Cows are the only animals on this planet that give us more than what they take. In ancient times, a person who had more cows was considered wealthy.
It is the duty of Hindus to protect and worship cows. Serving cows help us fulfill our four purusharthas. To learn more about their spiritual significance click here.
Story of King Dileepa
In ancient times, king Dileepa of Ikshvaku Dynasty dedicated his life to serve the cow Nandini in order to get a son as he was cursed by the cow Kamadhenu for ignoring her. He was asked by Sage Vasishta to serve her daughter Nandini. Dileepa then spent his days serving Nandini. Once a lion wanted to eat Nandini, but Dileepa was ready to give up his life to save her. Nandini then revealed that the lion was an illusion created by her to test him. Due to the merits earned by serving Nandini he was blessed with a progeny. His son was the famous King Raghu after whom the story Raghuvamsha is named.
Just by serving a cow one can earn so much merits. In our modern day busy life, it is difficult for us to have such a dedication but we can definitely do our part which is possible for everyone.
How can we serve cows today?
Offer food and water to stray cattle:
If we are living in flats or individual houses, we can keep a pitcher of water for cows to drink everyday. It is a very simple way of alleviating depression and other sorts of mental illness because giving water to thirsty beings is considered as one of the greatest deeds and water is associated with moon (which rules the mind).
We can collect the vegetable and fruit peels in a separate box instead of wasting it in garbage and it can be given to cows without any cost.
In my personal experience, cows like the following fruits and vegetables.
- Orange
- Watermelon
- Papaya
- Mango
- Banana
- Potato
- Lady’s Finger
There is no need to even give whole vegetables and fruits. Even peels would suffice.
If you wish to bribe them to be friendly, two pieces of jaggery are enough!
Avoid giving them leftovers from your plate.
Also, cows in general, don’t like the following vegetables.
- Snake Gourd
- Brinjal
- Tomato
- Onion
Serve cows at Gaushalas:
In cities we find it difficult to spot desi cows. Giving our offering to a gaushala is always preferable where they’re always available and, we can give them a bundle of grass when we visit. We can also adopt cows in gaushalas and visit them regularly.
If you do like to feed stray desi cows it’s always better to exercise caution as cows like humans experience mood swings.
- If a cow nods it’s head, continuously, leave it alone.
- Be careful around cows with new born calves as they tend to be overprotective.
- Bulls are a different story, never approach a bull unless it is tied and under supervision.
Most people will have some or the other defect in their horoscope or janam kundali. They have some sort of dosha which acts as a hindrance in life. Feeding cows regularly will remove the hindrance and acts as a protective barrier in life as it has the ability to even remove Brahmahatya.