Holy Cow

As Gaby was busy talking to Ganesha and the tourists and making sure he remains mister goody two shoes, I was observing the cow being pampered. She stood in a shelter by the temple and a feisty old lady kept feeding her grass. Passers by would stop, touch her face and then touch their eyes to bless themselves.

cow blessing

It may seem that in the more recent Hindu times, the cow became considered more and more of a sacred animal and killing it became prohibited in most regions of India. This was not the case in old Vedic times. Although reverence of the cow appears in all Vedic scriptures, it was used for offering sacrifices and most possibly for food as well.

In India, the cow is considered a symbol of wealth and abundance and even Rama received a dowry of cows when marrying Sita. It is the mother of the world as it takes so little and gives so much. Its milk is used for children to grow, its burning dung to repel mosquitoes as well as a soil fertilizer. Did you know that Psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms) grow naturally from this animal's excrements? Wouldn't that be good enough reason to worship a cow? Hmmm maybe a cow pet?

Well, here is a bit of reality to the romantic idea of being nice to animals in India. Today, killing of cattle is allowed in fourteen Indian states but requires a slaughter certificate which depends on age of cattle or economic viability (so much for unconditional love!), it is banned in six states while no restrictions are in four of the states. Despite laws against slaughter, some illegal slaughter-houses operate in some areas, a trstimony to the universal corrupt human nature.

As we strolled back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding, I clicked a few photos. Indian people are pleasant. They love getting their photos taken and are great posers. Their smiles are infectious.

friendly strangers

great poser even under the rain