The Birth of Ekadashi on Ekadashi
On the sacred day of Ekadashi, a very special blessing arrived at the Sacred Grove Goshala. Our gentle cow Nandini gave birth to a beautiful calf, and in honour of the auspicious day, the newborn has been named Ekadashi. Both mother and calf are healthy, and everybody at Sacred Grove is filled with joy and gratitude. The birth of every calf at the Sacred Grove is experienced with the same intensity and care as that of a woman giving birth to a child. The labour pains make the caregivers anxious, and any delay in delivery is closely monitored by the veterinarian. Throughout this time, the goshala staff sat patiently, watching over the mother with deep concern, ready to step in the moment help is needed. Once the calf is born, attention turns to the mother ensuring the placenta clears completely and is carefully disposed off so that she does not swallow it by mistake. The newborn is gently fed, and the mother is milked to prevent any risk of infection. And finally, after this delicate process of care and watchfulness, comes the moment of joy - the name-giving ceremony that celebrates not just the arrival of a calf, but the continuation of a sacred cycle of life.
For the first time in the goshala, “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” was played to soothe the caretakers’ nerves and ease the cow through her labour. While the arrival of a calf is always a joyous event, it also reminds us of the deeper significance of indigenous cows and the role they play in creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Indigenous Cows - The Heart of a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
At Sacred Grove, the Goshala is more than just a shelter for cows; it is the heart of a vision towards a self-sustaining ecosystem. Indigenous cows are at the centre of an ecosystem where nothing is wasted, and everything nurtures life around it. While the arrival of a calf is always a joyous event, it also reminds us of the deeper significance of indigenous cows and the role they play in creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Milk for nourishment: The pure, wholesome milk from our cows nourishes residents, retreat participants, and visitors.
Ghee for wellness and cooking: Prepared from this milk, the ghee is used in traditional cooking as well as for the Ayurvedic Therapies provided at ArogyaM - Ayurvedic Wellness Centre.
Organic fertiliser from cow dung: Cow dung is converted into natural manure that enriches our soil, supporting chemical-free farming.
This cycle of giving and receiving forms the foundation of a self-sustaining ecosystem, where human life, animal care, farming, and spirituality come together in harmony.
Indigenous Cows: Guardians of Sustainability
Indigenous breeds are deeply resilient, adapted to our climate, and contribute richly to soil fertility and community well-being. By protecting and nurturing them, we are also protecting an entire way of life that values balance, sustainability, and reverence for nature. Even those who are not accustomed to being around animals often discover a gentle sense of closeness and connection while spending time in the Goshala.
Retreat Centre Life: Living in Harmony with Nature
At our retreat centre, guests experience not just silence and self-reflection, but also the beauty of living close to the land in a sustainable way. From organic gardens nourished by cow-based fertilisers to the serene presence of the Goshala, every aspect of daily life here is designed to bring us closer to nature’s rhythm.
Why This Matters Today
In an age of industrial farming and chemical dependency, the wisdom of caring for indigenous cows and living sustainably is more relevant than ever. They are not just animals; they are symbols of harmony between humans and nature. By nurturing them, we preserve biodiversity, reduce ecological impact, and inspire a way of life that future generations can sustain.
A Symbol of New Beginnings
The birth of calf Ekadashi is not just the arrival of a new life; it is a renewal of this sacred cycle of sustainability, devotion, and gratitude. It reminds us that when we live in harmony with nature, nature blesses us in return.
The arrival of Ekadashi is more than the birth of a calf; it is a renewal of our commitment to self-sustainability, indigenous cow care, and eco-conscious living. As the calf grows, so does our responsibility to protect this sacred cycle of life. We welcome you to visit our goshala, witness this harmony firsthand, and be part of the journey toward a self-sustaining future rooted in simplicity and balance with nature.
