In India, all animals are sacred, but in the animal pantheon, the Sacred Cow occupies the main place. For Hindus, a cow is equated with the status of a mother, because this animal has such maternal qualities as modesty, kindness, wisdom and calmness. In India, the cow is called "Gau Mata", which literally translates as "Mother Cow". Therefore, while on vacation in India, it is forbidden to shout at a cow, beat her and, moreover, eat beef.
There are several legends that tell how the cow became a sacred animal for the Hindus. And they are all very interesting. According to Hindu mythology, in order to reach heaven after death, a Hindu must swim across a river. This can only be done with the help of a cow, holding on to its tail. The Puranas (an ancient sacred text of Hinduism) says that the Gods, creating the ocean, took out of it the cow Kamdhenu, which could fulfill any desire. Hindus believe that every cow is a Kamdehena and can also fulfill human desires if it is loved and revered. The cow is a nurse because milk and all dairy products are very beneficial for human health.
If you believe the oldest scriptures, then Krishna, the most revered deity in India, was a cowherd, and treated these animals with trepidation. Therefore, the profession of a shepherd is considered honorable in Hinduism, blessed by God.
Even now, in modern era, the inhabitants of India are kind to their symbol of motherhood. The cow in this country is protected by law. Moreover, the Indian government strictly monitors that its instructions are carried out. So, no one has the right to drive away cows, and for killing an animal you can go to jail. These animals are allowed to do everything: walk along the pedestrian streets and roadways, enter yards and gardens, relax on the beaches.
Sacred animals provide a kind of assistance to pedestrians. Every driver in India will definitely miss the cow, even if she stopped in the middle of the road. But pedestrians in this country are not accepted to pass. Therefore, local residents and tourists, in order to cross a busy highway, wait for the animal, and cross the street with it.
Hindus keep cows as long as they are healthy and give milk. As soon as the sacred cow gets old, she is kicked out of the yard. It's not that the owners are cruel and heartless, but they have no other choice. For obvious reasons, they cannot send a cow for slaughter, but the death of a sacred nurse in the house is considered a sin.
Should such a misfortune happen to someone in the yard, the owner will be obliged to make a pilgrimage to the sacred Indian cities. In addition, the owner of the dead cow undertakes to feed all the priests of his city. Many people cannot afford such atonement for sin, so the easiest way is to send the cow home. This to some extent explains the fact that so many of these artiodactyls walk the streets in India.
The Indians are very popular Vedic doctrine, in which milk is considered the most valuable product on the planet. Some believe that constant consumption of milk can make a person immortal. However, not only milk, but also other cow products in Ayurveda are endowed with supernatural properties. For example, cow dung able to protect from evil spirits and dark forces. It is diluted with water and a purification ritual is performed, wiping the floors and walls of dwellings with a solution.
India. Cows. Cows in India. Everyone knows that cows are considered sacred in India. But what does that even mean? Are they idolized? Are they worshipped? How is the life of these minions of fate? Is it true that they just walk the streets of Indian cities? That they don't belong to anyone?
Varvara was very curious from childhood and loved bazaars
Let's figure it out.
Hinduism does give cows a special status. Since ancient times, they have been considered symbols of wealth and abundance. By the way, this was not only the case with the Indians - the ancient Egyptians and Romans also saw status animals in them. But among the Hindus, this respect moved to the next level - the cow was not just a breadwinner, but also a source of heat (cow dung cakes in India are still used as fuel), fertilizer and labor.
AT ancient religion In India, the earth goddess Prithivi appears in the form of a cow. And although in Hinduism the cow is already a deity, its meat is Taboo for believers. The cow is considered the embodiment of selflessness - after all, it gives a lot of useful things to a person. How can you eat the meat of such a creature?
Walking through the streets of Indian cities, cows are indeed encountered every now and then. Even in the huge () Delhi there are areas where they are, and even in smaller cities, almost at every turn.
Olga also parked
At first glance, it may seem that all these cows are ownerless. Actually it is not. Each cow has an owner who releases it to "graze" on what lies badly.
Boris decided to get acquainted with the proposals of local farmers
Cows roam freely through the streets of the city all day long, and in the evening they return home. By the way, as they explained to me, bulls, unlike cows, often do not really belong to anyone. What is the point of keeping an animal that does not give milk, the Hindus argue. Bulls just live on the street, and sometimes walking cows fly from them.
Antonina loved to go out to the sacred river. There she thought better about eternity.
At the same time, Indians treat cows without undue trepidation. If necessary, they are whipped with rods and even beaten with sticks. Shouts drive them away from places where they can not. That is, there is no question of any worship, or even special reverence.
Sergei was embarrassed. He was at this wedding the only guest from the groom.
You can often see cows grazing on piles of city garbage. A lot of food waste is dumped right on the street, and the cattle do not hesitate to chew it with a peaceful, thoughtful look. But some are not averse to trying "strong" treats, nibbling pieces of iron from landfills, or even trying to bite rusty cars.
In fact, Diana prefers German cars, but there is fish for fishlessness and cancer.
Cows love to lie down in the middle of the street, which greatly annoys local tuk-tuk and rickshaw drivers. In old cities, the streets are narrow, and sometimes you can’t get around the lying animals.
After an afternoon snack, Zlata liked to relax a little - it was her time "for herself"
But they get along well with other residents of Indian streets - dogs.
She felt responsible for these cute (but generally useless) dogs - after all, she tamed them.
And Indian cows have learned to walk up and down stairs. This is a very comical sight, it is clearly not easy for clumsy animals to go down the stairs, but nevertheless they have pricked up and do it every day.
Michael treated the steps philosophically. Down there was the most delicious garbage
The Hindu ban on eating cow meat has played an important role in the history of the country more than once.
For example, in the middle of the 19th century, the British had entire armies of mercenaries from the local population in the service of the British. They were called sepoys. Once there was a rumor among them that new packages of cartridges were rubbed either with cow or pork fat. (Some part of the sepoys were Muslims who should not eat pork). The fact is that the soldiers of that time, in order to load the gun, had to break this packaging with their teeth. The British authorities were quick to assure the soldiers that they were not using any animal fat, and offered to supply the sepoys with unlubricated cartridges. But with this they only confirmed the original rumors, and in 1857 the soldiers rebelled. The Sepoy Rebellion lasted over a year and is considered by some to be India's first (albeit unsuccessful) war of independence.
"Am I not a sacred animal?" Thought Grigory, "Who, if not me, should eat from this urn?"
When, a hundred years later, India gained its independence from the British, the ban on cow meat again affected the political situation. Many Muslims lived on the territory of the country, who were very fond of eating beef. They were not ready to give up such an important part of their diet. The desire of the Indians to impose a ban on the slaughter of cows exacerbated the already strong friction between Hindus and Muslims, and eventually Pakistan broke away from India, becoming an independent state in which Islam is the official religion.
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To date, the slaughter of cows is prohibited in the vast majority of states, although there is no such law at the federal level. And some states even prohibit the sale of cows (this is disrespectful to the animal!) It is also often illegal to transport cows from one state to another, although this does not stop anyone.
Vyacheslav was restless all day long
It should be noted here that some of the cows are actually buffaloes (and therefore buffaloes ... buffaloes?) To my untrained city eye, they are all the same, but for Indians the difference is quite significant. After all, the slaughter of buffaloes no longer falls under either religious or legislative prohibitions!
"You need to sunbathe with your whole body!" Julia always told her friends
If you are offered beef in India, be skeptical about it. It may well be that this is actually buffalo meat. It is not as tasty and much tougher than the meat of "real" cows, which we are all used to.
Kristina tried to popularly explain to her colleagues the advantages of a market economy over a planned one.
True, they say that there are illegal slaughterhouses where real cows are also slaughtered. Since 24 out of 29 states have laws against it, there are ten times more of these underground companies than legal ones.
An endless stream of people did not allow Alexander to cross the road
But enough of the sad stuff. Most cows (and even buffaloes) in India live happily and serenely. You look at them from the outside - here they are, the masters of life. Where can you find these animals? I, for example, at the station, met several people right on the platform.
Katyukha hoped that the train would not be too late.
I didn’t understand, to be honest, it was they themselves who wandered here, or the owners dragged them, and were going to load them onto the train. To be honest, after what I saw on Indian trains (), I would not be surprised in the least.
Yashka was very afraid to stumble upon the controller, as he forgot his ticket in other trousers
Some more photos Indian cows in their natural environment:
“I don’t see anything difficult in this,” Yana thought, “I’m sure I can do it”
Evgenia has recently started doing yoga
Anna got up on the wrong foot, everything pissed her off today
Veselchak Victor got some gourmet straw
Not all of them lead carefree lives. Some are harnessed - in literally. It's not clear if it's a cow or a buffalo? How to distinguish?
It's good to be a sacred animal. I want here too. And you? Would you agree to be reincarnated as an Indian cow?
We continue our acquaintance with the animals living in India. In this article, I will tell you about one of the most revered and respected animals in India, about sacred cow.
India, the cradle of human civilizations, a country where the divine splendor of luxurious palaces, expensive fabrics and gems, coexists with deep poverty. Where development high technology and scientific discoveries, does not interfere with the existence 
howl manual labor and handicrafts. In India, the majority of the population is deeply religious, almost 80% of the country's population professes Hinduism. Belief in myths and legends, worship of gods, of which there are several thousand, is a way of life. And here special place occupies the veneration of sacred animals and the worship of them. One of the main sacred animals of the country is COW.
This animal is universally given the greatest respect. She can roam wherever she pleases, even the most crowded streets of big cities. She can easily enter the temple, and none of the people in it will ever think of kicking her out.
This is perceived as good sign. 
According to legend, Surabhi, the Mother of all cows, or the Cow of Desires, appeared at the dawn of the universe. It belonged to the sage Vasistha and was stolen from him. The thief turned out to be the powerful lord of the Firmament, was cast down to earth and was doomed to become a Man from God. The cow is the personification of abundance, purity and holiness, revered as a blessed animal. Just like Mother Earth, the cow is an example of a selfless donation, since people get milk and other dairy products from it, which serve as the basis of a vegetarian diet. 
In many parts of India, it is considered auspicious to feed a cow before eating breakfast. The cow is so highly revered by Indians that it is forbidden to eat beef in the country, and not many Indians would agree to eat meat, especially cow meat. If a person killed a cow, then in his village he becomes an outcast, the priests will not serve in his house, the barbers will not shave him. In the ancient Indian scriptures - the Vedas, it is said that a person who has tasted beef at least once will suffer in hell for as many years as there are hairs on the body of a cow. Adherents Vedic culture, to which recent times the Europeans join in, quite logically explain such statements.First, eating the flesh of living beings is inhumane; secondly, according to ancient Hindu traditions, the cow is considered the mother of all mankind, and they call it Gau-Mata, that is, the Cow-Mother. She is always peaceful, merciful, never asks people for anything and does not disturb anyone. She just eats grass and selflessly gives people what she has. She feeds people with her milk and products derived from it. 
A cow even nibbles grass without harming it, eating only “tops”, and leaving “roots” in the ground, that is, it behaves like a mother, compassionately treats all living things. How can one kill a mother in order to later eat her? For believing Indians, this is nonsense. In the scriptures of India, many stories and prayers are dedicated to the cow. When creating the universe, Lord Brahma first created the brahmins (priests) who were supposed to perform sacrifices (yajnas). And after that, he called spirits from the world of cows to provide the yajnas with milk and ghee. According to the scriptures, the Cow is a guest from the Higher world, she was not even created along with other animals. Brahma declared that all gods and people should regard the Cow as their mother and give her great honors. This is considered one of the ways to serve God. 
The Puranas say that when the gods were churning and created the Milky Ocean (according to legend, there was such a one), the magical cow Kamdhena appeared from it, fulfilling all desires. Indians believe that every cow is Kamdhena. And if you take care of her carefully, then a person’s life will be successful, all his desires will be fulfilled, and after death he will go to God. Even the scriptures tell about one king who had everything - wealth, beauty, power, glory, but did not have the most important thing - a son.Then he went for advice to the sage, and he said to the king: “Once you left the temple and did not honor the cow that was grazing nearby. Now find a suitable cow and take care of her. And then she will fulfill your desire. The king stopped sleeping and eating, but finally found a suitable cow and began to personally look after her. He fed her, drove away flies, slept next to her in a barn, found lawns for her with the juiciest grass, protected her from predators, risking his life. Once he told a ferocious tiger that he himself was ready to become food for him, if only the tiger would not touch the cow. Of course, everything ended well, the king remained alive, and finally received a reward for his labors - the long-awaited and desired son. On roads, pedestrians and motorists give way to cows without a word. God forbid you run into a cow, you can get into the police and get a life sentence for this monstrous crime, by the standards of Indians, or pay a very serious fine. 
A peaceful, calm animal is not in a hurryleave the roadway, exhaust gases protect it from annoying midges. A cow can calmly lie down and doze off right in the middle of the road, while rickshaws and motorists calmly wait for her to wake up and leave, not daring to either drive her or be angry with her - this is considered a great sin. At the same time, in India, there are no traffic lights on the roads, people just run across the road, closing their eyes and praying to all the gods. But bulls in India are used as labor force. They plow, ride, carry weights. In a word, bulls are reliable and faithful helpers of a person. 
But, at the same time, they are revered no less than cows. After all, all Gods in Hinduism have mounts. And the Greatest god Shiva, moves on the sacred white bull Nandi, which means giving joy. This bull symbolizes controlled courage and devotion. It is also a symbol of true pure karma, bringing order to society and the universe. Nandi stands on four legs- Purity of body, purity of mind, compassion and exploration of the truth. Images or statues of Gods are also commonly found in Shaivite temples. And people believe that if you whisper your desire to the sacred bull, he will definitely convey it to Shiva. The ritual of cow worship in India is so strong that the places where the cow resides are considered to be energetically cleansed. Cow dung in the country is used to clean houses and utensils, even soap is made from it. And the villagers dry cow cakes on the roofs of houses, after which they use them as firewood to kindle stoves in which food is prepared.It is believed that food cooked on fire from the burning of cow dung,gives people peace and goodness, and an ordinary electric furnace only - irritation and anxiety.
In many Indian temples, the ritual of worshiping a cow (go-puja) is performed daily, it is decorated with beautiful fabrics and garlands, incense and delicious food are presented to it.
The love of supporters of Hinduism is also based on the fact that the Great God Krishna loves cows and calves. In India, he is called GOPAL - which means: "The one who takes care of the cows." Therefore, the profession of a shepherd in India is treated with great respect, as it is believed that it has a divine origin. There is even a legend why a cow always has fresh breath. As everyone knows, Jesus Christ was born in a barn, and when he became cold, the cow took pity on the baby, warmed him with her breath and covered him with straw, carrying him with her lips. As a sign of gratitude, the Savior said that from now on the breath of cows will always be pleasant and fresh. And carrying a calf in her womb, she'll be like human mothers, nine months. In ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda, dairy products are actively used. 
It is believed that milk affects spirituality, baked milk pacifies, and sour-milk products balance the movement of energy flows. And cow dung and urine affect the gross physical body. It is believed that if they washed the apartment with cow dung, then all the lower spirits immediately leave it, because they become uncomfortable. In Ayurvedic healing procedures, the Panchagavya medicinal mixture is often used - from five components: milk, ghee (ghee), yogurt (dahi), cow dung and urine. This mixture has a powerful rejuvenating power, removes toxins and toxins from the body, restores normal work of all organs, is part of creams, lotions, shampoos and natural homeopathic preparations that cleanse the body, restore youth and beauty.Milk in Hinduism is called amrita - the nectar of immortality, and dairy products are considered the wealth of the nation. Therefore, milk in India, in any form - pasteurized, dry or condensed - is the main component for the preparation of blissful and spiritual food. Vedic cooking is rich in recipes for preparing the most delicious and varied dishes from dairy products, including sweets. The scriptures say that if a cow has the opportunity to live a lifetime without fear of being killed in a slaughterhouse, then milk acquires extraordinary qualities and the ability to destroy poisons. And the poison itself is concentrated in the meat. This is another reason why Indians do not eat meat. It is a sin not only to eat meat, but also to sell meat, buy meat, and advertise meat products. And for exalted Brahmins, even accidentally touching meat is a great sin, and the Brahmin considers himself unclean and urgently goes to bathe in the Holy Ganges. 
The ancient sages argued that the attitude towards the cow is an indicator of the level of development of the nation. And the righteous king Yudhishthira, who lived in India in Vedic times, loved cows, surrounded them with care so much that fatty milk constantly flowed from the udder of happy animals, irrigating green pastures. Then the cow knew that her newly born calf would not be slaughtered for meat, and she herself would not be killed in old age, and she would give so much milk that its amount is hard to even imagine. But, unfortunately, in modern India, in some areas, a respectful attitude towards the Mother Cow can be found only in places of pilgrimage, and the culture of cow worship, alas, has been lost ... Many owners drive aged animals out into the street, as it is believed that if in a cow died in the house, then the owners must atone for this sin with numerous sacrifices and donations. And the Indians, fearing high expenses (not everyone has the means to atone for sins), prefer to simply put the Mother out the door. So restless cows roam the streets of Indian cities, arranging traffic jams. And where should they go? Thin, with protruding bones, but calm and sad.
This is how it is, India, the cradle of human civilizations, stunning in its luxury and at the same time, terrifying in its poverty. A country in which cows are worshiped and deified, but they can simply be driven out into the street, an animal that has been the breadwinner of the family for many years, fearing the cost of atonement for sins.
In the following articles, you will find out what other sacred animals live in India. See you on the site.
Cows in India roam freely in almost any territory. They enter the gates of temples, roam the streets and beaches. Indians respect these animals with big and sad eyes. Today, there are several versions of why the cow is considered sacred in India.
Religious version
For every Hindu, the cow personifies the sacred progenitor of Surabhi. In Hindu mythology, this first cow could fulfill a person's every wish. Hindus believe that one has only to ask well for any local cow, and the innermost will be fulfilled.
Another cow helps all the dead to swim across the river of time, opening the way to paradise. The myths say that after death the human spirit grabs the cow's tail and swims along with the animal towards a new temporary shelter.
Lord Shiva also chose a cow as his vehicle. The sacred cow of Shiva is called Nandi. Her statues can be seen at the entrance to a Hindu temple.
In ancient religious texts, it is said that Vishnu, in the form of Krishna, herded cows for a long time. Therefore, the divine origin of the earthly cow in Hinduism is beyond doubt.
Earth version
Everyone knows that a cow gives milk. Only in India is such a cow function considered extremely important. Many on the territory of this state are vegetarians, therefore, they mainly receive important amino acids and proteins from milk and its derivatives.
Religious rituals in India are not performed in the absence of oil. It is used both for food and for many other purposes. cow's milk feed babies if the mother's breast milk is not enough.
During rural work, these animals are harnessed to the plow. They are used as traction force for different units. They carry loads and loads. After all, gasoline given state is not cheap.
Cow dung is turned into fertilizer and firewood. It is also used in construction and medicine. They use firewood to keep warm and keep mosquitoes away. In addition, houses are built from compressed and dried manure, floors are made. A whisper of manure is added to the house cleaning water, clearing the space on an energy level.
Medicinal potions are prepared on the basis of milk. Many diseases are treated with their help. In general, the life of a cow in India is cloudless and carefree.
Attitude towards cows in everyday life
The daily life of these animals depends on whether it is someone's property or not. Homeless cows roam the streets freely. Adherents of Hinduism try to feed them, often leaving themselves without breakfast or dinner.
A cow can safely cross the road, and it will certainly be missed or bypassed. In India, it is not customary to let pedestrians through, but this rule does not apply to cows.
Homeless animals in India appear due to one custom. If a cow dies in the owner's house, he is obliged to travel around as a pilgrim to many sacred cities, and then he must feed the Brahmins living in the surrounding area. To avoid such a fate, the aging animal is released into the wild.
Indians feed stray bulls and their females special days, giving some of the food from the altars to the Gods. On ordinary days, they are fed at will. Treat them with kindness and respect.
When a cow interferes with someone, they try to drive it away as tactfully as possible, waving sticks and arms. To kill a cow is to commit a grave and indelible sin.
Cows and representatives of other faiths
Not everyone in this state are adherents of Judaism. Atheists, as well as representatives of other religions, treat sacred animals without awe. Atheists still try not to violate the generally established rules, fearing to incur the wrath of the followers of this denomination.
"Gau Mata" - this is how the sacred animal is called in India. Translated, the phrase means "Mother Cow". This name indicates that a sacred status is attached to the animal.
In ancient times, a cow was a measure of a person's wealth and influence. The more "heads" of cattle the owner could keep, the more prosperous and exalted he was considered.
The cow for Indians is a source of wisdom, divine spark and well-being. It is a measure of prosperity, gives a person a lot useful products, reminds everyone that the spiritual life is very close by.
Previously, by giving away a cow, they paid taxes, formed a dowry, and purchased various goods. The animal was both money, and the conductor of the divine, and the breadwinner of the family. That is why a simple cow is so important to the Indian people. She still occupies the most important place in the pantheon of sacred animals, enjoys various privileges on Indian lands, being protected by religion and the entire state.
Publication 2017-11-27 Liked 10 Views 614
Ancient texts about cows
Divine friend of Shiva
The cow in India is considered a sacred animal and the mother of all living things. It has been that way since time immemorial. And no wonder - the cow feeds Indian families. She gives milk, without which she cannot exist - many foodstuffs are prepared from it.
There are a lot of cows in India, especially near temples and on the streets. Found even on rooftops
Sacred Nurse of Indian Families
A cow in India, which is carefully looked after, is a real helper for the whole family. These animals have a complaisant nature, they faithfully serve loving owners. And, even when the sacred cow dies, she donates meat, horns, bones and skin.
Good-natured animals are happy to take pictures
However, Hindus do not eat beef. prohibits the consumption of meat and fish, and meat sacred cows treated with particular rigor. Indian legislation criminalizes those who kill these animals. Indeed, the meat of these animals is extremely, extremely difficult to find here.
In 2015, a Muslim man was lynched for killing a cow. Mass riots were pacified by the police and the army
An interesting fact: "cow" is translated into Sanskrit as "go", and "dead" as "videh", "विदेह". It turns out that "beef" literally means "dead cow". So this strange name was formed.
They have almost the same rights as humans. A revered animal in Indian stores is not uncommon
Sacred texts about cows
Vegetarianism is one of the integral aspects of Hinduism. Since the non-causing of evil and pain to other beings is the basis of this. In addition, sacred texts often say that by eating the flesh of another creature, especially a sacred cow, a person takes on his karma. The fear of violent death experienced by the animal reduces energy vibrations, and the person falls into tamas and rajas (ignorance and passion).
Arambol beach. Motorcycles, cows, merchants, vacationers ... Quite a common picture
Considers sacred cows as a source of the most sattvic (blissful) products: milk, kefir, yogurt, fermented milk products, ghee and others. In moderation, they are very beneficial for people who live in hot climates. Even if we put aside religious rules for a moment, it is easy to understand that it is dangerous to eat meat in Asia - in the heat, in a few hours it can turn into a deadly poison.
Ghee is one of the main components of the puja.
The role of cows in the sacred rituals of India
The gifts of sacred cows - milk, kefir and ghee - are used for offerings. On major holidays, Hindus bring dairy products to the temple and offer them to the gods. This is a kind of analogue of sacrifice, because it does not imply murder. Moreover, such an offering helps to feed the sick and the poor after the ceremonies.
Ghee oil is used in religious rituals, and in cooking, and in Ayurvedic procedures.
It is customary to water the Shivalingam with milk, leave a small cup of milk on the altar, put food next to the statues of the gods - the consecrated food turns into prasad. The role of sacred animals in these rituals cannot be overestimated.
Night streets of Indian cities look about the same
In the animal pantheon of India, the cow occupies the main place
Not only milk is given by the sacred cow
Sacred cows serve in India in a sense as "vacuum cleaners" of the streets. The inhabitants of this country, unfortunately, have a bad one. There are no urns, except in a few large cities. In those times when Food Industry did not yet exist on an industrial scale, and food was not packaged in plastic, metal and glass, the leftovers were thrown right onto the road, where they were killed with pleasure by homeless sacred animals.
Hungry? Feed the sacred animal first
Relative cleanliness was maintained. Cows still clean the streets, eating peels and peels of fruits and vegetables, leftovers from cooked food, and even ... cardboard. Thus helping the Indians in the processing of garbage. But artificial materials they are not suitable for cows, they remain decomposing under their feet for many years.
They can stand in the middle of the road for a very long time. This causes traffic jams.
In addition to dairy products, cows provide manure, which is used as fuel and building materials. Indians dry cow cakes and sell them in the markets. Such "fuel" quickly flares up, burns well, it is cheap and environmentally friendly. Cow dung is used in mixtures of adobe blocks for building strong walls houses. Cow urine is also disposed of: according to Ayurveda, it is an indispensable healing agent. Cow urine is added to some pharmaceutical preparations.
Cow dung is another source of income for Indian families
Sacred friend of Shiva
Not only the cow, but also the bull is considered a sacred animal in India. The most devoted servant, assistant and friend of Shiva is the bull Nandi. He is revered by Hindus along with the pantheon of major gods. Gifts are presented to him, people pray to him, monuments and temples are erected to him all over India.
The bull Yuvraj is a cash cow for his master. It is valued at US$1.5 million
In modern India, a cow is easier to meet on the street than a cat. They, as full-fledged residents of this country, walk along the roads, look into, create traffic jams, do their own important things and get along well with people.
