Varanasi buzzed with spiritual fervor on Saturday as Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand embarked on his highly anticipated Gow Pratistha Dharmayudh Yatra. This ambitious journey, kicking off from the holy city, will traverse multiple districts before culminating in a massive sit-in protest in Lucknow on March 11. At its heart lies a profound mission: to elevate the cow to the revered status of ‘Rajya Mata’ or state mother.
The yatra commenced from the swami’s ashram early in the morning, symbolizing not just a physical passage from the Ganga to the Gomti riverbanks, but a deeper affirmation of faith in dharma and the sanctity of the cow. ‘The Ganga emerges from Gomukh, intrinsically linked to the cow, while Gomti derives its name from ‘go’ meaning cow,’ the Shankaracharya explained, underscoring the sacred geography of the route.
The procession began with prayers at Chintamani Ganesh Temple for an obstacle-free journey, followed by seeking blessings from Hanuman at Sankat Mochan Temple specifically for cow protection. En route, the yatra will halt at the ashram of sage Jamadagni in Jaunpur, honoring his legacy of safeguarding both humans and cows against King Kartavirya’s tyranny—avenged by his son Parashurama.
From Jaunpur, the convoy proceeds through Sultanpur, Raebareli, Mohanlalganj, and Lalganj, building momentum toward Lucknow. Addressing the media, Swami Avimukteshwaranand was unequivocal: ‘This is no political campaign. It’s a pure dharmayudh to protect Gau Mata and awaken society to her unparalleled significance.’ He emphasized the absence of any organizational or partisan backing, inviting all to join based on personal devotion.
Highlighting the cultural nexus, he noted Lucknow’s location on the Gomti river—’the cow river’—amplifies the yatra’s religious weight. ‘Societies thriving along rivers graced by cows boast unbreakable cultural and social fabrics,’ he asserted. The climax on March 11 promises a resounding call to action in Lucknow, uniting people in reverence for cows, fostering awareness, and committing to their protection. This yatra isn’t merely a march; it’s a clarion call to reclaim our dharmic heritage.