In every village path, temple wall, and prayer chant across India, there exists a silent yet powerful presence — the cow. Revered as Gaumata, she is not just a domestic animal but a symbol of selfless giving, abundance, and divinity.
But why has the cow been placed at such a high pedestal in Indian life? What makes her a spiritual mother, not just a milch animal?
Let’s journey into this sacred bond — ancient, emotional, and deeply rooted in our identity.
Why Is the Cow Called ‘Mata’?
Because like a mother, she gives without asking.
- She feeds us with milk — nourishing children, elders, and the sick
- She heals us through ghee, curd, urine, and dung
- She works in fields, provides manure, and gives life to the soil
- Even in death, she continues to serve — through bones, skin, and more
The Rig Veda describes cows as Aghnyaa — “not to be killed, not to be hurt.” Because in every part of her, there is utility and sanctity.
“The cow is the source of all prosperity.” – Atharva Veda
Cows in Hindu Scriptures
- Lord Krishna was a Gopal – the protector of cows
- Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling divine cow, resides in heaven
- Gau Puja (worship of the cow) is performed in festivals like Govardhan Puja, Gopashtami, and Gau Ashtami
- Every Yajna and Homa includes cow products – ghee, dung, curd, gomutra
The Garuda Purana says that even the path to moksha (liberation) passes through the blessings of cows.
Emotional Intelligence of Cows
Science is now acknowledging what Indian farmers have always known — cows feel emotions deeply.
- They remember faces and sounds
- They respond to music, especially mantras
- They mourn the loss of companions
- They even form emotional bonds with humans who care for them
At Sri Sri Gaushala, many cows come running when they hear their caretaker’s voice — not for food, but for affection. It’s a bond beyond language — a quiet friendship.
How Cows Shaped Our Society
In India, the cow shaped every dimension of life:
- Economic: Milk, curd, ghee, dung cakes were currency in ancient barter systems
- Agricultural: Oxen ploughed fields and cow dung made the land fertile
- Medical: Panchagavya treated diseases long before pharma existed
- Cultural: Cows appeared in stories, songs, art, and festivals
- Spiritual: Touching a cow was considered as purifying as a holy dip
The cow made villages self-sustaining. Gaushalas were not shelters — they were centers of abundance.
Modern Relevance: Rebuilding the Lost Bond
Today, in cities, our connection with cows is fading. But the need to revive that sacred bond is more urgent than ever.
By:
- Donating to gaushalas, we ensure old and unproductive cows live with dignity
- Buying desi cow products, we support ethical farming
- Volunteering or visiting gaushalas, we reconnect with our roots
- Educating children, we keep the tradition alive
This bond is not religious — it’s relational. It’s not just about cows, but about the kind of humans we choose to be.
Sri Sri Gaushala: Where Love Is the Only Language
With 1600+ indigenous cows, our gaushala is a living tribute to Bharatiya values.
Here:
- Cows are not milked forcibly
- Calves are allowed to drink first
- Old cows are never sent away or abandoned
- Visitors are encouraged to interact, feed, and learn from cows
You’re not just supporting a shelter — you’re participating in Gauseva, a timeless act of dharma.
How You Can Contribute to the Sacred Bond
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Adopt a Cow – Care for her monthly, receive updates
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Buy Cow-Based Products – Ghee, soaps, dhoop, and more
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Donate to Feed & Care – As per your capacity
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Visit the Gaushala – Experience the healing energy of cows
In Conclusion: Let the Bond Be Reborn
The cow is not a commodity. She is a teacher, healer, and mother.
To hurt her is to hurt our own soul.
To serve her is to nourish our spirit.
To remember her is to revive a forgotten way of living — simple, sacred, and sustainable.
Let’s bring Gaumata back into our homes, our hearts, and our habits.