There is a popular quote saying that “You can have darshan of all Gods and Theerthams in a holy cow”.

It is believed that one who feeds the cow with grass and water every day derives the benefit equivalent to performing a “Ashwamedha Yajna”.

As per Hindu mythology, all the celestial gods are believed to be residing in the body of cow. Hence, Hindus worship the cow. Goshalas focus on treating cows well, because of their religious significance in Hinduism and consequent cultural sensitivity towards their welfare.

Kamadhenu, also known as “Surabhi” is considered to be the mother of all cows. Her four legs are the scriptural Vedas, her horns are the triune gods Brahma (tip), Vishnu (middle) and Shiva (base), her eyes are the sun and moon gods, her shoulders the fire – god Agni and the wind- god Vayu and her legs the Himalayas.

In the Vedic tradition, cows are worshipped as mothers. Cows are referred as Gomatha – “Go” means god and “Matha” means mother. Just as a child feeds on the breast milk of the mother, human society takes milk from the cow.

The cows give milk and the bulls gives grains through tilling the land, they are considered the Mother and the Father of human society. Protection of Cows is the single-most important principle towards saving the whole world from both moral and spiritual degradation.

Saint Thirumular, author of Thirumandhiram (a part of “Thirumurai”) while mentioning about the cows’ state that “Yaavarkumam pasuvirkku oru vaayurai” which means feeding a handful of grass to a cow is the highest form of “Dharma”. He further said that maintaining a “Goshala” and performing a “Gopuja” are more auspicious. By caring and offering to the cows, one can get relief from his sins and get prosperous in life.

Mahakavi Kaalidhasar mentioned in his epic “Raghuvamsam” that the king Dhileepan, on the advice of Sage Vashistar, performed Gopuja regularly. He was blessed with a son named Raghu, who is the predecessor of kings Dasaratha, Ram and Lav-Kush. From this one can understand the importance of Goshala and Gopuja.

What we get from cows?

The unadulterated milk supplied by these cows is used for the offering of the God.

Another important thing we get from the cows is “Vibhuthi”, the sacred ash.

The cows deliver five products “Pancha – Kavyam” and all of them are pure and uncontaminated. The five products received from the cow are milk, ghee, yogurt, cow dung and urine. These five products are required in all ritualistic ceremonies.

What you can do?

“Cow seva” (brushing the cows) is considered to be one of the highest forms of seva.

“Cow dhaan” (“dhaan” means donate) is considered to be the highest form of “dhaan” in the Hindu tradition.

You can also sponsor the maintenance of the cows in the Goshala as well as the retired cows and bulls.

The human society should recognize the importance of the cow and the bull and thus give all protection to these important animals.

For the universal benefit, we at Shivapuram Veda Shivaagama Patasala, maintain a Goshala. We have about 20 cattle in our Goshala and provides loving shelter to all the animals, and cares for them throughout their lives. However, there is a great struggle to maintain so many animals since only a small number of the herd produces milk.

Those interested in contributing towards the feeding of cows or sponsoring a cow or donating a cow – Click Here.