Dayalu Baba would grow hundreds of lotuses in his ashram pond to offer to his deities. Because of the lotuses the pond was not very good for bathing in, as it was full of mud and overgrowth of aquatic weeds and water grasses.

In the initial days when we came to the ashram the pond was empty and very nice to bathe in. In fact they used to use this water for cooking in the early years before they had a tube well.

Seeing how the pond was no longer usable to bathe in, I asked Dayalu Baba if he would prefer I clear out the pond and make steps for a bathing ghat, with clear water. I said I would fill the bottom of the pond with fine sand so it would remain clean and clear.

He replied, “That would be nice, but if we do that, then we cannot have lotuses to offer to our deities. Which will be better for the ashram?” He thought for a moment and then said, “I think we should keep the lotuses to offer to the deities. Lotuses need mud to grow well, so we will let the mud remain in the pond even if it is not good for bathing. It is more important for us to have lotuses to offer to the Lord.”

Every cow and calf at our sanctuary has a story of rescue, healing, and hope. Your generous support provides them with food, shelter, medical care, and a lifetime of protection. Together, we can give these sacred animals the love and safety they deserve.