The above shloka means that all the deities dwell in the body of a cow. Therefore the cow itself is as holier, as the deities.
The cow symbolizes the dharma itself. It is said to have stood steadily upon the earth with its four feet during the Satyug (world's first age of truth), upon three feet during the Tretayug (the second stage of less than perfection), upon two feet during the Dwaparyug (the third stage of dwindling and disappearing perfection) and only on one leg during Kaliyug (the fourth and current age of decadence)
The name for cow in the Vedas is known asaghyna which means invioable.
Another name is "ahi" which means not to be killed and another is "aditi" which means never to be cut into pieces.
In Hindu mythology, Kamadhenu (Sanskrit: कामधेनु, pronounced [kaməðenu]) was a divine cow who was believed to be the mother of all cows. Like her daughter Nandini, she could grant any wish for the true seeker. Kamadhenu provided Vasishta with his needs for the sacrifices. Kamadhenu (kama-dhenu, 'wish-cow'), was a miraculous cow of plenty who could give her owner whatever he desired.
The cow stands for prosperity—as does Lakṣmī (see Lakṣmī), the wife of Viṣṇu (see Viṣṇu). Kāmadhenu is especially associated with brahmans (see Brahmans) and their “wealth,” because she is the producer of the milk and the clarified butter, the offerings traditionally placed on the sacrificial fire.
Kamadhenu, the sacred cow which grants all wishes and desires, is an integral part of Hindu mythology. This divine cow, which lives in swargalok (heaven), emerged from the ocean of milk (ksheerasagar) at the time of samudramanthan (the great churning of the ocean by the gods (suras) and gemons (asuras). It was presented to the seven sages by the Gods, and in course of time came into the possession of Sage Vasishta.
Kamadhenu's complexion is like the white clouds. Every part of cow's body has a religious significance. Its four legs symbolize the four Vedas, and its teats the four Purusharthas. Its horns symbolize the gods, its face symbolize the sun and the moon, its shoulders Agni (the god of fire), and its legs the Himalayas
Kamadhenu is also well-known through its other five forms: Nanda, Sunanda, Surabhi, Susheela and Sumana.
Lord Krishna states in Srimad Bhagavad-Gita: chapter 10, verse 28
"dhenunam asmi kamadhuk dhenunam"
"Among cows I am the wish fulfilling cow."
"One who gives in charity a bull becomes famous even in Swarga."- The Mahabharata
"One who donates a cow (or bull) becomes free from sin and achieves liberation for himself and 14 generations of his family members". - The Mahabharata
“The cows are the mothers of all living beings and the givers of all earthly pleasures.” - Atharva Veda
In this verse Lord Krishna reveals that among cows He is manifested as the kamadhuk meaning kamadhenu the original wish fulfilling cows known as the surabhi cows - Anusasana Parva of the Mahabharata by Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa.
The surabhi cow descended from the spiritual worlds.The direct descendants of the surabhi cows are the sacred cows from the continent India which are uniquely distinguished the same as the surabhi by the beautiful hump on their backs and the wonderfully soft folds of skin under their necks.
Cows are the mothers of all creatures. Cows are verily the mothers of the 33 crores of demigods that administrate creation in the material existence throughout all the universes.Cows represent sacred acts themselves and without cows there can be no performance of any sacred act.
One should never show disrepect for cows in any way nor should one feel any repugnance towards the urine and dung of a cow because these things are also pure. Cows are also fragrant. The wonderful scent of the amytis agallochum emantes from out of their sacred bodies.
To teach by example, Sri Krishna and Lord Balram show us when They descend into this world, how important is to protect, love and serve Cows and Bulls. Krishna is known as Gopala (protector of the Cows) or Govinda (one who gives pleasure to the Cows). Lord Balram represents plowing the land for agriculture and therefore always carries a plow in His hand, whereas Krishna tends Cows and therefore carries a flute in His hand. Thus the two brothers represent krisi-raksha (protecting Bulls by engaging them in farming) and go-raksha (protecting the Cows). 10.5.20
Lord Krishna says in Srimad Bhagavatam, "I can be worshiped within the Cows by offerings of grass and other suitable grains and paraphernalia for the pleasure and health of the Cows, and one may worship Me within the Vaishnavas by offering loving friendship to them and honoring them in all respects."
IMPORTANCE OF COW MILK, COW-URINE & COW-DUNG :
COW MILK
Cow's milk, the basis for all other dairy products, promotes strong bones by being a very good source of vitamin D and calcium, and a good source of vitamin K--three nutrients essential to bone health. In addition, cow's milk is a very good source of iodine, a mineral essential for thyroid function; and a very good source of riboflavin and good source of vitamin B12, two B vitamins that are necessary for cardiovascular health and energy production.
Cow's milk is also a good source of vitamin A, a critical nutrient for immune function, and potassium, a nutrient important for cardiovacular health.
Milk produced by grass fed cows also contains a beneficial fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Researchers who conducted animal studies with CLA found that this fatty acid inhibits several types of cancer in mice. In vitro (test tube) studies indicate this compound kills human skin cancer, colorectal cancer and breast-cancer cells. Other research on CLA suggests that this beneficial fat may also help lower cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis.
Calcium--A Mineral for A Lot More than Strong Bones
Cow's milk may be best known as a very good source ofcalcium. Calcium is widely recognized for its role in maintaining the strength and density of bones. In a process known as bone mineralization, calcium and phosphorus join to form calcium phosphate. Calcium phosphate is a major component of the mineral complex (called hydroxyapatite) that gives structure and strength to bones. A cup of cow's milk supplies 29.7% of the daily value for calcium along with 23.2% of the DV for phosphorus.
Building bone is, however, far from all that calcium does for us. In recent studies, this important mineral has been shown to:
Help protect colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals
Help prevent the bone loss that can occur as a result of menopause or certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Help prevent migraine headaches in those who suffer from them
Reduce PMS symptoms during the luteal phase (the second half) of the menstrual cycle
Help prevent childhood obesity
Help overweight adults lose weight, especially around the midsection
Help Prevent Childhood Obesity
Help Trim Your Waistline
More Help for Bone Health
The vitamin K provided by cow's milk is also important for maintaining strong bones. Vitamin K1 activates osteocalcin, the major non-collagen protein in bone. Osteocalcin anchors calcium molecules inside of the bone. Therefore, without enough vitamin K1, osteocalcin levels are inadequate, and bone mineralization is impaired. A cup of cow's milk provides 12.2% of the daily value for vitamin K.
It's not just its calcium and vitamin K that makes milk a bone-friendly food, cow's milk and fermented milk products such as yogurt also contain lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein that boosts the growth and activity of osteoblasts (the cells that build bone).
Not only does lactoferrin increase osteoblast differentiation, it also reduces the rate at which these cells die by up to 50-70%, and decreases the formation of osteoclasts (the cells responsible for breaking down bone) thus helping to prevent or reverse osteoporosis. In addition, lactoferrin also increases the proliferation of chrondocytes, the cells that build cartilage. For building bone, enjoying both milk and yogurt seems a good idea since lactoferrin's effects were found to be dose-dependent, stimulating an up to a 5-fold increase in osteoblasts at higher doses.
A Good Source of Protein
Cow's milk is a good source of low-cost high-quality protein, providing 8.1 grams of protein (16.3% of the daily value for protein) in one cup. The structure of humans and animals is built on protein. We rely on animal and vegetable protein for our supply of amino acids, and then our bodies rearrange the nitrogen to create the pattern of amino acids we require.
Dairy Products Protect against Gout
Gout, a common type of arthritis whose onset typically involves the big toe, has been linked to eating foods high in purines (organ meats, meats, shellfish, herring, sardines, mackerel, anchovies and Brewer's yeast). A study published in the March 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that eating meat or fish increases the chances of developing gout, but adds a new point of protective data: eating more dairy actually decreases gout risk.
Purines, one of the nucleic acid building blocks of DNA and RNA, contribute to gout since they are metabolized to form uric acid, which if produced in excess, can deposit in joints causing pain, redness and swelling.
In addition to eating lots of meats and fish high in purines, consuming too much alcohol, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates and simple sugars can also increase the risk of gout.
Alcohol increases the rate of uric acid production and also impairs kidney function, thus slowing the excretion of uric acid. Consumption of refined carbohydrates, simple sugars and saturated fats-all of which promote obesity-also result in increased uric acid production and decreased excretion.
Not surprisingly, in this study, in addition to men eating the most meat and purine-rich fish, both obese men and those drinking alcohol also had more gout.
B vitamins and Other Nutrients for Energy and Cardiovascular Protection
Cow's milk is a very good source of riboflavin and a good source of vitamin B12 . Both B vitamins are important for energy production. Vitamin B12 plays a pivotal role as a methyl donor in the basic cellular process of methylation, through which methyl groups are transferred from one molecule to another, resulting in the formation of a wide variety of very important active molecules. When levels of B12 are inadequate, the availability of methyl groups is also lessened. One result of the lack of methyl groups is that molecules that would normally be quickly changed into other types of molecules not only do not change, but accumulate. One such molecule, homocysteine, is so damaging to blood vessel walls that high levels are considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
In addition to its function as a methyl donor, vitamin B12 plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells and prevention of anemia, is also needed for nerve cells to develop properly, and helps cells metabolize protein, carbohydrate, and fat.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) plays at least two important roles in the body's energy production. When active in energy production pathways, riboflavin takes the form of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) or flavin mononucleotide (FMN). In these forms, riboflavin attaches to protein enzymes called flavoproteins that allow oxygen-based energy production to occur. Flavoproteins are found throughout the body, particularly in locations where oxygen-based energy production is constantly needed, such as the heart and other muscles.
Riboflavin's other role in energy production is protective. The oxygen-containing molecules the body uses to produce energy can be highly reactive and can inadvertently cause damage to the mitochondria and even the cells themselves. In the mitochondria, such damage is largely prevented by a small, protein-like molecule called glutathione. Like many "antioxidant" molecules, glutathione must be constantly recycled, and it is vitamin B2 that allows this recycling to take place. (Technically, vitamin B2 is a cofactor for the enzyme glutathione reductasethat reduces the oxidized form of glutathione back to its reduced version.) Riboflavin been shown to be able to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches in people who suffer from them.
One cup of cow's milk supplies 14.8% of your daily needs for vitamin B12 and 23.5% of the DV for riboflavin.
It is not only the B vitamins found in cow's milk that may be helpful for heart protection. Studies have shown that fermented dairy foods may be able to help lower blood levels of LDL-cholesterol-a change generally regarded as heart protective. The fats in dairy foods may also be able to help raise blood levels of HDL-cholesterol-a change even more widely regarded as beneficial to our hearts and circulatory systems. Finally, research has also determined that certain milk proteins (and more specifically, certain bioactive protein parts-called bioactive peptides-found in milk's whey proteins) may be helpful in regulating our blood pressure. It will be interesting to see follow-up studies on all of thse potentially heart protective benefits provided by dairy foods.
A Good Alternative Source of the Omega 3 Fat, Alpha Linolenic Acid
The results of a new research project conducted at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, confirm that organic milk is a good source of omega 3 fats. When compared to conventional milk, organic milk was found to contain up to 71% more omega 3 and to have a better ratio of anti-inflammatory omega 3: pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids.
The scientists believe the more natural diet of organically fed cows, which is rich in red clover, resulted in the animals' production of milk much richer in omega 3.
Cow's milk is a very good source of iodine, which as a component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), is essential to human life. The thyroid gland adds iodine to the amino acid tyrosine to create these hormones. Without sufficient iodine, your body cannot synthesize them. Because these thyroid hormones regulate metabolism in every cell of the body and play a role in virtually all physiological functions, an iodine deficiency can have a devastating impact on your health and well-being. A common sign of thyroid deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland, commonly called a goiter. Goiters are estimated to affect 200 million people worldwide, and in all but 4% of these cases, the cause is iodine deficiency. One cup of cow's milk 39% of the daily value for iodine.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is critically importance for the health of epithelial and mucosal tissues, the body's first line of defense against invading organisms and toxins. The epithelium is a layer of cells forming the epidermis of the skin and the surface layer of mucous and serous membranes. All epithelial surfaces including the skin, vaginal epithelium, and gastrointestinal tract rely upon vitamin A. When vitamin A status is inadequate, keratin is secreted in epithelial tissues, transforming them from their normally pliable, moist condition into stiff dry tissue that is unable to carry out its normal functions, and leading to breaches in epithelial integrity that significantly increase susceptibility to the development of allergy and infection.
So, when our vitamin A levels are low, we are much more susceptible to infections such as recurrent ear infections or frequent colds, or we may wind up with an immune system that is overactive, leading to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Drink a cup of cow's milk, and you will receive 10.0% of the daily value for vitamin A.
Protect Your Heart with Potassium
An important electrolyte involved in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles including the heart, potassium is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. . A one cup serving of cow's milk provides 10.8% of the daily value for potassium.
Dietary Calcium Does Not Promote Kidney Stones
cow's milk is so ubiquitous that it doesn't even need a description. Whether people pour it over their breakfast cereal or drink a cold glass of milk as is, this beverage has become a staple in the diet.
Milk is available in a variety of forms that are differentiated by their fat content. The 2% designation refers to the percent of fat by weight that the milk contains. 2% milk is often referred to as reduced-fat milk since it contains les fat than whole milk, which is 3.5% fat.
Milk is the basis for a variety of different dairy products including cheese, yogurt, kefir and ice milk.
The scientific name for a dairy cow is Bos taurus.
COW URINE which has a unique place in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. Commenting on the chemistry of gau mutra, Cow urine is used to produce a whole range of ayurvedic drugs, especially to treat skin diseases like eczema. Besides, gau mutra is a well known disinfectant. Anti-septic property is also the attribute of cow dung or gobar which is mixed with clay to form a plastering medium for mud huts. It is a proven fact that mud huts plastered with gobar keeps insects and reptiles away. This is the reason why people in the countryside still store grain in huge earthen pots plastered with gobar and gau mutra to keep it free from insect manifestations.
In Mahabharat era Nakul was known as the famous cow urine therapist. Indians believe that cow urine enhances holiness and purity when spread in courtyard and home. Makes there is need to refocus, in a creative enterprise, on cow as a source of health, wealth and happiness. Cow urine has wonderful properties. It is used in purification of many strong poisons, sub poisons, metals, and sub metals, ras, maharas, and astrologist stones. Poisonous materials become poison less within 3 to 7 days if purified with it according to the Indian method.
Many useful elements have been found in Cow Urine. Some of them are as below :
Urea -Urea is a major element found in urine and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is strong antibacterial agent.
Uric acid -Uric acid is similar to Urea and has strong antibacterial properties. In addition it helps to control cancer-causing substances.
Minerals- Minerals from urine can be very easily reabsorbed as compared to those derived from food. Urine probably contains more different types of minerals than those derived from food. Urine becomes turbid if left alone for a while This is because when enzyme present in urine dissolve urea and change it into ammonia then urine becomes strongly alkaline making it difficult to dissolve rich minerals. Therefore stale urine looks turbid This does not mean that it has decayed Urine with a higher ammonical disorder content when applied to the skin plays an important role in beautifying it.
Bioactive substance and hormones
Urokinase : Dissolves blood clots, helps in curing heart diseases and improves blood circulation.
Epithelium growth factor : Helps, repair and regenerate damaged tissues and cells
Colony stimulating factor : It is effective for cell division and multiplication.
Growth hormone : Shows different bioactive effects such as promotion of protein production, cartilage growth, fat decomposition.
Erythropoetine : Promotes production of red blood cells.
Gonadotropins : Promotes normalization of menstrual cycle and sperm production Kallikrin: -Releases kallidin that expands peripheral veins and reduce blood pressure.
Tripsyn inhibitor : Effective for prevention and healing of muscular tumor.
Allantoine : Heals wounds and tumors.
Anti-cancer substance : Anti-neoplaston, H-11 beta-iodole-acetic acid, directine, 3-methyl gloxal, etc. differ from chemotherapeutic drugs, which kill or injure all kinds of cells. They strongly prevent the multiplication of carcinogenic cells and return them to normal.
Nitrogen - It is diuretic & stimulates kidney naturally.
Sulphur -It increases intestinal peristalsis and purifies blood.
Ammonia -It maintains integrity of body tissues and blood.
Copper -It checks excessive deposition of fat.
Iron -It maintains RBC counts in blood and stabilizes stamina.
Phosphate -It has litlhotriptic action.
Sodium -It purifies the blood and checks hyperacidity.
Potassium -It is appetizer and climinatcs muscle fatigue.
Magnese -It is antibacterial and prevents gas gangrene.
Carbolic Acid -It is antibacterial and prevents gas gangrene.
Calcium -It purifies blood & provide nutrition to bones; helps in coagulation of blood.
Salts -Antibacterial, Prevents Comma, and kctoacidois.
Vitamin A, B, C, D, E -They prevent excessive thirst, infuses vigour, and increase potency.
Lactose Sugar -Gives strength to heart, checks excessive thirst and giddiness.
Enzymes -Improve immunity, and promote the secretion of digestive juices.
Water -Controles the body temperature maintains the fluidity of blood.
Hippuric Acid -Excrete toxins through the urine.
Creatinine -It is antibacterial.
Swama Kshar -Antibacterial, improves immunity, and acts as an antidote.
Some hormones presents in 8-month pregnant cow which are very good for health
COW-DUNG -
In Chapter 1 of the Skanda Purana, Shri Vishnu explains to Narada as to how to perform the Satyanarayana Puja - "The place of worship must be anointed with COW DUNG first & then decorated with Rangoli (colorful designs made with rice flour) of five colors, and a new cloth must be spread, there after only the Puja can be done."
Other uses are :
1. Fuel - cow dung patties (gootte) for cooking
2. Fertilizer - composting makes it even more powerful
3. Heat source - cow dung is naturally hot -compost makes hotter put in glass house to heat glass house or run pipes thru it to get hot water.
3. Purifier - natural antiseptic qualities
4. Floor coating - used mixed with mud and water on floors in mud houses. Improves water absorption of mud. Prevents muddy puddles resulting from spilt water.
5. Mud brick additive - improves resistance to disintegration
6. Skin tonic - mixed with crushed neem leaves smeared on skin - good for boils and heat rash
7. Smoke producer - smoldering cow patties keep away mosquitoes. Can also make smoked paneer over such smoke & Ash - from patties used in cooking.
8. Pot cleaner - used dry absorbs oil and fat wet as a general cleaner
9. Brass polisher - tamarind removes oxidation - wet ashes polishes
10. Fertilizer - alkaline - cow dung ash is basically lime with a few other mineral mixed in
11. Mud additive - dries up slippery mud puddles
12. Mud brick additive - mud and lime (cow dung ashes) becomes like cement
13. Pond PH balancer - thrown into pond neutralizes acid.
14. Tooth polish
15. Seed protector - covering seeds in dung before planting helps to protect against pests.
In Sri Caitanya Caritamrita adi lila, chapter 17 verse 166 Caitanya Mahaprabhu confirms:
"go-ange yata loma tata sahasra vatsara
go-vadhi raurava-madhye pace nirantar."
Cow killers and cow eaters are condemned to rot in hell for as many thousands of years as there are for each hair on the body of every cow they eat from. Cows are superior to all yogis and ascetics and because of this liberated divine being perform their austerities in the company and presence of cows.
When the surabhi cows first manifested from the aroma of ambrosial nectar they performed severe penance for 100,000 years for the purpose of acquiring the spiritual merit to be the foremost of all things needed for the performance of Vedic rituals and ceremonies; thus only from cow milk exclusively is sanctified ghee produced for the performance of Vedic rituals. Whatever is produced from any and all other types of milk is not authorised by Vedic scriptures and thus not being sanctioned by the Vedas can never be used in any Vedic rituals or ceremonies.
At the conclusion of the surabhi cows austerities Brahma himself appeared before them and granted their wishes blessing them with the benediction that cows would eternally be the sustainers of all creatures.
The various parts of the body of the cow in which the deities, the revered sages, the various elements, are believed to dwell are given as follows:
GAU-MATA
1) Two Horns of the Cow The Creator 'Brahma'
2) The Head of the Cow The Deity 'Indra'
3) Forehead of the Cow The Deity 'Agni
4) Collar of the Cow The Deity 'Yama'
5) Brain of the Cow The Deity 'Moon'
6) Upper Jaw of the Cow The Highest world Dyuloka
7) Lower Jaw of the Cow The Earth
8 The Tongue The Lightening
9) The Teeth The Deity 'Marut'
10) The Throat The 'Revatee' Constellation
11) The Shoulder The 'Kritka' Constellation
12) Bones of the Shoulder The Summer Season
13) All the Organs of the Cow The Deity 'Vaayu'
14) The Heaven The World to which cow, belongs
15) The BackBone The Deity 'Rudra'
16) In the Chest The Eagle
17) Is the Power & Strength Of the Cow The Space
18) Hunch of the Cow The Sage Vrihashpati
19) In the bones of the Chest The Stanza by the name of Vrihatee
20) The Back Angels & Fairies
21) Bones of the Ribs The Hostesses of the Angels & Fairies.
22) The Shoulders The Deity 'Varuna' and Friend
23) The Forelegs The Sage 'Tvashta & the sage 'Aryama'
24) The Hindlegs The Destroyer 'Lord Mahadeva'
25) The Backside of the Cow The wife of the Deity 'Indra'
26) The Tail The Deity 'Vaayu'
27) The Hairs of the Body The Sage 'Pawamana'
28) The Buttock The Caste 'Brahmin' & The caste'Kshatriya'
29) Lies in the Thighs The Strength of the Cow.
30) Bones of the Knees The Deity Sun and the Creator
31) The Calf of the Cow The Celestial Beings 'Gandharva'
32) In the Smaller Bones The Celestial Beings 'Apsara'
33) Hooves of the Cow The Mother of the Sun, God, 'Aditi'
34) In the Heart The Mind
35) In the Liver of the Cow The Intelligence
36) The Nerve By the Name Of 'Puritat' The Religious Vow 'Vrata'
37) The Belly The Hunger
38) In the Intestines Goddess Sarswati
39) In the internal part of the intestines The Mountains
40) In the Ovum The sorrow (Manyu)
41) In the sense Organs The Subjects & the People (Praja)
42) In the Ovary The River
43) In the Breasts The Deity 'Varuna'
44) In the cells of the Breasts which produce milk The Thundering clouds
45) In the Skin The 'All-Pervasive power'
46) In the hairs of the Body,Of the cow The Various Medicines
47) The Anus The heavenly & Celestial Beings 'Devagana'
48) In the Intestine The Man
49) In the Stomach The Celestial being 'Yaksha'
50) In the Kidney The Anger
51) In the Blood The Demon 'Rakshasha'
52) The Appearance of The Cow The Constellation are
53) In the Stomach The Other living beings
54) Is the Grossness The sky
55) In the Bone-Marrow The Death
56) Is Like Fire The Posture while sitting
57) Is the Deity 'Ashwinee Kumar The posture while getting up
58) The Deity 'Indra' The Posture while standing and facing East
59) The Lord of Death 'Yamaraja' The Posture while standing and facing South
60) The Creator 'Brahma' The Posture while standing and facing west
61) The Sun God The Posture while standing & facing North
62) The Deity Moon The Cow while Grazing
63) The Friend The Cow while looking
64) Pure Joy The Posture of the Cow while turning it back
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