JAMMU: As part of the ongoing GauDhwajSthapana Bharat Yatra, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Ji Maharaj of Jyotirmath is set to arrive in Jammu, J&K, on 22nd October 2024.
Today, co-convener of the GauDhwajSthapana Bharat Yatra, Gobhakt Vikas Patni Ji, along with Akhilesh Brahmachari Ji and state convener Deepu Raina, addressed a press conference, highlighting the significance of this movement. They informed that, from 12 PM to 3 PM on 22nd October, Shankaracharya Ji will preside over the installation of the GauDhwaj and deliver an address at the Gau Mahasabha in Jammu. Following the event, he will continue the Yatra towards Leh, Ladakh.
Sanatan Dharma holds the cow in high regard, with its significance mentioned across religious texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. It is not merely an animal but a mother—this is the sacred belief and faith of the Sanatan Dharmi Hindus. With this deep devotion, a nationwide Gau Pratishtha Andolan is being carried out to elevate the cow to the status of 'Rashtra Mata' by moving cow protection from the state list to the central list in the Constitution, and to make India free of cow slaughter.
Since India's independence, continuous efforts have been made to protect and honor the sacred cow. One notable movement was the 1966 GauRakshaAndolan, led by Dharma Samrat Yatichakrachudamani Pujya Karpatri Ji Maharaj, in which thousands of cow devotees sacrificed their lives. Continuing the mission, Param GauBhakt Pujya Gopal Mani Ji has led the Gau Pratishtha Andolan, and has kept it alive across the country. This sacred movement is blessed by the Jagadguru Shankaracharyas of the four peethas, who organized a Gau Sansad to demand the status of Rashtra Mata and the implementation of legislation against cow slaughter. In this event, the Rama Gau Pratishtha Samhita Bill has been passed along with a 42-point Dharmadesh.
To ignite the momentum of this movement, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Ji Maharaj of Jyotirmath, lit a sacred flame of cow ghee and declared this year as the GauSamvatsar (Year of the Cow). From March 14 to March 28, 2024, he led a barefoot march from Govardhan to Delhi. Under his guidance, the Gau Pratishtha Andolan continues to thrive across India.
As part of this movement, the GauDhwajSthapana Bharat Yatra began on 22nd September which will visit all Indian states and union territories, with a sacred GauDhwaj being installed at each state capital.
In each state capital, a grand Gau Pratishtha Sammelan will be held, beginning in Ayodhya— where Ram Lalla, a Gaurakshak and GauBhakt, resides. The Yatra will travel across the east, west, south, and north of India, culminating in the national capital on October 26. Pujya Gopal Mani Ji will accompany Shankaracharya Ji throughout the journey. During the Yatra, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji will honor distinguished cow devotees from across the country.
The goal of this GauDhwajSthapana Bharat Yatra is to awaken cow devotees nationwide, unite them for a common cause - restoring the dignity and honor of the sacred cow, and conferring upon her the status of 'Rashtra Mata'; and the motto is "Gau Mata, Rashtra Mata – Rashtra Mata, Bharat Mata."
Following this Yatra, a nationwide Gau Pratishtha Mahasammelan will be held on the occasion of Gopashtami in Delhi, on November 7, 8, and 9, which will decisively appeal to the Government of India to end the curse of cow slaughter and honor the cow as Rashtra Mata.
