History of Cow Worship in India & Religious Significance

In the Sanatan tradition, the cow which is considered revered and whom we call mother, has great importance in its worship. It is believed that many gods and goddesses reside in one cow. This is the reason that in the house where cow is served, all the defects related to that house are removed. Cow worship has been going on in Hindu religion since ancient times. According to Bhavishya Purana, three crore gods and goddesses of the three worlds reside in the cow.

According to Atharvaveda- 'Dhenu Sadanam Rainam' i.e. cow is the basic source of prosperity. Cow is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. He is the source of nourishment for the universe. She is the mother. That is why cow is revered in Hindu religion. Cow is not worshipable just because of this, but its presence brings social fulfillment to us. In fact, according to belief, after traveling through 84 lakh births, the soul becomes a cow as the last birth. Cow is the stop of millions of births, where the soul takes rest and starts its further journey.

Lord Shri Krishna used to serve the cow with his own hands and his abode is also said to be Goloka. Not only this, the cow in the form of Kamdhenu has also been described as the fulfiller of all desires. There are many reasons behind this importance of cow in Hindu religion which also has religious and scientific importance.

According to Srimad Bhagwat, when the gods and demons churned the ocean, Kamdhenu emerged from it. Because it was sacred, the sages kept it with them. It is believed that other cows originated from Kamadhenu. Lord Shri Krishna also used to serve cows. Shri Krishna used to worship cows every morning and donate them to Brahmins.

Significance of Cow
Goddess Lakshmi resides in cow dung and urine. Therefore, both these things are used for auspicious work. Scientists have also accepted that many useful elements are found in cow urine, through which treatment of many diseases is possible. Cow's milk, ghee etc. are also beneficial for health. There is still a tradition of donating cows to Brahmins on special occasions.

On the occasion of Govardhan Puja, on the second day of Diwali, special worship of cows is done and they are decorated with peacock feathers etc. According to Bhavishya Purana, the gods and goddesses of all three worlds are present in the horns of the cow. Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Vishnu, the sustainer, sit in the lower part of the cow's horns, while Shiv Shankar sits in the middle of the cow's horns. Mother Gauri is present on the forehead of the cow and Lord Kartikeya is present in the nasal part.

Fulfillment of Desires by Worshiping Cow

There is a religious belief that by worshiping cow one gets the desired results. Having a cow in the house is considered very auspicious for the prosperity of the house. It is said that students should serve the cow along with studies. Due to this, their mental development happens faster. Feeding fodder and serving a cow is considered to be more beneficial for the attainment of children and wealth.

Cow is the Mother of Universe
Even today in Indian society, cow is called mother cow. According to the scriptures, when Lord Brahma created the universe, he was the first to send the cow on earth. Among all the animals, cow is the only animal that utters the word mother, hence it is believed that the word mother also originated from cow lineage. Cow nurtures us all like a mother with her milk. According to Ayurveda, after mother's milk, cow's milk is the most beneficial for the child. Its milk has been called nectar, while cow urine and cow dung are also considered sacred. Many types of products are made from cow's milk. Fuel and fertilizer are obtained from cow dung. Medicines and fertilizers are made from its urine.

Mother Cow is the Destroyer of Sins
There is a religious belief that a cow takes away all the sins of the person serving it through its breath. Wherever a cow sits, it purifies the environment and fills it with positivity. This is probably said because wherever the cow sits, she sits there with complete fearlessness. It is said that a cow has the ability to purify the place by absorbing all the sins of the place where it sits.

Scientists say that cow is the only creature which inhales and exhales oxygen, whereas all creatures including humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Trees and plants do just the opposite. Tormenting a cow in any form is considered a grave sin. Killing him is like opening the door to hell, where one has to suffer for many births.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which Hindu gods are in the cow?

• According to Bhavishya Purana, the gods and goddesses of all three worlds are present in the horns of the cow. Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Vishnu, the sustainer, sit in the lower part of the cow's horns, while Shiv Shankar sits in the middle of the cow's horns. Mother Gauri is present on the forehead of the cow and Lord Kartikeya is present in the nasal part.

What are the benefits of worshiping cows?

• In Hinduism, the cow is considered a sacred animal and symbolizes wealth, strength, and motherly love. It is believed that by showing reverence and respect to cows one can attain happiness, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

What Krishna said about cow?

• Lord Shri Krishna had given a message to the whole world that those who take care of the cow, the cow takes care of them. This message of Lord Krishna is equally effective even today. Krishna says we should love and protect cows, and never hurt them. Cows give us milk and love, so we should be grateful to them. Krishna and cows together bring happiness and joy. Cows teach us to find joy in simple things in life.