After the unforgettable ceremonies performed in Prayag, Varanasi and Haridwar, we set out for Vrindavan, the land of Lord Krishna’s cows. Appearing in this world five thousand years ago, Lord Krishna taught the immense value and necessity of caring for cows in return for the great gifts they give to humankind. Having thousands of cows under His care, Krishna spent His time as a cowherd boy and he knew each of them by name.  The cows in turn had so much affection for Him that they wouldn’t eat the fresh morning grass until He arrived.

After flying down the Delhi-Agra highway we reached the turning for Vrindavan. Gangotri’s final ceremonies  would take place in this holy town situated on the banks of the sacred river Yamuna.

Upon our arrival we had a brief meeting with Sri Padma Nabha Goswami, one of the leading Goswamis of the Sri Sri Radha Raman Temple. He was in the process of making final preparations for the event, which would take place at 4pm the following day. He informed us that after Gangotri’s ashes are ceremoniously placed in the river Yamuna, the evening Arati to the river would be offered in her name. We gave Goswamji our press package and he sent if off to be translated into Hindi for the local media.

Soon we arrived at Keshi Ghat, a beautiful and ornate red sandstone palace and bathing place on the bank of the river. The arrangements were awe-inspiring. Flags, flowers, ceremonial paraphernalia and a large banner in Hindi pronouncing the significance of the event.

The Brahmins and saints sat us down as prayers were recited. Each prayer was related to Krishna, the Holy land of Vrindavan and the Yamuna. After having bathed Gangotri’s ashes in the pot with water, milk and flower petals, we lifted the final container and together sprinkled them into the Yamuna.

Gangotri was now fully emerged in India’s most sacred rivers. We all felt an inexplicable sense of joy as our little English cow had now attained the greatest respect and honour possible. Her life would not be in vain; she undoubtedly attained the greatest spiritual benefit. Simultaneously she has become the very catalyst that will make cow protection a reality in Britain. In just two months she has become a household word in Britain and India.

“She is a very special soul” we were repeatedly told by the sadhus.

It was now time to begin the grand offering of lamps to the Yamuna in remembrance of Gangotri. The priests had arranged the most beautiful display including hundreds of lamps which all surrounded the main lamp, which itself had over one hundred wicks.

As 108 prayers were offered we all took handfuls of flower petals and cast them into the water. Then, brass vessels with spouts at the bottom were filled with milk which then flowed like a fountain, turning the river water white as it splashed onto it’s surface. Next, hundreds of floating lamps were placed delicately on the water. They floated down-stream twinkling with warmth as night began to fall.

Then, accompanied by drums and symbols, the large lamp, sprinkled with crushed camphor, was set ablaze. The main priest, a small, plump and joyful mendicant, raised the lamp and dramatically waved it in circles. This was the offering to the Yamuna. It was more than a spectacle to watch as the priest lunged back and forward waving the massive lamp, which lit up the night sky.  Finally we all joined together to sing a song glorifying the river Yamuna.

Our journey with Gangotri’s ashes was complete. We had fulfilled all that we had planned to do. We honoured Gangotri, a cow that had sadly been killed whilst in our care. We had honoured her in the highest way possible, in the presence of the priests and saints of India and in the holiest of rivers. Continually surrounded by media and public interest, our campaign for “Justice for Gangotri” has now entered it’s very determined next phase.

Hare Krishna.

Quotes

Sri Padma Nabha Goswami “According to the scriptures, all of the Gods and demigods reside in the body of the cow. Her products called Panca Gavya in Sanskrit are said to even purify a person of sin. The tragic and unexpected death of Gangotri has given great grief to all the religious person of India. From the holy town of Vrindavan, where Krishna passed his time caring for cows, we give our full support to the Justice for Gangotri campaign. The British government should take care of the sentiments and feelings of all the religious people under their jurisdiction.”

Sri Nrsimhadeva Goswami “The cow is a most gentle and auspicious creature. She contributes to our nourishments in an incomparable way, turning simple grass into the most nutritious food stuffs. Even her dung and urine are of great utility having medicinal qualities. To kill such a sacred creatures is very wrong and brings inauspicious reactions.”

A Prayer by Srila Rupa Goswami:

“The river Yamuna is so merciful that anyone sprinkled with a single drop of her water is pardoned for the most heinous crimes. She excites the flow of love for Lord Krishna within our hearts, fulfilling all the desires of those fortunate souls who reside on her shores. May that Yamuna devi, daughter of the resplendent Sun God purify my existence.“

Categories: Announcements