Extended family, one consciousness
The cows, dogs, cats, hens and guineafowls of Mohanji Datta Tapovan - every being a soul on its own journey, each one making this place brighter, kinder and more alive.
Joy, warmth and beautiful energy permeate Mohanji Datta Tapovan - not only through the presence of divinity and our community, but through our adorable cows, playful dogs and cats, and cheerful hens and guineafowls. Sanatana Dharma's culture of respect is evident here: every being is seen as a soul on its own journey, and all are treated with the same love and respect, whether human or animal.
Their presence creates a protective veil over our space - each being energetically participating, in gratitude, to clear negativities and doshas, keeping the energy light and bright. Our ancient Vedic tradition used these principles of harmony with Nature to enliven and streamline existence; every home once kept cows and cared for birds, ants and other beings as part of daily life.
Each one carries innocence, strength, and pure joy.
They do not just live here - they make this place
brighter, kinder, and alive.
Our space blooms because of them.
Skanda - The Royal Rooster
and His Bird Army
Skanda - named for Lord Murugan - was once caged and helpless, waiting to be slaughtered. Passing the butcher, Mohanji heard his cries, rescued him, and brought him to the ashram. He was our first feathered, and first non-human, friend. Traumatised, he began scared and distrusting; at first he would not even crow, lest the sound reveal his location.
Gradually feeling Mohanji's unconditional love and protection, he is now the loud and proud star of our space, ambling and running freely around the compound. His household has grown - many hens and roosters, and guineafowls once marked for slaughter, now basking in safety. Mohanji calls guineafowls the 'dogs' of the bird family.
The Punganur Cows
Punganur cows - the world's smallest and rarest cattle breed, from Andhra Pradesh - radiate positive vibrations and carry deep spiritual significance. This sacred lineage is now on the brink of extinction, and their gentle, loving temperament suits ashram life perfectly.
After months of effort, we were blessed to welcome purebred Punganurs - two cows, Ganga and Yamuna, and a bull, Kannan - received with pooja and lovingly settled into their own gaushala. One of our sweetest daily moments is feeding these celestial cows: food from the Annakshetra, first offered at the altar, then received by them with eager love. Their presence radiates peace and adds divine grace to the ashram.
Paws, Meows, Play
and Pure Joy
Shree and Hari arrived as newborn Labrador pups - bundles of overflowing cuteness - and have grown into a reason for everyone to smile. Muthappa, a rescued pup, came from Odisha with an ashram resident; originally named Mufasa, Mohanji's mother Amma misheard it as Muthappa (a form of Lord Shiva in Kerala), and the name stuck.
Our space is also home to stray friends from the nearby village who have made this place their own, and three gorgeous kittens who live in one of our volunteer houses, Dwarkamai - well cared for, spreading joy to all around them.
Sponsor Animal Welfare
Sponsor a single day, a week, or make a monthly commitment - or mark a special milestone like a birthday or anniversary. Your support feeds and cares for every being in our extended family.
Read on about our Gokulam Gaushala - a safe, loving home for old, abandoned, rescued and injured cows.