Cow\Gomatha IN VEDAS
Induction
COW IN VEDAS: In the Vedas, Cow is called Aditi, Dhenuvu,
Aghnaaya etc.
‘Cow is referred in the Rg Veda 723 times,
in Yajurveda 87 times, In Sama Veda 170 times,
in Athrava Veda 331 times-total 1331 times.
Similarly, 20 times in Rg Veda, 5 times in Yajurveda,
2 times in Sama veda and
33 times in Athrava veda the word Aghnaaya specifically addressed to
cow. "Dhenu" is used 76 times in Rg Veda, 22 times in Yajurveda,
25 times in Sama Veda, 43 times in Atharva Veda. The meaning of Dhenu is which
gives Trupti (Contentment and satisfaction).
RIG VEDA:
§ Cattle were important
to Rig Vedic people & several hymns refer to more than ten thousan
cattle.
§ Rig Veda 7.95.2. and
other verses (e.g. 8.21.18) also mention that the Sarasvati region poured milk
and "fatness" (ghee), indicating that cattle were herded in this region.
§ In the Rig
Veda, the cows figure frequently as symbols of wealth, and also in
comparison with river goddesses, e.g. in 3.33.1cd, Like two bright
mother cows who lick their young, Vipas and Sutudri speed
down their waters.
§ In X.87.16 we
find: One who partakes of human flesh, the flesh of a horse or of another
animal and deprives others from milk by slaughtering cows; if such a fiend does
not desist then even cut off their heads by your powers Oh king.
§ According
to Aurobindo, in the Rig Veda the cows sometimes symbolize
"light" and "rays". Aurobindo wrote
that Aditi (the supreme Prakriti/Nature force) is described as a
cow, and the Deva or Purusha (the supreme being/soul) as a
bull.
§ The Vedic
god Indra is often compared to a bull. Rivers are often likened to
cows in the Rigveda, Vyasa said: Cows are
sacred. They are embodiments of merit. They are high and most efficacious
cleansers of all.
§ ८.१०१.१५ – मैं समझदार मनुष्य कोकहे देता हूँ की तू बेचारी बेकसूर गायकी हत्या मत कर, वह अदिति हैं अर्थात काटने- चीरने योग्य नहीं हैं.
§ ८.१०१.१६ – मनुष्य अल्पबुद्धि होकर गाय को मारे कांटे नहीं.
§ ६.२८.४ – गोए वधालय में न जाये
§ Cow – The aghnya –
brings us health and prosperity. 1.164.27)
§ There should be
excellent facility for pure water for Aghnya Cow. (5.83.8)
§ The Aghnya cows
– which are not to be killed under any circumstances– may keep themselves
healthy by use of pure water and green grass, so that we may be endowed with
virtues, knowledge and wealth. (Rigveda 1.164.40 or Atharv 7.73.11 or Atharv
9.10.20)
The entire 28th Sukta or Hymn of 6th Mandal of Rigveda
sings the glory of cow.
1) Everyone should ensure
that cows are free from miseries and kept healthy.
2) God blesses those who
take care of cows.
3) Even the enemies should
not use any weapon on cows
4) No one should
slaughter the cow
5) Cow brings prosperity
and strength
6) If cows keep healthy
and happy, men and women shall also keep disease free and prosperous
7) May the cow eat green
grass and pure water. May they not be killed and bring prosperity to us.
ATHARVA
VEDA
Cow's body is represented by
various devas and other subjects.
§ In VIII.6.23 we
find: Those who eat cooked or uncooked flesh, who eat eggs and embryos are
following an evil addiction that must be put to an end.
§ It is definitely
a great sin to kill innocents. Do not kill our cows, horses and people. --
10.1.29
§ Oh Goddess cow you
make a weak person strong, you make a glow less person beautiful and not only that
you-; you with your auspicious sounds make our homes auspicious. {4.21}
§ १२.४.३८ -जो (वृद्ध) गाय को घर में पकाता हैं उसके पुत्र मर जाते हैं.
§ ४.११.३- जो बैलो को नहीं खातावह कस्त में नहीं पड़ता हैं
§ ७.५.५ – वे लोग मूढ़ हैं जो कुत्ते से या गाय के अंगों से यज्ञ करते हैं
आ गावो अग्मन्नुत भद्रकम्रन् सीदंतु गोष्मेरणयंत्वस्मे ।
प्रजावतीः पुरुरूपा इहस्स्युरिंद्राय पूर्वीरुष्सोदुहानाः ॥
यूयं गावो मे दयथा कृशं चिदश्रीरं चित्कृणुथा सुप्रतीकम् ।
भद्र गृहं कृणुथ भद्रवाचो बृहद्वो वय उच्यते सभासु ॥
Oh Cows! With your milk and ghee, you make the physically weak
strong, and nurture the sick to health. With your sacred utterances, you
chastise our homes. Your glory is discussed in gatherings. (Atharvana Veda
4-21-11 and 6)
वशां देवा उपजीवंति वशां मनुष्या उप । वशेदं सर्वं भवतु यावतु सूर्यो विपश्यति ॥
The Gods and men live on cow products. Till the Sun shines, the
universe will have Cows. The whole universe depends on the support of cow.
(Atharvana Veda 10-10-34)
YAJUR VEDA :
§ A human being should
not kill Cows & other animals & should ensure nobody else
does --12.73
§ Do not kill cows and
bulls who always deserve to be protected. -- 13.49
§ Destroy those who kill
cows. -- 30.18 - गोहत्यारे को प्राण दंड दो
§ You must not use your
God-given body for killing God's (*innocent) creatures,whether they are
human, animal or whatever.
सा विश्वाय़ूः सा विश्वकर्मा सा विश्वधायाः। (Shulka Yajurveda 1-4)
That cow would augment the life span of the sages involved in
the sacrifices and the doer of the sacrifices. Cow coordinates all the rituals
of the sacrifices. By providing offerings like milk, cow nourishes all the Gods
of the sacrifices.
