Hoshiarpur: On the fifth day of the week-long *Srimad Bhagavat Katha Gyan Yagna* (spiritual discourse series)—organized by the Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan and held at Roshan Ground, Hoshiarpur, from April 14 to April 20 (7:00 PM to 10:00 PM)—Sadhvi Ms. Vaishnavi Bharti, a world-renowned *Bhagavat Bhaskar* and disciple of His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, eloquently narrated the divine *Leelas* (pastimes) of the Lord. She highlighted that, in order to establish righteousness (*Dharma*), Kanha (Lord Krishna) took on the role of 'Gopal' (the protector of cows); through His acts of serving and worshipping cows, He elucidated for us the immense importance of the cow.
Numerous instances recorded in the *Mahabharata* serve to inspire us to accord respect to and ensure the protection of *Gau Mata* (Mother Cow). The *Vishnudharmottara Purana* states that by serving the cow, one can please the thirty-three crore (330 million) deities. Speaking of the *Panchagavya* (the five products) of *Gau Mata*, cow urine, in particular, has been revered as beneficial to us since the Vedic era; indeed, it is believed to offer a cure for over 400 different ailments.
In ancient India, farmers would purify the soil by sprinkling cow urine upon it before sowing seeds. This ritual was known as *Gomutra Sanskar* (the purification rite using cow urine). Cow's milk is described as *Sattvic* (pure and wholesome), a stimulant for intellectual acuity, and a remedy capable of curing numerous diseases. The cow is affectionately addressed as 'Mother' (*Maa*) owing to both her spiritual significance and her scientific utility.
Yet, why is it that today, the very entity we revere as 'Mother' is being subjected to slaughter? We must take decisive steps to protect and preserve the cow—the very being for whose defense valiant heroes like Mangal Pandey sacrificed their lives.
She also spoke about the 'Kamdhenu Project' initiated by His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, under which the Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan is resolutely committed to the conservation and propagation of indigenous Indian cow breeds. Work is currently underway to improve cow breeds, and efforts are being made to preserve rare species that are on the verge of extinction; for it is believed that if the cow survives, the nation will prosper.
The profound mysteries underlying the *Govardhan Leela* were presented to the audience in a truly beautiful and captivating manner. Observing the preparations underway for the Indra Yajna (sacrifice to Lord Indra) by Nanda Baba and the villagers, Lord Krishna questioned them and inspired them instead to worship Mount Govardhan and the Earth. The Lord's intent was that one should revere and worship that which sustains us through the mediums of the earth, vegetation, and water.
Thus, regarding Mount Govardhan as a symbol of the Earth, it was duly worshipped. Fifty-six varieties of food offerings (*Chhappan Bhog*) were presented to the Lord. Wounded in his pride, Indra attempted to torment the residents of Gokul by unleashing torrential rains for seven days; however, the Lord protected everyone by lifting and holding Mount Govardhan upon the tip of His little finger.
If one studies the *Bhagavata Mahapurana*, one discovers that the Lord expounded upon the philosophy of *Karma* (action) to the villagers, including Nanda Baba. *Karma* alone is the cause of a human being's happiness and sorrow, fear and well-being. It is in accordance with one's own *Karma* that a person takes birth and eventually attains death.
*Karma* itself is God. We are all fragments (*ansh*) of Lord Narayana. We do not perform *Karma* merely to attain fame or glory; rather, we worship *Karma* itself. *Karma* constitutes our true worship.
"Perform various deeds with your hands, but keep your mind focused upon the Abode of Compassion."
As simple as this couplet sounds to the ear, it is equally difficult to put into practice in one's daily life.
If one is fortunate enough to attain the proximity of a *Sadguru* (Perfect Master), he can, in a mere instant, grant a vision of the Lord who resides within the heart. Furthermore, he reveals the eternal Name of *Hari* (God) that is ceaselessly vibrating within one's very breath.
Although numerous names of God are prevalent throughout the world, it is this inner Name—the Name realized within—that alone paves the path toward salvation (*Moksha*).
The narrative commenced with the principal hosts—Manish Gupta (Billa Bricks), Kusha Gupta, and Rahul Gupta—along with the daily hosts—Jagdish Agarwal, Umesh Gupta, and Nitya Gupta—performing the ceremonial worship (*Pujan*) of the *Bhagavata* scripture, accompanied by their respective families. The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished personalities, notably Deepak Bali (Advisor to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab), MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Avinash Rai Khanna (Former MP), Vijay Sampla (Former Chairman, SC Commission), Surinder Kumar Shinda (Mayor), Santosh Chaudhary,
Dr. Sunil Kumar Chadha (Hinduja Group), Sunil Shekhawat (Head of Manufacturing, Century Plywood), Anoop Sharma (Plant Head), B.S. Jaswal (DGM), Upendra Tripathi, Sukhwinder Sukhi (USA), Harbhajan Singh, Parminder, Ravinder Cheema Kanungo, Councilor Jaswinder Pal, Former Councilor Surinder Kumar Beetan, Bajrangi Pandey, Kusum Pandey, Ajit Singh (JTO, BSNL), Rakesh Sood, Saurav Bhaghi, Ashok Gagandeep (Principal), Tarun Kumar, Anurag Kalia, Dr. Vijay Dhir (Vice-Chancellor, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University), Pooja Bali (Dean, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University), Gautam Manocha, Kuldeep Saini, Jaswinder Saini, Rakesh Bhargava, Jatinder Sood, Sandeep Agarwal, Amaninder Mishra, and Anjana Kumari. Additionally, representatives from various religious, political, and social organizations of the city, along with other prominent citizens, were in attendance.
At the conclusion of the event, the Glorious Walker Group (Gautam Nagar), the Arora Mahasabha, along with Ashok, Kuldeep, and Rajat, felicitated the *Katha Vyas* (the spiritual narrator). Swami Ji appealed to everyone, noting that only two days of the discourse remain, and urged those who have not yet attended to make sure they come.