>Exploring the History and Significance of Cows

For many of us, our first introduction to cows happened in school, where we learned the basics: cows have four legs and a tail and are a primary source of milk, which helps us grow strong. But cows are so much more than this simple description. Did you know that in Hinduism, cows are revered as sacred and are worshipped as symbols of life and prosperity? However, there is much more to explore about these fascinating creatures. In this article, we will delve into the history, benefits, and cultural significance of cows. Let’s uncover why they have been central to human civilization and revered across various cultures for centuries.

Mythological Origins

One theory suggests that during Satya Yuga, the age of truth and righteousness, the gods and demons united to churn the ocean of milk (“Samudra Manthan”) in search of the heavenly nectar, Amrit, which would grant immortality. During this great churning, the first substance to emerge was a deadly poison, threatening to destroy all creation. Lord Shiva selflessly consumed the poison, saving the universe. Following this, Surabhi, also known as Kamadhenu—the wish-fulfilling cow—emerged from the ocean. Surabhi was no ordinary cow; she became a symbol of abundance and prosperity. She was gifted to Sage Vasishta, one of the Saptarishis (seven great sages) born of Brahma, the Creator. Surabhi gave Sage Vasishta all the essentials he needed to perform sacred rituals and serve the gods.

Krishna and Surabhi: A Divine Connection

The Devi Bhagavata Purana narrates a captivating tale of Krishna and his lover Radha. While enjoying their time together, they grew thirsty for milk. In response, Krishna created a divine cow, Surabhi, and a calf, Manoratha, from the left side of his body. After milking Surabhi, Krishna accidentally spilled the milk, which formed the Kshira sagara, the cosmic milk ocean. From the pores of Surabhi’s skin, countless cows emerged, and Krishna gifted them to his cowherd companions (Gopas).

In another tale from the Bhagavata Dashamaskanda, when Krishna lifted the Govardhana mountain to protect his devotees and defeated Indra, Kamadhenu arrived to honor him. She showered Krishna with milk, symbolizing gratitude and divine abundance. Additionally, Krishna decreed that Surabhi, the sacred cow symbolizing milk and prosperity, be worshipped during Diwali on Bali Pratipada day, reinforcing her importance in Hindu culture.

Lord Krishna: The Protector and Friend of Cows

Many trace the cow’s sacred status back to Lord Krishna, who is said to have appeared 5,000 years ago as a cowherd. Krishna is often described as Bala-Gopala, “the child who protects the cows,” and one of his revered names, Govinda, means “one who brings satisfaction to the cows.” In the Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone scripture of Hinduism, cows are depicted as close to Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Nanda Raja, Krishna’s foster father, owned 900,000 cows, and scriptures say Krishna knew each cow by name. If any cow went missing, He would personally search for her, calling her by name. Much of Krishna’s childhood was spent tending cows and calves, playing joyfully in the pasturing grounds with his friends. This intimate connection with cows underscores their sacredness and Krishna’s role as their divine protector.

Mystical connection between Cows, Solar Energy & Health

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, cows are revered as receivers of auspicious rays from all celestial constellations. Unique to Indian cows is the presence of the Surya Ketu Nadi (nerve) running through their hump, which interacts with solar rays to produce gold salts and other beneficial elements. These elements are found in their milk, urine, and dung, making them invaluable for promoting a healthy and holistic human life. The presence of these gold salts also gives Indian cow milk and butter their distinct golden hue, further enhancing their significance in traditional practices.

Nandi: The scared bull and Loyal Guardian

In Hindu mythology, Nandi is revered as a sacred bull and the devoted follower of Lord Shiva. He is also Shiva’s vahana (vehicle) and gatekeeper. The bull's spiritual significance in the Vedic era was inherited by Nandi, whose symbolism evolved further in later Hindu texts. Nandi's white color represents purity, righteousness, and justice. Women often worship Nandi as a bestower of fertility, adding to his revered status in Hindu traditions. Nandi is more than a mere bull; he is considered a divine being and a confidant of Lord Shiva. Some depictions of Nandi showcase an anthropomorphic form with a half-human, half-bull body. Known as Nandikeeshwara, meaning "Lord of Joy," he is also associated with dharma (righteousness) and strength. According to certain accounts, Nandikeeshwara was originally a wise sage (rishi) who became divine by serving as Shiva’s gatekeeper.

Archaeological Discoveries

Strong archaeological evidence points to the existence of advanced civilizations in regions like the Indus Valley (Mohenjo-daro and Harappa), the Saraswati river basins, off the coast of Gujarat (ancient Dwarka), and Tamil Sangam sites in southern India. These civilizations date as far back as 12,000 BC. Excavations have unearthed stone seals depicting the humpback Zebu cow (Bos Indicus), indicating its significance in these societies. It is believed that Indians may have been the first to domesticate cows around 10,000 BC, underscoring the animal's longstanding cultural and economic importance.

Cow: Divine Abode of Hindu Deities

In Hindu tradition, the cow is revered as the sacred abode of all gods and divine energies. It is believed that Brahma and Vishnu reside at the roots of the horns, while the sacred reservoirs and Vedavyasa are present at their tips. Lord Shankara occupies the center of the head, with Parvati at the edge, and Kartikeya at the nose. The nostrils house Kambala and Ashwatara Devas, and the Ashwini Kumaras reside in the ears. The Sun and Moon are represented in the eyes, Vayu in the dental range, and Varuna on the tongue. Saraswati manifests in the sound of the cow, Sandhya goddesses adorn the lips, and Indra graces the neck. The cow’s body is said to encompass the universe's elements: Raksha Ganas hang under the neck, Sadhya Devas reside in the heart, and Dharma sits on the thighs. Gandharvas inhabit the gaps of the hooves, Pannagas rest at the tips, and Apsaras on the sides. The eleven Rudras and Yama reside on the back, while the Ashtavasus are within the crevices. The Pitru Devas dwell near the umbilical joint, 12 Adityas are in the stomach, and Soma resides in the tail. The cow's milk embodies Saraswati, its curd represents Narmada, its dung holds Yamuna and Lakshmi, and Ganga flows in its urine. The cow is further adorned with sacred energies: its hair holds 33 crore gods, its stomach embodies Prithvi (Earth), its udder contains the oceans, and its whole body represents Kamadhenu. The pores house Rishis, and the breath contains sacred lakes. Chandika graces the lips, Prajapati Brahma resides on the skin, and fragrant flowers dwell in the nostrils. The six parts of the Vedas manifest on the face, while the four Vedas are present in the hooves. Yama stands atop the hooves, Kubera and Garuda on the right, and Yakshas on the left. Mountains are in the bones, and the cow's feet symbolize Artha, Dharma, Kama, and Moksha. The sacred "Hoom" sound of the cow encapsulates the essence of the four Vedas, making the cow a symbol of universal divinity.

Hetha and Cows

In response to these challenges, organizations like HETHA have arisen as protectors of cows. HETHA provides care and shelter to over 1,000 indigenous cows and markets more than 120 products. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and promote indigenous breeds, ensuring that all cows and bulls live their full natural lives without being culled or abandoned. Through the efforts, we aim to restore the sacred and vital role of cows in modern society.