Know the religious, mythological, and spiritual significance of the Cow, A tradition of worship and respect in indian culture

cow

Krishi Dunia

• 27 Dec, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:30 PM

In Indian culture, the cow is regarded as a symbol of purity, auspiciousness, and respect. It is honored as “Gau Mata” (Mother Cow), which is an integral part of Hinduism, traditions, and cultural beliefs. In mythological stories, the cow is revered as a goddess and mother, and is associated with Kamadhenu and Lord Krishna, who, in his incarnation as Gopal, set the example of protecting cows. Serving cows in Goshalas is considered a virtuous act, and gifting a cow is believed to bring religious and spiritual benefits. Through the practice of Go-Puja (Cow Worship), the cow is honored with flowers, incense, lamps, and aarti, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. In Indian culture, the cow is not just an animal but a foundation for cultural and spiritual connections that bind society to spirituality and traditions. In this article, we will explore the religious, mythological, and spiritual significance of the cow.

The Significance of Cow, Cow Urine, and Cow Dung in Worship:

1. Cause of Purity:
   • Cow dung and cow urine are believed to purify the worship site.
   • Cow dung is used to make cow dung cakes (kande) which are used in worship as it is believed to attract the divine presence.
   • According to Vastu Shastra, the smoke from cow dung dispels negative energy.
2. Religious Beliefs:
   • The Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda describe the cow as worthy of reverence.
   • Cow dung and urine are considered part of Panchgavya (a mixture of five cow products), which is essential for performing religious rituals.
   • The beloved Bilva leaves of Lord Shiva are believed to originate from cow dung.
3. Special Religious Rituals and Uses:
   • During Lakshmi Puja, it is considered auspicious to make a Ganesh idol out of cow dung and place it on a betel leaf for worship.
   • Burning cow dung cakes during worship brings complete results and ensures peace in the home.

The Religious Significance of the Cow:

1. Why is the Cow Considered Sacred?
   • According to Hindu belief, 33 crore (330 million) gods and goddesses reside in the cow.
   • Lord Krishna promoted the tradition of cow worship and established Goshalas (cow shelters).
   • Maharaja Dilip, an ancestor of Lord Ram, also worshiped the Nandini cow.
2. The Spiritual Aspect of the Cow:
   • The cow is considered the final stage in the soul’s journey of development.
   • Cow donation is believed to bring satisfaction to the ancestors and help cross the Vaitarni river (a spiritual crossing in the afterlife).
3. Mythological References:
   • Guru Vashistha is credited with creating new breeds of cows such as Kamadhenu, Kapila, and Nandini.
   • In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “Of cows, I am Kamadhenu.”

The Religious and Scientific Importance of Cow Dung:

1. Religious Benefits:
   • Burning cow dung cakes with camphor or ghee purifies the home.
   • The smoke from cow dung increases positive energy and removes negative forces.
2. Scientific Aspect:
   • Cow dung produces minimal harmful smoke and is beneficial for the environment.

30 Key Points: Religious, Mythological, and Spiritual Significance of the Cow:

1. Gopadwam Vrat – A vow for happiness, fortune, wealth, and the birth of sons and grandsons.
2. Govats Dwadasi Vrat – A vow to fulfill all desires.
3. Govardhan Puja – For happiness, prosperity, and moksha (liberation).
4. Gotri-Ratra Vrat – For the birth of sons, enjoyment, and reaching Goloka (the heavenly abode).
5. Gopashtami Vrat – Increases happiness and good fortune.
6. Payovrat – For couples desiring offspring.
7. Contribution of Guru Vashistha – Development of new cow breeds such as Kamadhenu, Kapila, Nandini.
8. Contribution of Lord Krishna – Promoted cow worship and the establishment of Goshalas.
9. 33 Crore Gods in the Cow – The cow is believed to house 12 Adityas, 8 Vasus, 11 Rudras, and 2 Ashwini Kumaras.
10. Final Journey of the Soul – The cow symbolizes the final stage in the soul’s evolution.
11. Gau-Yajna – Protecting cows from slaughter brings the benefits of a cow yajna (sacrifice).
12. Origin of Bilva Leaves – The Bilva leaves loved by Lord Shiva are believed to come from cow dung.
13. The Cow in the Rigveda – The cow is referred to as “Aghnya” (the one not to be killed).
14. The Cow in the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda – The cow is described as immeasurable and the home of wealth.
15. Mythological Belief – The cow is seen as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Vedas are said to be cow-like.
16. Maharaja Dilip’s Worship – The ancestor of Lord Ram, King Dilip, worshiped the Nandini cow.
17. The Story of Lord Ganesha – When Lord Ganesha lost his head, Lord Shiva had to donate a cow to restore it.
18. Nandi, the Vehicle of Shiva – The bull from the Angol breed in South India is said to be Lord Shiva's vehicle.
19. Symbol of Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdev – The symbol of the first Jain Tirthankara was a bull.
20. Garuda Purana – Highlights the importance of cow donation to cross the Vaitarni river.
21. Contribution of the Cow in Shraddha Rituals – Cow's milk is used in making kheer (pudding) for the satisfaction of ancestors.
22. Cow’s Milk and Dung – Used for sacred rituals and havan (fire worship).
23. Lord Krishna's Wisdom – Lord Krishna gained spiritual wisdom through cow grazing.
24. The Cow and Nature – The cow purifies the environment and has unmatched utility.
25. Ashwini Kumaras and the Cow – The cow is believed to be the dwelling of the Ashwini Kumaras.
26. Building of Goshalas – Lord Krishna and religious leaders built shelters for cows to protect them.
27. Why the Cow is Revered – The cow is considered the mother and the foundation of life.
28. The Cow in Skanda Purana – The Skanda Purana says, "The cow is all gods, and the Vedas are all cows."
29. Krishna’s Saying – In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “Of cows, I am Kamadhenu.”
30. The Blessings of the Cow – Serving the cow brings peace, happiness, and prosperity.

Other Religious and Mythological Facts:

1. Saving a cow from being slaughtered brings the benefits of a cow yajna.
2. The Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdev’s symbol was a bull.
3. Cow’s milk kheer has special significance in Shraddha rituals.
4. Garuda Purana discusses the importance of cow donation.

Importance of the Cow in Life:

1. The cow, like the earth, gives everything without opposition.
2. Cow urine and dung contribute to environmental conservation and cleanliness.

Conclusion: The cow is not just an animal in Indian culture but is revered as a sacred mother. Serving the cow brings blessings of happiness, peace, and prosperity. The mythological stories, religious rituals, and spiritual significance have made it an inseparable part of Indian life.