In Sanatana Dharma, feeding cows is considered a sacred practice and is considered an act of religion that brings virtue (spiritual merit), prosperity, and removes planetary afflictions and brings prosperity in life. This is because cows are a symbol of divinity and Mother Earth, and it is believed that 33 crore gods reside in them, and that is why feeding cows is seen as a way of getting the blessings of all the gods. Interestingly, feeding specific foods to cows on auspicious days can help counter the harmful effects of planet Saturn.
PM Modi fed cows at his residence on Makar Sankranti
Why is cow service a part of Hindu culture?
According to Hindu mythology and Vedic traditions, caring for and feeding cows holds a deep spiritual and symbolic meaning in Hindu culture, and mention of cow service can be found in many ancient texts and scriptures that revere the cow as the embodiment of divine motherhood. In fact, this sacred practice goes beyond mere animal care as an act of respecting and expressing gratitude to God, practicing nonviolence, and believing in cosmic harmony. Cows symbolize Mother Earth (Bhoomi Tattva) and provide some of the most valuable gifts of nature such as milk, cow dung for fuel and urine (Gaumutra) for medicinal uses, making their nurturing a sacred duty that helps in seeking the blessings of the Almighty and purifying the soul. Furthermore, it is believed that feeding food to a cow can be equivalent to serving God and taking blessings of 33 crore deities.
ancestral values
It is believed that feeding cows during Pitru Paksha (Shraddha) is a simple way of providing satiation and honoring the departed souls, as according to Hindu beliefs the practice acts as a bridge between the living and supernatural realms. According to ancient texts, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors find solace through the cow as it helps in attaining peace, salvation and relief from ancestral curses (Pitra Dosh) and also reduces karmic debt.
astrological benefits
According to Vedic astrology books, it is believed that feeding a cow is seen as a sacred act to reduce the effects of malefic planetary influences (Navagraha Dosha), and specific food items are given on specific days for healing such as jaggery for Venus or green grass for Moon. Regular practice enhances mental clarity, health and emotional balance while building positive karma against life’s obstacles.
solution to delay marriage
Feeding a cow can also remove karmic debts and reduce pending obstacles in life such as delayed marriage. One remedy that girls can do every Thursday to strengthen their Jupiter planet is to feed soaked chana dal to a cow, it is believed that doing this can speed up the marriage process and help in completing the alliance. Qualified men can feed spinach or leafy greens or grass to the cow every Wednesday to strengthen Mercury, which can speed up the process of marriage.
