Gopadma Vrat

 

Gopadma Vrat is a deeply symbolic and devotional observance practiced primarily in the Madhwa community during Chaturmasya, the four holy months of the Hindu calendar. It is especially observed by married women for the well-being of their brothers and to express gratitude to cows, who are revered as sacred beings.

Gopadma Vrat 2025 Dates

• Start Date: Sunday, 6 July 2025
• End Date: Sunday, 2 November 2025
  (Source: The Daily Jagran)

Significance

• Rooted in a legend where Bhagwan Sri Krishna instructed his sister Subhadra to observe this vrat by drawing rangoli of cow’s feet (Gopadma) to honor the 33 crore deities residing in the cow.
• Symbolizes humility, devotion, and gratitude toward nature, animals, and divine forces.
• Observed for seven days annually over five years, making it a long-term spiritual commitment.

Rituals & Procedure

Ritual Element	Description
Rangoli Drawing	Daily draw 33 Gopadma (cow hoof) designs in front of the house or cowshed using rice flour or powdered pearls.
Worship	Offer gandha (sandal paste), kumkum, flowers, and neivedyam (sweets) to the rangoli.
Pradakshina	Perform 33 circumambulations around the rangoli, followed by 6 additional pradakshinas for the six lotuses representing Mohini deities.
Daan (Charity)	Offer 33 coins, tulasi, betel leaves, and specific sweets (e.g., payasam, athirasa, laddus) to brothers or eligible persons.
Duration	Continue for 7 days each year, for 5 consecutive years. If a day is missed, it can be made up the next day.
Udyapana	After 5 years, perform a concluding ritual with puja, homa, and distribution of daan to sumangalis and Brahmins.

Scriptural & Cultural Notes

• Mentioned in Hari Bhakti Vilasa and oral traditions of the Madhwa sampradaya.
• Closely tied to Govardhan Leela, where Krishna protected the villagers for seven days.
• Encourages eco-consciousness, family bonding, and devotional discipline.