Significance
The cow is a symbol of wealth, strength, abundance, and selfless giving. In the Indian culture, the cow is treated with utmost sanctity because it is seen as a life nourisher. Hence, it is considered one of the greatest offerings.
The cows which are offered to Devi are cared for at the Isha’s Gaushala (cow shed), and their milk is used for sacred offerings and annadanam.
“In this culture, we have always been treating cows, who nourish us at an early age with their own milk, with love and affection. If we do not save our indigenous breeds, we are leaving our soil barren.” —Sadhguru
Ritual Details
At Linga Bhairavi, one can either offer a cow alone, or a cow and a calf.
You can offer Gau Seva in person on a date of your choosing and attend the Gau Pooja at Linga Bhairavi if you wish.
For those who are unable to personally come and make the offering, devotees can give the names and nakshatras (birth stars) of up to four family members, which will be written on a palm leaf and placed at Devi’s feet for blessings. The offering will be made on their behalf and the prasadam can be sent upon request (within India).
Frequently Asked Questions
It is up to the devotee to decide.
The cows are offered to Isha Gaushala (cowshed), where they are treated with sanctity, lovingly taken care of, and kept in hygienic conditions. Their milk is used in sacred offerings and annadanam. Cows also support in conducting agriculture in a sustainable and ecologically-balanced way, and their dung is used as manure in Isha’s organic farms.
Yes, you can offer the ritual on anyone's behalf for their wellbeing.
After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with guidelines to help orient you.
Yes, you can request to attend online.
Unfortunately, we are unable to livestream the offering.
Only one family can register for a given time slot.
It is beneficial to make this offering just once a day.
If you wish to do more than one offering, you can do so on consecutive days or at a later time.
We are currently unable to offer these rituals outside the countries where Linga Bhairavi abodes are located. Registration for devotees from other regions is only available if they are physically at Linga Bhairavi. For further questions, please write to us at info@lingabhairavi.org.
When attendance is online, up to 4 family members' names and nakshatrams can be given per registration. There is no such limit if attending in person.
A separate registration needs to be made for friends and their family.
It is best to provide the nakshatram, but it is not mandatory.
Since this is a one-step registration process, if you were unable to complete the payment in the first attempt, you will need to fill up the registration form again. We recommended that you register and make the payment from a desktop or a laptop.
If you are not able to register even after a few attempts, we recommend using an alternate browser and email ID, and also clearing the page history / caches.
You can bring offerings such as flowers, fruits, incense or other items. Please ensure that the offerings are not made of plastic and that the edible offerings have no eggs and are vegetarian.
These offerings can be made either before or after the ritual.
You will receive an email with helpful information on how to make use of the prasadam.
Yes, prasadam can be couriered to the name and address provided when registering for the offering.
At this time, prasadam courier services are available only within the country where the offering is made.
Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore - You can book your stay through cottage.isha.in. For queries, email ishastay@ishafoundation.org. Please book your stay ahead of time since accommodation is limited.
Two wholesome, vegetarian meals will be offered to guests staying at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore. Others can visit the Pepper Vine Eatery or the Moondram Pirai restaurant.
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"Once you empty yourself, Devi has no choice but to be with you. And if Devi is with you, I also have no choice." - Sadhguru