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Gau Seva (cow service) is one of the most sacred and rewarding forms of seva (service) in Hinduism. At the world-famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, Gau Seva holds special spiritual importance. Serving cows, considered the earthly embodiment of Kamadhenu (the wish-fulfilling divine cow), is not just an act of compassion but also a direct service to Lord Jagannath Himself.
Within the premises of the Jagannath Puri temple, hundreds of cows are maintained in the Gosala (cow shelter) attached to the temple. These cows are considered sacred and are lovingly cared for through regular feeding, grooming, medical care, and protection. Gau Seva is an ongoing daily practice in Puri, supported by temple authorities and thousands of devotees from across the world.
The cows in the temple Gosala are not ordinary animals—they play a vital role in temple rituals. Milk, curd, ghee, and cow dung, all derived from these sacred cows, are used in Mahaprasad preparation, daily pujas, and important yagnas. Contributing to Gau Seva in Jagannath Puri is seen as a direct offering to the Lord, bringing blessings of peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Many devotees choose to sponsor Gau Seva on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, Pitru Paksha, Ekadashi, or in memory of ancestors. Donating towards cow feeding, medical treatment, shelter upkeep, or fodder supply is considered highly meritorious.
By participating in Gau Seva at Jagannath Puri Temple, you become part of a divine tradition that sustains not only sacred animals but also supports Vedic rituals and temple purity. Lord Krishna Himself declared in the Bhagavad Gita His eternal love for cows, and serving them is equivalent to serving Him.
If you are visiting Puri, take time to visit the Gosala and offer your service or donations. If not, you can still perform online Gau Daan (cow donation) or Gau Seva.
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