By HARIPADA GIRI | Secretary
The cow is presented in the Vedic literature as the supreme symbol of femininity, fecundity, and materialism and of a greater importance, perhaps, than even the bull. Prithvi, the earth and its personification as a goddess, is referred to as the divine cow, and it is held to be the mother of the gods; Aditi, the Vedic goddess of space who is also identified with the earth and with Nature is referred to in one passage as the Cosmic Cow; the cosmic waters released after Indra slays the demon Vrata, come forth lowing like cows; rain clouds are called cows. Surabhi, known also as Kamadhenu, is the wish-fulfilling Cow of Plenty, who symbolizes the abundance and proliferation of Nature, and thus represents both motherhood and regeneration. …. The frequent and persistent identification of the cow with various deities in the Vedas, especially in the context of sustenance and fertility in the universe, resulted, as W. Norman Brown argues in the word or words for cow becoming “… a symbol of the holiest of those entities.Beyond this sanctimonious nature, cows have also been important in the day-to-day as well as highly specialized rituals (yajnas) of the Hindus. Purity and precision has always been an important aspect of Hindu culture, including Hindu rituals. Several cow-related elements are part of such rituals for their perceived purity. Panchgavya, the five products of the cow – milk, yogurt, ghee (clarified butter), gomutra (urine), and gobar (dung) – is used in many rituals. Gobar is not only used in rituals, it is also used to clean houses on a daily basis in rural India even today. Diluted mixture of cow dung for purification of river water. Even cow dung ash is considered highly purifying. A Hindu sadhu smeared in cow dung ash is a common sight across the length and breadth of India. Such smearing is seen as identifying oneself with the mahayogi (the great Yogi) Shiva.
As COVID-19 second wave continues to spread, the future has never felt so unpredictable. These are challenging times for us all, and we hope you’re in good spirits and health! Right now, we’re doing everything possible to sustain daily operations and provide services to our Cows. While there’s a lot of uncertainty, we know that we need to adapt fast to our changing reality. Now, more than ever, our community needs us. And we need you.
If you’re able, please make a donation to BARNAMALA EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY. If you’re unable to donate at this time, there are many other ways you can support us! You can advocate for us by sharing our mission with a family member or friend. Even a quick mention on your social media would mean the world to us.
In times like this, we’re reminded of how interconnected we all are. Thank you for being part of our community. Without you, none of it is possible.
Stay safe and well,
Haripada Giri
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