Do I need to donate an actual cow, or can I donate money?

The scriptures allow for the monetary equivalent of a cow to be donated when an actual cow is not available. What is essential is the formal Sankalp, the puja, and the proper use of the donated funds — ideally for the care of cows at a reputable gaushala. Prayag Pandits ensures all donations are used for actual cow welfare at partner gaushalas near Prayagraj and Varanasi.