The reverence and care for cows, or “gau seva,” hold a significant place in Vedic and Upanishadic literature. Cows are considered sacred and are associated with various deities, symbolizing wealth, strength, and motherly nurturing. Here are some references that highlight the importance of cows in these ancient texts:
Vedas
1.Rigveda:
The Rigveda contains numerous hymns that extol the virtues of cows, their importance in daily life, and their sacredness.
Rigveda 6.28.1:
अयो तर्तुरः सख्ये चिदारुजा नि योधया पयसा मानुषो गर्भः। अश्वे न चक्रं वयसा च मन्ध्या अगन्म वर्था सहस्त्रा वशा अयम्॥
Translation: “May the cow be our friend and provider; her milk nourishes us, she is a symbol of strength. Like a wheel is turned, may she bring us wealth and sustenance.”
Atharvaveda:
The Atharvaveda contains hymns that praise the cow for her role in human well-being and prosperity.
Atharvaveda 4.21.1:
कामदो नः प्रजावतीरन्नादाः सप्तिं वयो धदुः। विश्वस्य जगतः स्थातुश्चनं गोषु प्रियम्॥
Translation: “May the cows come to our homes, giving us milk and bringing all desires. May they be kind and loving, the joy of all beings, stable and unchanging.”
Upanishads
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:
This Upanishad mentions the cow in the context of wealth and sustenance, underscoring its importance in Vedic society.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 6.4.18:
स होवाचैतज्जित्वा महा द्रविणमह्यायमेनान्नवतीः। तद्दर्शयति यः श्रीमतामङ्गिरसां गवामरिष्टिं नित्यमुत्सर्गे॥
Translation: “Having conquered this world, the seeker seeks great wealth. It is through the presence of cows, always unscathed, that wealth manifests in abundance among the Angirasa lineage.”
Shatapatha Brahmana:
Although not strictly an Upanishad, this text is part of the Brahmanas which provide commentary on the Vedas. It mentions the significance of cows in rituals.
Shatapatha Brahmana 3.4.1.14:
तस्माद्यज्ञो वै गवां मुखम्। यद्गवामपि यज्ञः।
Translation: “The cow is indeed the mouth of the sacrifice. Therefore, the sacrifice is also the cow.”
General Concept in Vedic Literature
Cows are often associated with the goddess Aditi in Vedic literature, symbolizing abundance and nurturing.
The Kamadhenu, the divine cow of plenty, is said to grant all desires and is highly revered in various texts.
Importance of Gau Seva
Gau seva, or the service to cows, is considered a sacred duty in Hinduism. It involves providing care, protection, and respect to cows, recognizing their role in sustaining life and prosperity.
The reverence for cows is not only for their physical benefits (like milk) but also for their spiritual and symbolic significance in Hindu culture.
These references illustrate the deep reverence for cows in Vedic and Upanishadic literature, emphasizing their integral role in both the material and spiritual aspects of life.
