Long ago, after the great Mahabharata war, Lord Balarama, elder brother of Lord Krishna, left the battlefields and wandered northward in search of peace. His journey brought him to the serene hills above the Doon Valley, where he decided to meditate in solitude.
He stayed on the high ridges above a small village (now called Matogi), overlooking snow-clad peaks and lush valleys.
The Offering of Cow’s Milk
One day during his meditation, Balarama became thirsty. The villagers nearby owned cows that grazed freely in the alpine meadows.
A humble cowherd approached the Lord and offered him fresh cow’s milk.
Balarama drank it and instantly felt refreshed. In some tellings, the milk was so pure and nourishing that it restored his strength after days of fasting.
The Miraculous Well
Pleased with their devotion, Balarama struck the earth with the tip of his plough (hal).
From that very spot, a crystal-clear spring gushed out. This became the Dev Baori — a sacred step-well that still flows today, quenching the thirst of villagers and pilgrims alike.
The Vow: Never Sell Cow’s Milk
Before departing, Balarama gave the villagers his blessing but also a commandment:
“This milk is not just food — it is amrit (nectar). Keep it pure. Never trade it for money. Share it freely, for it is the gift of the cow and the blessing of the gods.”
From that day forward, it is said the people of Matogi and surrounding villages followed this vow — they used milk for their own needs and for offerings, but never sold it in the market.