On the Krishna Chaturthi of the month of Bhadrapada, the sacred Bahula Chaturthi vrat is observed as a special day of worship of the cow and for seeking the blessing of children. On this day, especially married women and couples wishing for progeny observe fasting, worship the cow and pray to Lord Krishna for family happiness, prosperity and the growth of lineage.
It is traditionally believed that by observing a vow with faith and listening to the Bahula Chaturthi vrat katha, heartfelt wishes are fulfilled more quickly. In this vrata, special importance is given to service of the cow, her worship and the inner commitment to follow truth and dharma.
What Is the Auspicious Significance of Bahula Chaturthi
The Bahula Chaturthi vrata is closely connected with Gau Mata and the cow service of Lord Krishna. On this Krishna Chaturthi of Bhadrapada the vow is observed in remembrance of the sacred cow named Bahula.
On this day, after taking a purifying bath, the devotee resolves to fast and then performs worship of the cow. If possible, a living cow is offered fodder, water, a cloth or a garland. Otherwise worship is done with devotion before an image or statue of the cow.
In this vrata, the principal prayers are for the blessing of children, for their long life and for increase of wealth in the household. According to belief, whoever listens to the story of Bahula with devotion becomes worthy of the grace of Lord Krishna and attains fulfilment of desires.
| Aspect of the vow | Indication and result |
|---|
| Worship of the cow | Symbol of cow service, compassion and dharma |
| Wish for progeny | Prayer for continuation of family lineage |
| Attainment of wealth | Blessing of prosperity, food and abundance |
Scriptural Background of Bahula Chaturthi
Tradition narrates that once all the gods desired to participate in the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna in Vrindavana. The sweetness of the gopi pastimes and the sports with the cowherd boys in Nandagram attracted them deeply and the gods were eager to be born as gopas and gopis to join these lilas.
At that time the celestial cow Kamadhenu also felt a strong desire to serve Lord Krishna. Kamadhenu is regarded not as an ordinary cow but as the divine cow who can grant cherished boons. She thought that if she could reach Gokul and offer service directly to Krishna, it would be her highest fortune.
Moved by this feeling, Kamadhenu manifested a pure cow from her own essence and gave her the name Bahula. This cow, Bahula, took birth in Nanda Baba’s cowshed, from where her divine service to Lord Krishna began.
Arrival of Bahula Cow in Nanda Baba’s Cowshed
Nanda Baba’s household already had many cows but Bahula’s nature was especially gentle and serene. When she entered the cowshed it seemed as if there was a silent recognition among all.
Lord Krishna’s heart filled with special affection for this new cow. He would often go near Bahula, caress her body, speak lovingly to her and personally feed her grass. Bahula looked at Krishna with deep devotion and motherly love in her eyes.
Gradually Bahula became a very beloved member of Nanda Baba’s cowshed. Her service, the nourishment she gave through her milk and her peaceful nature brought respect for her throughout Gokul.
Why Did Lord Krishna Test Bahula
Lord Krishna is not only the giver of love. At times He also tests the steadfastness of His devotees. One day a thought arose in His mind to test how firm Bahula’s devotion and truthfulness truly were.
One morning Bahula went out of Gokul as usual to graze in the nearby forest. The groves of Vrindavana were beautiful yet filled with the natural fear of wild beasts.
On that day Lord Krishna took the form of a lion in that forest. With flaming eyes and a powerful body He suddenly appeared in front of Bahula. The natural reaction of fear arose in her heart but an inner trust steadied her.
The Dialogue between Bahula and the Lion
Standing in the form of a lion, the Lord faced Bahula. In front of the king of the forest, a creature rarely finds any chance of escape. Bahula understood this, yet gathered courage and spoke gently.
Addressing the lion as the ruler of the forest, she said that if it was his wish to make her his meal that day, she would accept that destiny. But she begged him to listen to one request. She said that her calf at home was waiting, hungry. She asked for permission to go once, feed the calf and then return to surrender herself as his food.
The lion asked with doubt how he could allow his prey to depart. If Bahula went away, what was the guarantee that she would return.
Then Bahula took a solemn oath upon truth and dharma, saying she would certainly come back. She declared that for one who walks upon the path of dharma, even death is not fearful but breaking a promise is never right.
Even the Lion Bows before Truthful Resolve
Bahula’s words carried fear, yet above that there was a firm unshaken faith and strength of righteousness. In the form of the lion, Lord Krishna saw that this simple cow, while caring for her calf, refused to compromise with truth.
Moved by Bahula’s vow and sincerity, the lion gave her permission to go and inwardly waited for her return. This was a test not only of Bahula but also of the sanctity of a truthful promise.
Bahula returned home, went to her calf, fed it with love and licked and comforted it. She spent a little time with the calf. She could have used this chance to hide somewhere or escape in another direction, yet the thought of breaking her word did not arise in her heart.
The Return of Bahula and Blessing of Lord Krishna
After satisfying the calf, Bahula set out again along the same path towards the forest. Each of her steps carried an unusual calm. It was as if she had already explained to her calf that for the sake of dharma one must be ready to accept even difficult paths.
Reaching the forest again, she stood before the lion with composure and said that she had returned as promised and now he might act as he thought proper.
Seeing this, Lord Krishna in the form of the lion became very pleased. He at once revealed His true Krishna form. Now before Bahula stood not the roaring king of the forest but the flute bearing dark hued Lord. Seeing this divine form, tears of joy and devotion flowed from Bahula’s eyes.
Lord Krishna told her with affection that her trial of dharma, truth and promise was so lofty that even gods would find it hard to pass such a test. She had valued her word even above her own life.
Fruits of Bahula Chaturthi Vrat and Glory of Cow Worship
As a blessing Lord Krishna declared that on this Krishna Chaturthi of Bhadrapada, people would worship the cow in the sacred form of Bahula. Whoever worshipped her with devotion and listened to her story would be blessed with wealth, grains and progeny.
According to this vrata, serving the cow on Bahula Chaturthi, offering her fodder, water and affection, gently stroking her body while praying and listening to the Bahula Chaturthi vrat katha together help to invite prosperity, happiness and the growth of family in the home.
The story also teaches that in life there may come situations where the path of dharma and promise seems difficult. One who, like Bahula, refuses to leave truth, becomes a recipient of the Lord’s grace in the end.
On which month and tithi is Bahula Chaturthi observed?
This vow is observed on the Krishna Chaturthi of the month of Bhadrapada. On that day special worship of Gau Mata in the form of Bahula and recitation of the Bahula Chaturthi vrat katha are performed.
Who was Bahula and how is she linked with Kamadhenu?
Bahula is regarded as the sacred cow manifested from the essence of Kamadhenu. Kamadhenu, desiring to serve Lord Krishna, created Bahula from herself, who then appeared in Nanda Baba’s cowshed.
Why did Lord Krishna test Bahula?
Lord Krishna assumed the form of a lion to see how firmly Bahula would stand by dharma and her promise in a time of danger. Bahula kept her word even at the cost of her life, which pleased the Lord deeply.
What fruits are believed to arise from Bahula Chaturthi vrat?
According to the story, whoever worships the cow with faith and listens to Bahula’s katha receives blessings of increased wealth, progeny and peace within the family.
If a real cow is not available, can the vow still be observed properly?
Yes. When a real cow is not present, one may worship before an image or statue of Gau Mata. The essential requirement is sincere feeling, devotion and respect towards the cow, which must be kept alive in the heart.
