cloud link for you to download and watch online, within a week of your puja completion. If you don't opt for a DVD, we will email few short video clips and photos immediately upon successful completion of your ritual.