Alwar, (Rajasthan), 25 October(HS): In a heartwarming journey spanning nearly 48 hours, two miniature cows — Radha and Krishna, a calf and a heifer — have arrived from Telangana to their new home at the Venkatesh Balaji Divya Dham Temple in Alwar. Belonging to the rare Punganur breed, known as the world’s smallest cattle, the tiny duo currently stands just 18 inches tall.

“People cannot stop smiling the moment they see them. They are tiny, gentle, and divine. We brought them here to spread the message that even in cities, one can raise and care for cows,” said Mahant Sudarshanacharya, head of the temple.

The Punganur breed, native to the Punganur region of Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana, is renowned for its dwarf size, growing only up to 27 inches in height when fully mature. This makes them ideal for urban spaces, where traditional cowsheds are often not feasible. Despite their size, Punganur cows are prized for producing 2–2.5 litres of milk daily, consuming minimal fodder, and adapting easily to different climates.

Upon arrival, Radha and Krishna received a traditional Vedic welcome and were housed in a specially built cowshed within the temple premises. Word of their arrival quickly spread, drawing hundreds of devotees eager to catch a glimpse of the divine pair. Children watched them play gleefully, while elders bowed with folded hands, seeing in them a reflection of Lord Krishna’s leela.

“This is the first time we are seeing such small cows,” said one devotee. “It feels like Lord Krishna himself has come in a new form.”

Temple authorities hope that the presence of Radha and Krishna will inspire urban dwellers to revive the ancient tradition of cattle rearing, even within modern city limits.

“In our scriptures, the cow is not just an animal — she is a mother, a giver,” said Mahant Sudarshanacharya. “Many city residents wish to keep cows but lack space. The Punganur breed offers new hope.”

Each pair of Punganur cows is valued between ₹2 lakh and ₹10 lakh, depending on lineage. Conservation efforts are underway in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with rising national interest in the breed. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also supported their preservation and is known to rear Punganur cows at his official residence.

As Radha and Krishna settle into their new home in Alwar, they are not just a curiosity but a symbol of devotion, sustainability, and divine simplicity — reminding visitors that even in a fast-paced world, there is room for compassion and tradition.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar