So, what then is my name to you?
Many people have asked us the following question: is it appropriate to give the cows the names of God (for example, to name them Krishna, Govinda, Ajita, etc.)?Since the word ‘das’ or ‘devidasi’ after the names is not used, some people might think that it is not right.
We have inquired with H.H. Mukunda Goswami Maharaj, H.H. Krishna Ksetra Swami Maharaj, and another disciple of Srila Prabhupada, whose service is to train bulls in ISKCON goshalas with voice commands – H.G.Daivata Prabhu. We would like to share with you what they told us.
H.H. Mukunda Goswami Maharaj:I think it is okay to name animals with Krsna’s Names without the das or dasi afterwards. After all, it is only a name.
H.H. Krishna Ksetra Swami Maharaj: I think it is alright to name them with names of Krishna and His eternal consorts. Actually, the name ‘Krishna’ is a fairly common name in India, as are other names related to Krishna.
H.G. Daivata Prabhu: I have never been involved with naming the cows or bulls. I know that must sound strange also coming from an old devotee from New Vrndavana. It was always the owners or Gurus or Swamis or managers and still, it’s like that here at Govardhan ECO Village in India or Saranagati Village in Canada. I’m not trying to dismiss your questions and concerns about naming your cows and bulls and calves… just telling the truth. However recently I heard Srila Prabhupada say on a morning walk in GitaNagari: All you need to know about cows and bulls is in the Krsna Book. I don’t even know who named all Lord Krsna’s cows and bulls and calves. I would imagine the answer is they are all eternal and by chanting the Holy Names, the glorious MahaMantra and sincerely loving and serving the cows and bulls it will be revealed within your heart who they are.
I can only tell you, every day I am becoming more and more grateful to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krsna and Radharani, Lord Nityananda and Lord Caitanya for the opportunity and privilege of associating with the bulls here today at GEV.
Jagadananda, GovindaNanda, PremaDas, Ananta, Radhanatha, Amberish, Govinda Gopal, Kavichandra, and many more I can’t remember. We have a beautiful black cow named Krsna. Just seeing her gives me a mystical experience.
About GoFundCows
GoFundcows is an online platform to donate for cows and help Gaushalas around the world achieve their objective to care, protect and love Krishna Cows.
From CrowdFunding to CowFunding, now people around the world will have the opportunity to bring a touch of home, and Vedic tradition with them by donating for cows around the world – Go-Seva.
GoFundCows has the ability and potential to unite people from all walks of life in a way very few projects can and you all have the ability to create global change by helping all the ISKCON affiliated Goshalas to helping look after and love those cows for the pleasure of Krishna, Radha Rani and SRILA PRABHUPADA.