Hanuman Temple Goshala, located on the sacred land of Shri Bhaktha Anjaneya (Hanuman) Temple in Poway, San Diego, is a spiritual cow sanctuary dedicated to the protection, care, and worship of sacred cows.
This goshala serves as a living expression of Sanatana Dharma, where devotion, compassion, and service come together.
As one of the very few traditional goshalas in California, and the first of its kind in San Diego, this sanctuary preserves ancient Vedic values by offering shelter and care to sacred Indian cows while providing the community an opportunity to participate in Go-Seva.
Goshala as a Sacred Cow Sanctuary
In modern terms, a goshala may be described as a cow sanctuary, but its role extends far beyond physical shelter. A goshala is a sacred space where cows are revered as Gomatha (Divine Mother), not as commodities but as living embodiments of compassion, nourishment, and Dharma. While many cow shelters focus only on protection, a traditional goshala integrates spiritual care, daily worship, and community participation. Hanuman Temple Goshala upholds this sacred model, making it a unique cow sanctuary in California rooted in Vedic tradition.
Goshala as a Sacred Cow Sanctuary
In modern terms, a goshala may be described as a cow sanctuary, but its role extends far beyond physical shelter. A goshala is a sacred space where cows are revered as Gomatha (Divine Mother), not as commodities but as living embodiments of compassion, nourishment, and Dharma. While many cow shelters focus only on protection, a traditional goshala integrates spiritual care, daily worship, and community participation. Hanuman Temple Goshala upholds this sacred model, making it a unique cow sanctuary in California rooted in Vedic tradition.
In Hindu tradition, the cow is revered as Gomatha, the universal mother who nourishes all beings.
Scriptures describe the divine cow Kaamadhenu, possessed by Lord Indra, and her daughter Nandini, lovingly cared for by Maharishi Vashistha.
It is believed that 33 crore Devatas reside within the cow, making service to Gomatha one of the highest forms of spiritual merit.
By serving cows with devotion, one receives peace, prosperity, and inner purification.
Benefits of Go-Seva (Serving Cows)
- Invokes blessings of Gomatha and the Devatas
- Promotes peace, prosperity, and well-being
- Purifies the mind and heart through selfless service
- Strengthens connection to Sanatana Dharma
- Builds a compassionate and service-oriented community
Hanuman Temple Goshala is blessed to house original Indian GIR (also spelled GYR) cows, a revered heritage breed known for its spiritual and genetic significance. These cows have been cherished in India for thousands of years for their calm nature, resilience, and high-quality milk.
The presence of GIR cows in San Diego is extremely rare and considered a divine blessing.
Seetha and Gowri, the sacred cows residing at our goshala, represent this ancient lineage and connect the local community to India’s spiritual heritage.