Cow (Sanskrit : धेनु , गौः , सुरभि , पयस्विनी) is a divine being revered and worshiped as the earthy embodiment of devatas by Hindus. Since times immemorial in Bharatavarsha, the cow has well been recognized for Her selflessness and service to mankind and thus has been worshiped with utmost reverence.
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धेनु गौः)
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
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Importance of cow in bharatiya way of life can be summarized in the following words of Vasishta || वसिष्ठमुनिः with Viswamitra || विश्वामित्रमुनिः rushi regarding शबला the holy cow in as given by Valmiki maharshi in श्रीरामायण<blockquote>''शाश्वती शबला मह्यं कीर्तिरात्मगतो यथा''</blockquote><blockquote>''अस्यां हव्यं च कव्यं च प्राणयात्रा तथैव च (Val. Ram Bal 53.13)''</blockquote>Meaning that just as a person with self-respect and his fame are inseparable, so also I (Vasishta) am inseparable from Shabala. With her milk my daily activities for the gods and ancestors are conducted, so as my प्राणयात्रा or life’s journey.
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The Cow represents selflessness and service to humankind. And since time immemorial, in Bharatvarsha the cow is worshiped. Vedas extensively describe the cows and their piousness with great sanctity.
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Kamadhenu or the bovine-goddess is described in Hinduism as the mother of all cows. She is a miraculous provider to her owner or the wish-fulfilling being producing whatever he desires. Kamadhenu's lineage including daughter Nandini also feature prominently in the
Cow in the Nirukthas: Yaska Mahrashi explains the name ‘go’ is the part of the 21 names of ||prithvi (earth) given below
Cow in the Nirukthas: Yaska Mahrashi explains the name ‘go’ is the part of the 21 names of ||prithvi (earth) given below