The Significance of Cow Protection and Vegetarianism in Hinduism

638 Words2 Pages

Hindus believe that the cow is a sacred beast and that it must be

preserved. This is because its is deemed holy. One of these reasons is

that Krishna, one of the Gods had gopis, and the idea of Krishna being

associated with cows is very strong. The manu-smriti shows that the

cow must not be killed under any circumstances. This is because the

duty of ahimsa applies to: ‘A teacher, a profounder of the scriptures,

father, other, guru, Brahmin, cow and ascetic: they should never be

killed.’ (Manu-smriti 4.162.) Ahimsa includes regarding the cow as a

sacred animal and the killing of it as a form of murder.

Another reason as to the ‘significance of cow protection’ in Hinduism

is that the cow sustains and nurtures life in the village. The cow’s

milk is extremely useful in all countries (Even the rich). Its dung

provides fuel, heat, and light. Even the cow’s urine is extremely

important as it has certain medicinal properties that can help many

aspects of one’s health.

The most sacred animal to Hindus is the cow; one of the reasons is

because the bull is a vahana (vehicle) for one of the three most

important deities, Shiva. Due to the cow’s significance in Hinduism,

they were once sacrificed at temples in the Vedic period. Today Cows

should be protected and given sacredness, because they have a strong

connection wit the Gods. The Bulls are essential in the villages of

India to pull carts and ploughs to ensure the smooth day-to-day

running of the village.

As stated above Krishna had a strong connection with cows, in stories

he is was known to milk them and to play with them. This importance of

cows has such an impact on the lives of Hindus living in India,

because they are deeply revered and killing them or harming them is

forbidden. In India, the right of way is given to them on the streets.

In addition, for elderly cows retirement homes or gowshalas have been

set up for mainly old cows and other animals.

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