In many Indian homes, the first roti of the morning was never for the family. It was set aside for the cow at the gate. That small, daily act — Go Grasa, the cow's mouthful — carries thousands of years of meaning.
Why the cow is called mother
The cow is revered as Gau Mata. A widely quoted line — gavo vishvasya matarah, "cows are the mothers of the world" — captures the feeling: like a mother, she nourishes without asking for anything in return. In the Vedas the cow is called aghnya, one who must not be harmed. Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow, stands for abundance; Krishna, as Gopala, is the protector of cows.
Gau Seva and the ancestors
Feeding a cow is counted among the most meritorious acts a person can perform, and it is closely tied to the rites for the ancestors. During Shradh, a portion of the meal is set aside for the cow alongside the crow's portion. Many families also feed cows on the anniversary (tithi) of a parent's passing, or on every Amavasya, saying the names of the departed as they do.
In Tamil Nadu, it is a widespread custom to feed agathi keerai (the leaves of the agathi tree) to cows on Amavasya days, especially on Mahalaya Amavasya.
What to feed a cow — and what not to
Good to offer
- Fresh green fodder and dry fodder (hay)
- Agathi keerai and other greens
- A little jaggery
- Cooked rice or roti in modest amounts
Please avoid
- Plastic bags and wrappers — a serious danger to cows that eat from waste
- Spoiled, mouldy or salty food
- Large amounts of sweets, bread or packaged snacks
Kindness to a cow means feeding her what is good for her. A goshala that cares for cows every day will know what each animal needs.
Why goshalas need support
When cows grow old and stop giving milk, many are no longer kept. Goshalas shelter these animals for the rest of their lives, and the cost of fodder, water and care is carried every single day. Gau Seva offered in someone's memory helps keep that care going — which is why so many families feel it is the most fitting way to remember a mother or grandmother who fed cows herself.
How Gau Seva works with Komatha Crow Feeds
You give us the names of your departed, your gotra if known, and the day you wish to observe. At dawn, a priest takes the sankalpa in their names and the cows of the goshala are fed green fodder, jaggery, agathi keerai and rice. You can join live or receive the video and photographs afterwards.
Feed Gau Mata in their name
$10 per offering. Choose one offering for each loved one, or one for each day of Pitru Paksha.
Offer Gau SevaFrequently asked questions
What is Gau Seva?
Gau Seva means service to the cow — feeding, sheltering and caring for cows, often in a goshala. Feeding a cow in a loved one's name is a common way of dedicating merit to the departed.
What is good to feed a cow?
Fresh green fodder, dry fodder, a little jaggery, and greens such as agathi keerai are traditional. Avoid plastic, spoiled or salty food, and large amounts of sweets or bread.
