In Hinduism, the cow is seen as a sacred and revered animal. They are respected for their gentle and giving nature. It is seen as a divine and maternal figure, providing life sustaining milk and representing the bounty of Earth. Along with all this, the cow represents all other creatures on Earth. Therefore, by respecting the cow, one can also respect all other animals on Earth. And by respecting every animal on Earth, humans can learn to respect one another and treat everyone as equals. Once that is achieved, peace on Earth will finally be capable.
The love of the cow stems from its overall usefulness to all living creatures. Every part of the cow can be used in one way or another. The body for food, the bones for broth, the milk as a drink, and even the feces as a way to fertilize the Earth around it. Every aspect of the cow gives back to the community. The respect for all cows is a major reason as to why most Hindus refrain from eating beef. Even Mahatma Gandhi spoke about cows, saying, “One can measure the greatness of a nation and its moral progress by the way it treats its animals. Cow protection to me is not mere protection of the cow. It means protection of all that lives and is helpless and weak in the world. The cow means the entire subhuman world.” The treatment of the cow is a direct reflection of the state of the person. If someone were to allow a cow to become sick, then that person must be sick themselves to allow that to happen to the sacred animal.
At Gopashtami festivals, cows are decorated with paints and garlands. Postcard News states, “Gopashtami is the 8th day after Deepavali. It is the day when the Divine Kamadhenu appeared. It is also the day when Sri Krishna was elevated to a cowherd to look after the cows that His father Nanda had. Till then He was only allowed to look after the calves.” During celebrations of the Divine, cows are paid special attention. Although they are well cared for year-round.
Establishments known as Gaushalas house and look after elderly and otherwise sickly or incapable cows all around India. The institutes are kept operational by charities, and with over 3,000 establishments whose soul purposes are to care for the cows, the funding is quite high. Sadly, government run Gaushalas have been running out of space. This means that they have been forced to turn away stray cattle in need of help. With the slaughtering of cows being illegal in states all around India, the population of stray cows has boosted within the past few years. This is why they can be spotted roaming all around India, even in the busiest of places.
The cow symbolizes the central virtue of Hinduism; non-injury. They are gentle animals, pacifists, just like the Hindus strive to be. The cow is docile and tolerant, and can endure many trials with its patient nature. If man can be like the cow, then man too can overcome any issue without having to resort to violence.