Opinion

Sacred Cow, Wounded Faith: The attack on Gau Mata and Hindu sentiments

The sacred cow, revered as Gau Mata in Hindu tradition, stands as a symbol of nurturing and divine grace. However, recent distressing incidents, including the brutal attack on cows in Chamarajpete, Karnataka, have struck at the heart of Hindu sentiments

Published by
Dr H S Prema

Once a foreigner had asked Swami Vivekananda to suggest the scared milk of an animal to drink. Swamiji replied ”Buffalo”. The foreigner was surprised by Swamiji’s answer and asked, “You Hindus revere cows as scared but you are telling Bufflow milk.” Swamiji replied smilingly, “You asked for animal milk but for us cow is not an animal, she is our mother”.  Swamiji’s answer speaks of the sacred relationship we Hindus have with cows.

Vedic scriptures say that cows are Aghnya and cannot be injured or killed. Atharva Veda goes to the extent that the death penalty can be imposed on who kills or injures a cow. Bhagavad Geetha says that cows are never to be sacrificed they are to be given as gifts to worthy Brahmanas. Gau Dana helps to overcome the calamity the person encounters. Hindus make it a point that Gau Dana is given while performing after-death samskars by their children. Chadogyopanishad describes cows are universal benefactors. Scriptures in Sanathana Dharma describe the benefactor efforts of cows to humanity. The benefits of rearing cows are not restricted only to Hindus it is to all mankind irrespective of Dharma and religion.

For Hindus, the cow is not just an animal or a commodity that fetches money. The cow is worshiped as a sacred animal that houses three crore Devi and Devthas. The cow is considered a mother so, she is called Gau Mata. No animal in Hindu society is revered as a cow. Our day starts with touching a cow and taking its blessing. In all festivals after giving Naivedyam to God, the prasada is offered to cows. Every Hindu is emotionally bonded with cows and if any cow is inflicted with pain a Hindu feels the same pain in him.

The recent incident of severing cows’ udder in Chamarajpete raises hundreds of doubts in our minds. Hindus, forget about eating cow’s meat, they can’t even imagine cutting a cow into pieces. When the whole world knows how cows are sacred to us, that these thugs of Chamarajapete don’t know about this? Who were once Hindus and have been living with us are not sensitive to our feelings? Will anybody who has even a little common sense believe that the severing of cows’ udder is an accident by an intoxicated man? The date chosen to hurt cows falls on Shakranthy time when cows are decored and worshiped. Was this heinous act done to hurt the Hindu Asmitha?

When enquired about the owner of these cows, Hindu Sangatanas and animal lover groups have unfolded the story that has been going on since February 29, 2024. The veterinary hospital built on two acres of land was donated by a Hindu doner. Locals were making the best use of the hospital to get treatment for their pets. Now the present government through its order has passed the land to a minority community to build a hostel. The reason given by the government is that veterinary hospital is not utilized properly as people rearing animals are less and the place is not used fully by the public. Hence, it is handed over to the minority girls’ hostel. The copy has been sent to the Waqf Board (a private organisation)

Locals feel the challenge of carrying sick cows and other animals to Shivajinar as it is far from Chamrajapete. Locals objected to this government order and went on a protest and filed a complaint in court. The court gave a stay order, and the status quo is maintained. The trouble and the agony of animal lovers started from here.

While going on a protest the protesters have taken cows along with them. It was surprising the same cows suffered from injuries several times. Once an iron rod was shoved inside the anus of the cows. 2- The owner of the cows was repeatedly harassed by the neighborhood madras. 3 – the udder of the cows severed and were left mercilessly in a pool of blood. Innocent cows were injured for personal gains from some sect of society. A man can enjoy hurting innocent animals only when he becomes a beast.

Can anyone imagine the pain that cows are undergoing now? How can it be possible for a human being to be so cruel? It is not for the time that cows are injured by goons. Ask Puneeth Kerehalli, a Karyakartha says that he has saved hundreds of cows that were severely attacked by one particular community. Hindu Maths across India rearing native cows were also attacked physically and emotionally through fabricated allegations against math heads. If one observes the whole scenario questions arise, is attacking cows accidental or delibration? The government should conduct an unbiased inquiry and must punish the culprit as per law.

Now, will the peace-loving community that believes in pronouncing ‘an eye for an eye’ tell the government to apply the same Sharaia law to these miscreants? But Hindus believe in Prarabdhakarma. What bad is done today the same will be inflicted on the same person by God himself. Finally, all Hindus are waiting for justice for the Gau Mata and Hindu Asmita.

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