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A goshala is a protective shelter for cattle in India

Goshala

A goshala is a protective shelter for cattle in India. Cows are considered sacred in the Hindu religion and so goshalas are a refuge for them. In a goshala, cattle are respected, venerated and treated with dignity. Goshala is a Sanskrit term which combines go or “cow” and shala or “shelter”.Gaushalas or Goshalas are protective shelters for cows in India. Goshalas focus on treating cows well, because of their religious significance in Hinduism and consequent cultural sensitivity towards their welfare.

Description

Goshala, a Sanskrit word (“Go” means cow and “Shala” means a shelter place: Go + Shala = shelter for cows), means the abode or sanctuary for cows, calves and oxen.

Government support

Between 2014 and 2016 the Indian government spent 5.8 billion rupees (US$87 million) on cow shelters.
To prevent unproductive cows being sent to the abattoir, the government started the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in mid-2014, a national program that involves constructing havens for retired cows. Proceeds from the animals’ bodily waste are intended to pay for their upkeep. In May 2016 the Indian national government held an inaugural national conference on goshalas.

Cattle in religion and mythology

Due to the multiple benefits from cattle , there are varying beliefs about cattle in societies and religions. In some regions, especially most states of india , the slaughter of cattle is prohibited and their meat may be taboo .

Cattle are considered sacred in world religions such as Hinduism,Jainism , Buddhism, and others. Cattle played other major roles in many religions, including those of ancient Egypt, ancientGreece, ancient Israel, ancient Rome, and ancient Germany.

What is Goshala and How Does It Work?

A goshala is a protective shelter for cattle in India. Cows are considered sacred in the Hindu religion and so goshalas are a refuge for them. In a goshala, cattle are respected, venerated and treated with dignity. Goshala is a Sanskrit term which combines goor “cow” and shala or “shelter”. Providing sanctuary, the goshala protects those animals which would have been mercilessly killed otherwise. The first goshala in India was established in Rewari, in the north of the county, in the 1880s. In 1882, the first society for the protection of cows was established in Punjab. Hundreds of goshalas have been opened in the recent past.

How are goshalas supported?

From 2014 to 2016, the government of India has spent the equivalent of 87 million US dollars in cow shelters. The state of Rajasthan has created a Ministry of Cow Affairs as well. There is even a Rashtriya Gokul Mission which encourages the development of goshalas. Goshalas are supported by government funds, but also by charities.
To an extent, the cows themselves help support the goshalas, as their waste is useful as fertilizer and thus sold.

How can you help a goshala?

Now that you know what is a goshala, you probably want to help one with its mission. Luckily, there are many different ways you can help a goshala in India. If you live near a goshala and practice Hinduism, you can participate in agnihotra, the milk offering. Goshalas offer you a chance to participate in this ritual to put animal waste to use and purify the environment, as in agnihotra cow dung is fed to the fire. Then, an offering of rice with ghee is placed on the fire. The smoke from this fire purifies the surrounding and works to repel mosquitoes. Agnihotra is a wonderful way to purify the air and repair the ozone layer. The rice and ghee of agnihotra also combines with fresh dung to work as a fertilizer, while ash mixed with cow ghee or butter has antibacterial properties and can be used to heal wounds. As you can see, the different products from cows can be reused and sold, helping maintain the goshalas and the environment.

 GOSHALA

A goshala is a protective shelter for cattle inIndia. Cows are considered sacred in the Hindu religion and so goshalas are a  refuge for them

Government support

Between 2014 and 2016 the Indian government spent 5.8 billion rupees (US$87 million) on cow shelters.Due to the multiple benefits from cattle, there are varying beliefs about cattle in societies and religions. In some regions, especially most states of india,
the slaughter of cattle is prohibited and their meat may be taboo.

Free Ambulance

The following facilities are available for the care of animals:

  • Four cattle enclosures with covered sheds
  •  A sick bay section for large animals
  • A large animal clinic
  • Separate Maternity Enclosure for cows and calves

How You Can Get Involved 

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