Why is the Cow Sacred to Hindus ?

There is considerable debate about the theological basis of the cow’s sacred status in Hinduism. Some scholar’s claim that mentions of the cow’s sacred status is present in the scrolls of Muni Vashishth (an ancient sage). Other scholars argue that Hindu’s don’t actually worship cows but adore and honour them as they do most other living creatures. These scholars also say that no definite proof exists of the cow’s specialty as a sacred creature in the grand trinity of Hindu religious texts; i.e. the Upanishads, Puranas and Geeta.

Sociological Perspective on the Sacred Cow

A study of sociological and philosophical treatises reveals that the importance of cow as a religious and spiritual symbol, along with its divine status as “Gau Mata”, has a lot of more practical reasons.

Hindus actually regard the cow as a beneficial extension of Mother Nature. The cow represents the Mother Earth who is always bountiful, who never demands but always provides for her children. Life and the nourishment of life find expression in the gentle, docile and nurturing nature of the cow. Because of the cows’ simple diet (it consumes only grain, water and grass), it places very less demand on resources and yet supplies milk of the highest quality that has the capacity of nurturing even infants. Many philosophers have compared the purity and sanctity of cow’s milk to the purity of the spiritual knowledge of a sage. The cow was thought to be a symbol of abundance and grace. The elders preach the values of gentleness, oneness with nature and goodness by instructing the young to observe the nature of the cow.

Rituals connected with the Cow

According to traditional Hindu rituals the cow is garlanded, worshipped and honored at most Hindu festivals. A very good example is the Gopastama Festival which is entirely centered on cows. As a sign of how lovable and important the cow is to Hindu religion, jewelry and waistbands decorated with images of the cow is sold at many fairs. The art of decorating the cow with flowers, paint and jewelry is specifically taught to young children.

Kamdhenu or the Holy wish fulfilling cow has special mention in the scriptures. As a sign of respect to the cow, the Hindu charitable institutions have maintained about 3000 Gaushalas. Though most Hindus are not vegetarian, they follow the practice of not consuming beef. In fact consuming beef is supposed to be a cardinal sin in Hinduism. Recently the BJP led Indian government has also prohibited the selling and consumption of Beef in many parts of India.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/why-is-the-cow-sacred-to-hindus

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Mathura– The Birthplace of Lord Krishna

Mathura is one of the seven holiest pilgrim cities for Hindus. Located in the northwestern side of Uttar Pradesh, on the west bank of river Yamuna sharing a border with neighboring cities like Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana and Govardhan,  Mathura is sacred to the heart of millions of Hindus as it is the birth place of their cherished and beloved god – Lord Krishna. It finds its mention in the old mythical legend of Ramayana in which it states that the Ikshwaku Prince Shatrughana slays the demon Lavanasura to claim Mathura as his kingdom to rule. In those days, the land was known as Madhuvan since it was surrounded by dense woods, later the named changed to Mathura.

The legends of Krishna and Mathura are told even today. Although the most famous one is about Lord Krishna’s birth. At the time, Kansa had overthrown his father as the ruler of Mathura. King Kansa’s sister Devaki married Vasudev; then a prophecy was made by celestial bodies that the evil King Kansa would be killed by Devaki’s son. Knowing this Kansa jailed both Vasudev and Devaki in underground prison. Over time Devaki gave birth to seven children who were all mercilessly killed by Kansa, however the eighth child escaped and came to be known and loved by all as Lord Krishna. When he grew up Lord Krishna came back to Mathura to free the people of Mathura from the evil hands of Kansa by killing him. Today, the Keshav Dev Temple stands tall above the ground marking the holy birth place of Lord Krishna.

Being one of the prime pilgrim places, there are few temples one must visit, one of which is the famous Dwarkadesh Temple. It was built by Seth Gokul Das, a treasurer of Gwalior, in 1814. The temple has narrations of Lord Krishna’s life depicted through their delicate stone carvings. Vishram Ghat is another site which bears epic importance. It is said that Lord Krishna rested here after killing King Kansa. The morning and evening aarti at this ghat is said to render moksha to our souls and our ancestors as well. Small oil lit diyas are set floating on the placid river water while devotees pray, creating a mesmerizing view at night. Other places like Radha Kund, Gita Mandir and Jami Masjid will submerge your mind in devotion to Lord. Mathura Museum is also one of the places to visit for a history enthusiast.

One can experience the devotion and love for Lord Krishna and his affection for Radha and other Gopis in the air that Mathura breathes. The city is covered in a maze of temples, holy sites and ghats. People joyously carry-on the tradition by narrating folklores through their songs and dance about Lord Krishna’s life and his mischiefs as a young child. They are also known as Braj-mandal or Brajwasi.  Witnessing few festival celebrations like Holi and Janamastami in Mathura are once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wandering down the narrow by-lanes of Mathura you cannot help but feel peaceful with the chants of ‘Radhe Radhe’ ringing in your ears. 

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/mathura-the-birthplace-of-lord-krishna

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Ganga Saptami

Ganga, the sacred river that flows through the rough and uneven terrain, is of utmost significance to India, both in physical and spiritual aspects. Ganga is the holiest of all rivers and is fondly referred to as “Mother” nurturing us all.  As per a mythological legend, Ganga Saptami is the day when Goddess Ganga descended on Mother Earth. It is said that once the gushing waters of Ganga River went on rampage, destroying everything in her path with forceful undercurrents of water. Lord Shiva then tied Ganga with his hair, restraining her from causing further damage and saved people from her wayward wrath.

Maharaj Bhagirath however desired to bring Ganga to the mortal world to purge the souls of his ancestors on the day of Ganga-dashara. His ancestors were from Surya dynasty. Once, his ancestor, King Sagara had performed Ashwamedha yagna to rule the heaven. Lord Indra however felt threatened and stole the sacrificial horse. He hid the horse in Sage Kapila’s ashram. King Sagara’s sixty thousand sons set out to find the horse and found it in Sage Kapila’s ashram.  Angry with this, they waged a war against the Sage. In turn, furious Sage Kapila cursed them, burning them to ashes. Maharaj Bhagirath seeked to provide moksha to these cursed souls. To help Maharaj accomplish his mission, Lord Shiva pleased with his tapasya of thousand years, released Ganga from his head. Although while on their way to the kingdom, Ganga’s mighty flow and turbulent waters entered Sage Jahnu’s asharam, destroying it in her way. Furious with anger, Sage Jahnu drank up all the water of Ganga. But upon Bhagirathi’s plea for moksha for his ancestors, Sage Jahnu released Ganga from his right ear.

Ganga Saptami is celebrated as the Ganga Jayanti on the seventh day of shukla paksha of Vaishakha month in hindu calendar, marking the re-birth of Goddess Ganga. She is also known as Jahanvi as she flows from Sage Jahnu’s right ear. It is said that if people bathe in holy water of Ganga for 10 days starting prior to Ganga Saptami, then they will be freed from ten sins for ten subsequent births. Since Goddess Ganga descended on earth due to efforts of King Bhagirath, she also is known as Bhagirathi.

On the day of Ganga Saptami, people offer puja on the ghats and territories around Ganga Water. They bathe in Ganga waters to perform Ganga pujan with dhyana (meditation) and chanting mantras to purify their souls, asking for forgiveness for their sins and moksha for their late ancestors. Offering milk, sweets and fruits for puja and donating money and food to poor and needy is considered auspicious on this day.

As it is said, For Hindus Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so they must not pollute something what is God to them. While offering offer Biodegradable stuff which do not pollute the water. Campaigns of keeping the water clean should be run. People should know the significance of clean river water.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/ganga-saptami

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