Desi Cow
“ Gavyam pavitram cha rasayanam cha pathayam cha hridyam balbudhim Aayuh pradam raktavikarhari tridoshridogvisapham syat”
“The five elements that come from the Desi Cow (Urine, Dung, Milk, Curd and Ghee) are sacred and are medically beneficial for the heart; they give strength and enhance intellect. They give long life, purify the blood and balance the Vatha, Pitha and Kapha doshas. They cure all diseases and detoxify the body.”
Millions of Hindus revere and worship Desi Cows. Hinduism is a religion that raises the status of Mother to the level of Goddess. Therefore, the Desi Cow is considered a sacred animal, as it provides us life sustaining milk. The Desi Cow is seen as a maternal figure, a care taker of her people. The Desi Cow is a symbol of the divine bounty of earth.
Lord Krishna, one of the most well-known of the Hindu deities is often depicted playing his flute amongst Desi Cows and dancing Gopikas (milkmaids). He grew up as a Cow herder. Krishna also goes by the names Govinda and Gopala, which literally mean “friend and protector of Desi Cows.” It is considered highly auspicious for a true devotee to feed a Desi Cow, even before having ones own breakfast.
Throughout the Desi scriptures there are verses which emphasize that the Desi Cow must be protected and cared for. It is considered a sin to kill a Desi Cow and eat its meat. Even today in India, there are many states in which the slaughter of Desi Cows is illegal.