The Significance of Cow Protection and Vegetarianism in Hinduism

Cow protection and vegetarianism are significant beliefs and values

within Hinduism, as there are many teachings on these two topics.

Cow protection is mentioned in the early Hindu scriptures the Vedas.

Within these four books are references to herds of cattle, and the cow

was a sacrificial animal, being appreciated for its role as an

offering to the Gods. So cows were used as a sacrifice and the person

offering the sacrifice could gain ascension to heaven, especially if

numerous sacrifices were offered. Therefore the cow is regarded sacred

because from a religious perspective it was used in ritual sacrifice.

In ancient Hindu society a Brahmin had a special role as he understood

the Vedas and maintained order in the world by performing sacrifices.

Therefore people thought it was important to respect the Brahmin and

his cow.

The cow was also valued economically as it made many essential

products. It is the source of milk, milk products, meat, dung etc. The

products of butter, whey, cream and cheese made up a ritual offering

named ida. The cow was also a great prize of war.

Even cows’ urine has medicinal qualities as it can be used to cure

ailments. The state of Gujarat in India encourages sufferers of

ailments to drink the urine and doctors prescribe it.

Shiva’s vehicle is Nandi the bull and temples devoted to Shiva are

normally dedicated to bulls as well as a sign of piety or in

fulfilment of a vow. In stories involving Krishna, he milks and plays

with the cows.

For the reasons above, Gandhi said, “For me the cow represents the

totality of the sub-human world. Through it human beings are made

aware of their identity with all living things. To protect the cow is

to protect all in the divine creation which is not endowed with the

word.” This is why farmers may treat their cows as part of their

family. That’s why the cow is considered as a domestic animal in India

and Hindus find it immoral to eat a cow.