The offering of Gau Seva.
In the Indian tradition, the cow is revered as Kamadhenu, the giver of abundance, and caring for her is an act of seva, selfless service.
The sanctuary shelters indigenous, humped Gir and Sahiwal cattle. Guests are welcome to take part in Gau Seva: feeding, grooming, learning how the herd is cared for, or simply spending quiet time beside the cows. It is a simple way to give something back while you are in the holy city.
In the Vedic way, service is a teacher: care for another being, and notice what it quiets in you.
Simple acts, done with care.
Gau Seva has long been part of Indian village life, carried by families and whole communities. At the Goshala, guests join the gau sevaks in the daily rhythm of the herd. No experience is needed, only a little time and attention.
Feed
Offer green fodder, jaggery and fresh greens at the morning and evening feeds.
Groom
Brush and tend the cows, and learn how each is cared for, by name.
Clean & care
Help with fresh water, clean bedding and the upkeep of the shed.
Learn the herd
Hear from the gau sevaks about Gir and Sahiwal cattle, their health and their ways.
Sit quietly
Or simply spend time beside the cows, which may be the most restful seva of all.
In the Indian tradition, a goshala is also a refuge for old and retired cows, cared for through the whole of their lives. La Aranya draws on that spirit.
Nothing is wasted.
The Goshala is the heart of a self-sustaining cycle. What the cows give back feeds the kitchen and the garden, and the garden feeds the cows in turn: the land, the herd and the table, each caring for the other.
- GoshalaEach day, cow dung is gathered from the sheds.
- Biogas plantIt becomes clean cooking gas in La Aranya’s own biogas plant.
- Anna Purna ShalaThe gas fires the stoves of the bhojanalaya, alongside solar and clay-pot hearths.
- Sanjeevani VatikaThe slurry left behind becomes rich organic manure and jeevamrit for the gardens.
- Back to the herdThe garden grows food for the kitchen, and greens and fodder for the cows.
Keep exploring.
Help shape La Aranya.
Booking is not open yet. Your view will shape what we build. We would love to hear:
- Would you stay here on a visit to Varanasi?
- Which offerings matter most to you?
- What is missing?