Patna, September 24: A tiny Punganur cow brought from Andhra Pradesh has become a new attraction for devotees visiting Patna’s Badi Patan Devi Temple, where the temple management has created a special glass enclosure for visitors to see the animal.
The temple management said three Punganur cows have been brought from Andhra Pradesh. Their unusually small stature has caught the attention of devotees, with visitors stopping to see them during their temple visits.
Badi Patan Devi is one of Patna’s prominent religious sites and is regarded as a Shakti Peeth in local religious tradition. The Bihar Tourism Department also identifies the temple as a major Hindu pilgrimage site.
Why The Punganur Cow Is Special
The Punganur is a distinct cattle breed associated with the Punganur region of Andhra Pradesh and is known for its small size. Available breed information places its average height at around 70–90 centimetres.
The temple management said the cows brought to Patna are around 70–80 centimetres tall, while their maximum height can be around 2–3 feet.
A temple priest, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the three cows were brought from Andhra Pradesh and estimated their cost at around Rs 15 lakh per pair. The actual price of Punganur cattle can vary depending on factors such as age, characteristics and quality.
Special Glass House At The Temple
The temple management has built a special glass enclosure for the cow inside the premises.
This allows devotees to observe the animal while maintaining some distance. The cow’s small frame and distinctive appearance have made it a point of curiosity among visitors.
Mahant Says Aim Is To Promote Animal Care
Mahant Vijay Shankar Giri said bringing the Punganur cows to the temple was intended not only to attract devotees but also to encourage greater affection and care for cattle.
He compared the practice of keeping pets such as dogs with the possibility of caring for cattle where adequate arrangements are available.
According to the mahant, the smaller size of the Punganur breed means it can be maintained in comparatively limited space, although proper care, nutrition and suitable housing remain necessary for any animal.
Claims About Milk Output
Mahant Vijay Shankar Giri said the cow at the temple produces around 1–2 litres of milk a day.
He also described the milk as having medicinal properties. Such health-related claims require scientific evidence and should not be treated as medically established on the basis of the temple’s statement alone.
The temple management said the broader purpose of keeping the cows is to promote cattle care and compassion towards animals, rather than simply making them a visitor attraction.
Punganur Cows Have Drawn Wider Attention
The Punganur breed has also attracted public attention in recent years, including through photographs and videos involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punganur cows that circulated on social media.
The arrival of the breed at Badi Patan Devi Temple has now generated similar curiosity among devotees in Patna.
For visitors, the special enclosure offers an opportunity to see a cattle breed known for its unusually small stature while the temple management hopes the initiative will also encourage greater awareness of animal care.
