Gopashtami Pooja
Worship of Cows (Gau Mata) and Lord Krishna
Materials Required
- Cow (or idol/picture of Cow & Calf)
- Idol of Lord Krishna
- Fresh Green Grass or Fodder
- Jaggery (Gud) & Roti
- Flowers & Garlands
- Roli (Kumkum), Rice (Akshat), Turmeric
- Incense Sticks & Ghee Lamp
- Water in a Kalash
- Sweets & Fruits
Step-by-Step Procedure
Cleaning & Decoration
Wake up early and bathe. If you have a cow, bathe and clean her. Decorate her horns with turmeric and put a garland around her neck.
Sankalpa & Krishna Pooja
Take a vow to perform the pooja. First, worship Lord Krishna as 'Govinda' (protector of cows) with flowers and incense.
Gau Pooja (Cow Worship)
Apply Tilak (Roli/Turmeric) on the cow's forehead. Offer flowers and Akshat. Touch her feet seeking blessings.
Feeding (Gau Gras)
Feed the cow with fresh green grass, jaggery, and roti with your own hands. This is considered very auspicious.
Parikrama
Perform Parikrama (circumambulation) around the cow. If a live cow is not available, do this around the idol/picture.
Aarti
Perform the Aarti of Gau Mata and Lord Krishna. Pray for prosperity and health.
Gau Mata Mantra
"Surabhi Vaishnavi Mata Mam Nityam Bhatita
Grasam Grihana Matar Me Swargam Dehi Payodhare"
Meaning: O Mother Surabhi (Cow), daughter of Vishnu, please accept this grass from me and grant me residence in heaven, O giver of milk.