Significance of Cow in Hinduism                                                                                                                                                                                  

Cow is the mother of the world 'Gavo Vishwasya Matar'. The nourishment and nourishment that is given to the gods like Surya, Varun, Vayu etc. in Yagya and Homa is obtained only from the ghee of the cow. Cow's ghee is sacrificed in the Homa, which strengthens the sun's rays, which causes rain, and from the rain, all types of grains, plants and grasses are produced, which provide sustenance to all living and non-living beings.

What is the holy cow in Hinduism?      

Cow's milk, ghee, cow dung etc. have predominance in all the main rituals performed by Hindus. In the Yagnopavit which is given to the Dwijatis, cow's Panchagavya (milk, curd, ghee, cow dung and cow urine) is consumed. After performing the Yajnopavit Sanskar, they are entitled to read the Vedas. Even in marriage rituals, purification is done by applying cow dung on it. Godan also has great importance at the time of marriage. To eliminate birth-defecation and death-defecation, only cow dung and cow urine are used. When a person falls ill, he is given cow's milk to drink because cow's milk immediately gives strength and power. If a sick person is unable to digest even food, then if he has cow's ghee and food items offered in the fire, he gets nourishment from its smoke.

When a person is about to die, then Ganga water mixed with Tulsi or cow's curd is given to his mouth because when a person leaves for a journey, it is considered auspicious to take cow's curd. Just as there is greatness in giving Ganga water to a person in his last days, similarly there is greatness in giving cow's curd. Godan is done to avoid Styx. In Shraddha rituals, kheer is made from cow's milk, because being sacred, this kheer satisfies the ancestors a lot. Humans, gods, ancestors all get nourishment from cow's milk and ghee.

Why are cows sacred in Hinduism

By serving the cow selflessly one attains salvation and the conscience becomes pure. Lord Shri Krishna also grazed cows, due to which he was named 'Gopal'. In ancient times, sages used to keep cows with them while living in the forest. By consuming cow's milk and ghee, his intelligence became extraordinary. Cow's ghee also has a name 'Ayu'. The cow is so sacred that even the gods have made it their abode. Whose cow dung and urine are so pure, then how pure will she herself be. By worshiping a cow, all the gods are worshipped, which gives affirmation to all the gods. The entire creation is managed, maintained and protected by the established gods.

Cow Worship in Hinduism

By protecting the cow, humans, gods, ghosts, demons, animals, birds, trees, grass etc. all are protected. There is no living or movable creature that does not get support from the cow. Cow is the provider of wealth, religion, work and salvation, helps in this world and next world and delivers from hells.

Which Hindu God has a cow?    

According to the Puranas, all four Vedas reside in the mouth of a cow. Lord Shiva is believed to reside in the horns of the cow. Lord Shiva's elder son Kartikeya resides in the cow's stomach, Brahma in the head, Rudra in the forehead, Lord Indra in the front part of the horns, Ashwini Kumar in the ears, Surya and Moon in the eyes, Garuda in the teeth and Saraswati resides in the tongue. Ganga ji in all the places of pilgrimage and urine in the apan of the cow, Varun and Kubera in the right side, Mahabali Yaksha in the left side, Rishis in the pores, Yamraj in the back, Apsaras in the back of the hoofs, Gandharva in the mouth, in the front of the nose. It is inhabited by snakes. Lakshmi resides in cow dung, Bhavani in cow urine and the ocean resides in the udders. Apart from this, applying a tilak made of clay on the feet of a cow gives the virtue of taking a pilgrimage.

Importance of cow

It is said that all the gods reside in the parts of the cow. The shadow of a cow is also considered very auspicious. If a cow or bull comes to the right during a journey, it is considered auspicious and seeing it makes the journey successful. The sight of a milk-sucking cow is considered very auspicious. Even the air that touches the cow's body is sacred. The land where the cow sits and the dust of the cow's feet are also sacred. Artha, dharma, kama and moksha (salvation) are achieved through cow. Cow rearing, cow milk, ghee, cow dung etc. increases wealth. Cow milk, curd, ghee, cow dung and cow urine are used in all religious activities. Cow's ghee is also used in yagyas performed to fulfill wishes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the holy cow in Hinduism?

• In Hinduism, the cow is considered a sacred animal and symbolizes wealth, strength, and motherly love. It is considered to be the form of gods and goddesses.

Which Hindu God has a cow?

• In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna is often associated with cows. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna is depicted as the protector of cows. He is said to have a deep affection for cows, and he is often depicted playing his flute surrounded by cows in a pastoral setting.

Why is it called sacred cow?

• In Hinduism, cows are thought to be sacred, or deeply respected. Cows are seen as a 'caregiver' or maternal figure. One Hindu goddess, Bhoomi (????), is usually shown in the form of a cow. She represents the Earth.