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North of the cities of Pleasanton and Dublin and west of Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve, visitors come from far and near to catch a glimpse of – and maybe even embrace – large majestic cattle who spend their days grazing the rolling hills.
The Sri Surabhi Go Ksetra sanctuary offers “cow cuddle” sessions, tours and other types of activities for guests to interact with the gentle giants. Founders built the farm as a way to honor the cows and their deeper meaning in Hinduism while also educating the public on environmental sustainability.
Established in 2020, the organization cares for the animals through the end of their lives and has made a commitment never to sell to slaughterhouses or otherwise harmful facilities.
“Our goal is to rescue cows and provide a sanctuary so they can live out their lives in peace and happiness,” said Sri Krishna Purusottama Das, co-founder and director. “In our culture the cows are sacred; they embody motherhood and all that is good.”
“We provide education and awareness to the community about the significance of cow protection. We have been fortunate to open this sanctuary for the cows and it is an honor to serve them,” Das added.
The sanctuary, located at 7890 Camino Tassajara in unincorporated Pleasanton, allows group events such as weddings or birthdays to be hosted on-site, but possibly the farm’s most notable feature is its “cow cuddling” sessions.
With a five-star rating on Google for their cow visits, participants may pet, cuddle, hug and sit in the company of the cows. The nonprofit said experience can provide immense boosts to mental health and overall wellness.
“Human-cow interaction is known to reduce anxiety and stress,” sanctuary staff member Rishabh Sharma said. “With the fast-paced world we live in, we believe it is important to connect with nature and ourselves. Our efforts are to create this symbiotic relationship between the cows and the community and thus allow our guests to interact with our cows.”
“We love cows and love to share this love with our guests,” he added.
Cow cuddling relies on non-verbal communication, allowing guests to connect with the animals through touching and embraces. This can also help individuals who struggle with autism, social anxiety or other conditions, according to staff.
“Spending time with cows can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It also increases a connection with nature,” Sharma said. “Cows are known for a gentle and docile demeanor, making them great for these therapeutic interactions.”
Das explained the importance of the animals in Hinduism, which was another main reason for the farm opening.
In the Hindu religion, cows are revered – and near sacred – animals. They are known to represent wellness, nourishment, wealth and motherhood. Through art and storytelling, the Hindu deity Krishna (who was a cowherd in his youth) is often shown near cows.
“Cows hold immense significance in Hinduism, culturally and religiously. They are a symbol of the divine and earthly abundance. They provide milk, which is considered a complete food and essential for nurturing life,” Das said. “Cows being sacred are protected from harm and slaughter in many parts of India. The killing of cows is prohibited in many states.”
For individuals practicing Hinduism, it is common for them to care for and feed cows as an act of devotion to various deities. The existence of the farm also acts as a preservation of the Hindu religion and culture.
“The sanctuary serves as a way to preserve our values and practices. By providing a sanctuary for the cows, we uphold our beliefs and promote respect for these sacred animals,” Das said.
Das shared that milk and products derived from cows are considered pure and are used in Hindu rituals, ceremonies, prayers and offerings to deities. The cow’s milk has medicinal properties and is used throughout India, he said.
Another key point for the farm is restoring natural biorhythms by letting the cows graze naturally. The sanctuary is in partnership with the Sustainable Eco Alliance, an educational group with the goal of protecting sustainable ecosystems.
“Cows play a role in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. When people come to see our site, it helps us promote sustainable farming practices and inform them of the environmental impact of the agriculture industry,” Sharma said.
“Visitors can learn about the importance of animal welfare, sustainable agriculture and the interconnectedness of all living beings,” he continued. “We are sharing information on animal advocacy and the importance of restoring the environment.”
Das said the farm is always welcoming volunteers to help maintain and operate the facility.
Recently, the organization launched a fundraising campaign to help expand its land for a more permanent and formal holding facility.
“While our animals are well-fed and comfortable, they need more land to graze and bond together,” said Das.
He shared that funds from the campaign will go toward purchasing more land, hosting more animals and possibly even adding goats on-site.
In the future, the co-founder hopes to educate more people on environmental sustainability and respecting animals.
“This cow sanctuary allows us to provide a safe and caring environment for rescued or abandoned cows, where they can live out their lives free from harm,” Das said. “Many people feel a deep sense of compassion and empathy towards animals. We hope to continue our efforts here to support the cows and visitors that interact with them for years to come.”
Correction: A prior version of this story misattributed the source of certain photographs. Each photo was from the Sri Surabhi Go Ksetra Facebook page. Embarcadero Media Foundation regrets the error.