Bara Thakur Dwara keeps alive century-old tradition of serving cows

Bara Thakur Dwara, which has a rich history and heritage, is home to 60 cows. It was served by Baba Atma Ram for decades. It is believed that Maharaja Ranjit Singh came to see Baba Atma Ram and offered all kind of help for Bara Thakur Dwara. However, Atma Ram had turned down the request.

Atma Ram was fond of serving cows and the tradition is still alive at the Gaushala Baba Atma Ram. The sect is serving 60 cows presently. After the death of Baba Atma Ram, the sect was headed by Baba Santosha Nand among others. Santosha Nand left for his heavenly abode in 2018 and since then a trust is managing the affairs.

Sukhchain Tejpal, president, Baba Atma Ram 1008 Mandir Trust, said Swami Madhavacharya had been assigned the duty of pujari. As per the tradition, Madhavacharya will succeed Santosha Nand when he will turn 30, said Tejpal.

The trust has 5 acres of land on which fodder is grown for cows. Near the gaushala, there is a pond constructed about 500 years back. The heritage structure of the pond has been preserved to this day. Tejpal said cutting across religious affiliations, devotees visit Thakur Dwara. The annual function is observed in December, which is attended by lakhs of devotees.