Surviving on the streets amidst traffic chaos with no natural vegetation to eat, I am always baffled at how these animals reach their full size, can reproduce, and in general appear robust and capable.
Local community members and charities provide daily feed for many homeless cows, and it is common to see piles of vegetation on street corners at feeding time.
As homeless cows navigate busy streets it is common for them to get injured by traffic. The lucky ones have local animal rescue teams to respond to calls for help, and there are animal sanctuaries for those badly injured, lame, sick or simply too old to retire to.
So, why are there so many cows on the streets in India?!
Here’s a fact that will shock you – India has over 5 million homeless cows living on the streets!
Hindus consider cows to be sacred animals, living manifestations of mother earth, of the Divine Goddess, of motherly love. Their milk offers nourishment, fertility, purity and prosperity,
and they are called Gau Mata (mother cow) out of love and respect.
Cow’s milk and ghee (Indian butter) are used daily for cooking and in ceremonial offerings, and cow dung is used as a fuel and fertilizer In some households, cows are worshipped and treated as a member of the family.
Love and respect for cows can be traced back to India’s most ancient scriptures, the Vedas, many thousands of years old, where cows are associated with Aditi, mother of all the Gods.
Ancient mythology tells a story about Kamadhenu, a divine Cow-Goddess, and the mother of all cows. A miraculous “cow of plenty” she bestowed boons to people of whatever they desired. Kamadhenu was born from the churning of the ocean of milk (a famous myth to extract heavenly life sustaining nectar). Because Kamadheru could manifest any wish from her body she was highly prized among the Gods, especially Lord Indra. Indra gives Kamadhenu and her daughter Nandini to sage Vasishta, to honor his devotion and spiritual achievements. Their presence in Vasishta’s ashram was a symbol of divinity and the strength of Vasishta’s commitment to dharma. The story of Kamadheru and Nandini explains the importance of cows as symbols of divine abundance and devotion. They represent the value and significance of sacred gifts and offerings to the Gods, and the consequences that can manifest if such gifts are not offered.
Cow Kamadhenu is worshipped, not through temples, but through respecting living cows as her earthly embodiment.
Lord Krisna, one of Hinduism’s most loved deities is also called ‘Govinda’ or ‘Gopala’ – he who protects and looks after cows. Many stories of Krishna’s childhood involve his love and care for cows. Krishna, a nurturing boy, considered cows his dear friends. He would play with them, play them his flute, and protect them from harm and evil forces.
One famous story is that of Govardhan Hill. In this story young Krishna lifts the hill on his little finger to shelter the cows and the villagers from a devastating storm sent by the angry god Indra. This story carries a powerful message. It speaks to the idea of protection, not just for cows but for all vulnerable beings. Krishna’s actions remind believers that it is their duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
On a deeper spiritual level, the relationship between Lord Krishna and cows represents the ideal relationship between the Divine and the devotee. In this metaphor, Krishna is the Divine shepherd, guiding, nurturing, and protecting his devotees, who are symbolised by the cows. The story reminds devotees to place their trust in the divine, and in return they will be cared for and protected. This story and many others encourage worshippers to be grateful for and offer respect to cows. Such respect and kindness toward cows is a symbol and acknowledgement of the interconnection of all earth’s life forms and the ideal of selfless service for all living beings (side note here Hare Krishnas follow the rule of ahimsa and believe in nonviolent dairy (for cows and bulls). Read more about it HERE at the Melbourne ashram, where a donation of over $1008 gives you a week at the centre receiving spiritual boons from caring for and learning about the cows – find out more here.
One of Hinduism’s India’s many vibrant and colourful festivals is dedicated to cows. The annual Gau Puja festival or Gopashtami is held during Kartik (October-November time), a most auspicious time of year in the Hindu calendar. During the festival cows are cleaned and bathed, they are honoured with offerings of water, rice, clothes, fragrance, jaggery, rangoli, flowers, sweets, and incense sticks, and specific pujas (rituals) are performed. People decorate cows with chalk paints and ornaments and there is singing and dancing in the streets.
It is for these reasons in many parts of India killing cows is banned and spiritual beliefs prohibit the consumption of cow meat products.
