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Three Jersey calves (left) rescued from a dairy farm on New Year’s Day, 2021, now happily cared for at the Krishna Cow Sanctuary.

The Krishna Cow Sanctuary in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a unique initiative dedicated to cow protection and community building. Spearheaded by Syamkutir Devi Dasi and her husband, Raghupati Das, the Sanctuary is located just seven minutes from King Shaka International Airport. It has become a vital space for spiritual retreats, volunteer programs, and engagement with the principles of cow protection central to Krishna consciousness.

A Retirement Project with Purpose
In 2018, a health crisis led to the creation of the Krishna Cow Sanctuary. Due to a severe eye disorder, Syamkutir was forced into early retirement. “I was struggling with my eyesight and could barely manage on the computer anymore,” she explained. Despite doctors’ recommendations for urgent treatment, she chose to first go on pilgrimage to Vrindavan—a life-changing decision.

During a Kirtan Retreat with Indradyumna Swami, she encountered neglected cows. “They were thin, unattended, and one was even chained,” she recalled. Feeding them, she felt an unexpected connection. On returning to South Africa, the longing to care for cows stayed with her. Shortly after moving to Tongaat Beach in 2019, she and her husband were gifted a cow and her calf.

Despite her health challenges, she accepted the responsibility. “I can barely take care of myself; how can I possibly care for cows?” she wondered. Raghupati reassured her, saying, “I’ll help you.” Miraculously, after three months of working with and caring for the cows, she recovered from tumors in her eyes without any treatment, shocking her doctors with the unexpected outcome. Together, the Grhastha couple embarked on their journey into full-time cow care.

Over time, the Sanctuary expanded, and Syamkutir found herself fully absorbed in serving the cows, which she now considers family. “They’re not pets; they’re family. Serving them brings me closer to Krishna.”

Community Engagement and Milestones
The Sanctuary has evolved into a vibrant spiritual hub. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as temples closed, it became a place of solace. “Word spread quickly,” Syamkutir noted, with many visiting for help or comfort.

Local schools organize excursions where students learn about Krishna’s pastimes and feed the cows. Events like nature walks inspired by Govardhan Parikrama, a GoPuja event, and festivals have made the Sanctuary a cherished destination. For instance, students from Tongaat Secondary School attended a team-building camp embracing Krishna-conscious principles.

A kirtan mela held at the Sanctuary brought devotees together for devotional singing in its peaceful atmosphere, while many visitors encountered cows for the first time, deepening their appreciation for Krishna consciousness.

Central to the Sanctuary’s mission is highlighting the spiritual importance of cows. According to Vedic teachings, cows are sacred, and their products—such as milk and ghee—are essential for rituals. “All the cow products are used for yajna (sacrificial ceremonies),” Syamkutir explained. “Even Krishna emphasized caring for cows as a source of His strength.” Visitors are encouraged to directly serve the cows, helping them appreciate Krishna’s deep connection with these animals.

Overcoming Challenges
Running the Sanctuary has been arduous, especially as the number of cows cared for increased. When Syamkutir began, she was unprepared. “I made so many mistakes,” she admitted, needing to educate herself on proper cow care.

A herd of African Nguni cows, rejected by five homes, was aggressive and wary. Facing the threat of slaughter, were given refuge. The COVID-19 pandemic added its own challenges, as special permits were needed to care for the cows, and sourcing feed became difficult. Despite this, the Sanctuary stayed open.

Natural disasters tested their resilience further. Severe floods in 2021 made the farm inaccessible, forcing the team to carry supplies on foot. The birth of their first calf, Adi Shakti, in 2022 brought new hurdles. Born prematurely, both mother and calf were critical. “I refused to give up, and by Krishna’s grace, she survived,” Syamkutir shared.

Veterinary care has been another obstacle. Local vets rarely visit, so the team has learned to manage illnesses with remote guidance. With no electricity or municipal water, the Sanctuary relies on solar power to pump water and collect rain for basic needs. “After six years, I still don’t know how we’ve managed,” Syamkutir said. Despite these hardships, she remains committed to serving the cows. “It’s not just about survival; it’s about giving them love and respect.”