A cow is considered to be holy animal by Hindus across world.
There are diverse beliefs regarding the worship of cows in Hinduism, where the cow is held in the highest regard and revered as a mother. The cow has been an integral part of Indian culture since ancient times, with its significance highlighted in numerous religious texts. According to the scriptures, when Lord Brahma created the universe, the cow was the first being he sent to Earth. It is also mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagwat that Lord Krishna, who is said to reside in Goloka, served and worshiped cows daily, donating them to Brahmins. Among all animals, the cow is unique in its association with the word “mother,” which is believed to have originated from its lineage. In Ayurveda, cow’s milk is considered nectar, while cow urine and dung are also deemed sacred.
The sanctity of the cow in Hinduism stems from the belief that it represents divine and natural beneficence, warranting protection and veneration. The cow is linked to various deities, such as Shiva (whose steed is Nandi, a bull), Indra (connected with Kamadhenu, the wish-granting cow), Krishna (who was a cowherd in his youth), and goddesses, due to their maternal qualities. In the Puranas, the earth-goddess Prithvi is depicted as a cow, who was milked by deities, beginning with the first sovereign Prithu, to provide sustenance for humanity during a famine. Kamadhenu, the miraculous “cow of plenty” in Hindu mythology, is considered the source of all prosperity and the mother of all cows.
The cow is the most sacred animal for Hindus. According to the Srimad Bhagwat, Kamadhenu emerged during the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, and because of its sacredness, sages kept it with them. It is believed that all other cows descended from Kamadhenu.
Importance of Cow in Vedas and Shastra
The importance of the cow is also emphasized in the Vedas and Shastras, where it is said that 33 types of gods and goddesses reside within the cow, including the 12 Adityas, 8 Vasus, 11 Rudras, and 2 Ashwin Kumars. The Bhavishya Purana, one of the Puranas, describes where these deities reside within the cow: Lord Brahma in the back, Lord Vishnu in the throat, and Lord Shiva in the mouth. The other deities inhabit the middle parts of the cow, with sages residing in every pore and the eternal serpent in the tail. Mountains are said to reside in the cow’s hooves, and the Sun and Moon in its eyes. The cow is viewed as a living temple, and by venerating the cow, one can receive the blessings of all the gods and goddesses.
Virtue from Cow
There is a religious belief that serving a cow can absolve a person of sins, as the cow purifies the environment with its presence. The cow is believed to have the power to purify the place where it sits by absorbing all sins. Due to its religious significance, donating a cow has been considered a great act of virtue since ancient times. The Vedas mention that placing a cow’s tail in the hand of a person on their deathbed ensures their passage to heaven, making cow donation a highly virtuous deed. The cow is called the mother of the world and is considered a symbol of the Earth itself. Circumambulating the cow is believed to free a person from fear and grant the benefits of all pilgrimages.
Fulfillment of Desires
Worshiping the cow is believed to fulfill desires, and having a cow in the house is considered auspicious for prosperity. It is said that students should serve cows alongside their studies, as it aids in their mental development. Feeding and serving a cow are considered especially beneficial for attaining children and wealth.
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