Spiritual · Swargadwari
Morning with the cows of Swargadwari
Visit the cattle sheds at dawn, when the ashram's cows are milked and fed, to see the daily work behind Swargadwari's devotion to the cow and the herd Swami Hamsananda began.
Cows are the heart of Swargadwari. Swami Hamsananda spent his life herding and milking them on this ridge, and the ashram still keeps hundreds. For Hindus, caring for cows is an act of merit, and many pilgrims come specifically to feed them.
At dawn the sheds are busy: cows are milked by hand, fed and led out to graze on the slopes. The milk and ghee go to the ashram kitchen and the sacred fire. Pilgrims arrive with bundles of fodder, touch the cows' foreheads and ask for blessings.
Your guide explains the place of the cow in Hindu belief and in Nepal, where it is the national animal. It is a simple, earthy hour that shows the ashram as a working farm as well as a temple.
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Questions
How many cows are there at Swargadwari?
Numbers change with donations, seasons and births, but the ashram keeps several hundred cows, and recent reports have put the figure in the range of 300 to 500. Historically the herd was much larger under Swami Hamsananda. Ask the ashram staff for the current number when you visit.
Why are cows sacred in Hinduism?
In Hindu belief the cow is a symbol of motherhood, generosity and non-violence, giving milk, ghee and fuel. It is associated with gods such as Krishna. In Nepal the cow is the national animal and killing one is a crime. Caring for and feeding cows is seen as earning religious merit.
Can I help feed the cows?
Yes. Pilgrims commonly bring or buy fodder, such as hay, straw and grass, to feed the cows, and visitors are welcome to join with care. Approach calmly from the side, follow the staff's instructions, and do not walk behind the animals. Wash your hands afterwards.
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