Why is the cow sacred to Hindu religion?

Answer 1

1. Cows provide for a great deal in Indian culture, where Hinduism originated. Milk provides for butter, which is very important in many Hindu rituals, especially so for rituals associated with Agni the deva of fire. One such ritual takes place at Hindu weddings. Thus much of what cows provide have deep spiritual significance, not just practical purpose.

2. In some Hindu myths the earth, or mother earth if you will, is represented by the form of the cow. It is possible that the literal interpretation of this has had far reaching consequences, but even taken figuratively might lead to the position that cows are sacred.

3. The influence of Buddhist vegetarianism in India may also have colored the views of cows in Hinduism.

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Cows are sacred to Hindus because they respect all living beings and specially the ones that help them the most. Our mother gives us milk when we are born and cows gives us milk for rest of our lives so Hindus have respect for cows as much as you respect our parents. Hindus don't consider the cow sacred but consider it as their mothers (Gayoo Mata- mother cow). Hindus also respect mother earth, energy of the sun and every great person who did something for the community and mankind.

Answer 2

This is because Cattle provide milk just as one's mother does. In the Mahabatra it says "The cow is my mother". Therefore they get the same respect as a mother.

At one time the death sentence was imposed for killing a cow in India...

Answer 3

Actually, this is a very common misunderstanding of Hindu belief. Hindus (and people from India) do not pray to or worship the cow. They do, however, respect and protect it. The reason is because the cow is believed to be one of God's favorite animals. According to the Hindu scriptures, the god Krishna, when he took a human body and came to earth, lived with a family that had a number of dairy cows. Even as a boy, Krishna would bring the cows out to the pasture to let them graze, and he enjoyed taking care of them. Since God himself loved and protected the cows, Hindus believe they should do the same.

Answer 4

cows are sacred in the ocean. they are sacred because they are pretty and TWO colors instead of one.

Answer 5

See the related link below for information.

Answer 6

Hindus don't worship cows. They revere (honour and respect) the cow as sacred to the gods. To Hindus, the cow is a symbol of unselfishness.

Answer 7

yes, very much so