Faith Features

Over thirty years ago the founder of International Society Of Krishna Consciousness AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada had a vision for a goshalla or cow protection scheme. Cattle would be reared and cared for in the traditions of the Hindu faith. The cow is revered as sacred, a mother, along with human mothers and the planet  Earth.

Now the dream is a reality.

The latest addition to the Manor's herd of cattle.

After years of planning wrangles, the ceremony called Bhumi Puja was performed as the first sod was turned to start the construction of the building known as the New Gokul. The purpose built centre will house the manor's cattle from birth until they die a natural death.

The event was overshadowed by the Justice for Gangotri Campaign. Gangotri was killed in December under the instructions of the RSPCA. She was described as the mother of the herd, but was unable to walk after a bull tried to serve her. Gangotri had every treatment possible from the devotees but after a member of the public complained the RSPCA intervened and ordered that she was destroyed.

Arguments rumble on about whether the RSPCA went against agreements given, but Hindus in Britain have joined together to challenge existing legislation so that their cattle can live a full natural life according to their religious beliefs.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of Gangotri's case, there was an air of trepidation around the manor that similar cases could happen again. All the cattle in the existing Gokul appear healthy and the oxen work on the farm rather than enter the food chain.

The Bhumi Puja ceremony took place in a large marquee. The offerings or aarti were made by throwing or pouring corn and ghee into the four ceremonial  fires. The ceremony is an apology to Mother Earth for excavating for the building work.

His Holiness Bhakti Caru

After the ceremony the honoured guest His Holiness Bhakti Caru from India started the digging in front of a two week old calf, the Gokul's latest inhabitant.

After the generous provision of Prashad, a vegetarian lunch for all, some fifty Hindu leaders met together to the discuss the Justice for Gangotri campaign. They believe the killing to be not only an entirely unneccesary waste of life, but also a symbolic attack on Hindusim itself, a religion of non-violence.

A demonstration is planned outside the House of Commons and DEFRA's headquarters when the killing of Gangotri will be reenacted.