October 10th 2006
After a long journey it was a relief to finally reach my destination, Sri Mayapur Dhama. I have spent the last couple of days setting up the apartment and adjusting to the morning program. The first temple program starts at 4:15AM, followed by a couple of hours of private mantra meditation. The second program starts at 7AM and finishes at 9AM. After meditating I have been spending some time at the Goshala (cow barn). The cows are milked at 6:30AM. At this time the calves are also fed. This is very calming to watch.
Today is the famous Gopasthami, the day when the cows are worshiped. The Deities had a special outfit to celebrate this occasion. The gopi girls were dressed as cowherd boys with their turbans and dotis (pants) and had their cow herding sticks. They looked very beautiful. It is the only time of the year when you can see the gopis lotus feet so we were allowed to step up very close to the altar to take darshan (have a close look, get blessings and take photos). In the afternoon a fire sacrifice was held (offerings of fruits and ghee) and various mantras were chanted for the worship of the cows. The cows were also decorated and fed.
