Protect Cows… Protect our Civilization
Srila Prabhupada writes:
“The human society should recognize the importance of the cow and the bull and thus give all protection to these important animals.”
Mother Cow & Father Bull: Pillars of Vedic Civilization
In Vedic tradition, the cow is revered as a mother and the bull as a father. Just as a child nourishes himself on his mother's milk, human society thrives on the cow’s milk. Similarly, the bull tills the land, enabling food production, just as a father earns to sustain his family. To kill cows, therefore, is to destroy the foundation of human civilization.
The Decline of Civilization
A civilized human is expected to protect cows and bulls. However, modern society is rapidly drifting into ignorance by neglecting these sacred duties.
The Rig Veda (9.46.4) states:
“Gobhih prinita matsaram”
– One who desires to kill the cow is in the grossest ignorance.
Rather than killing cows for flesh, civilized society should thrive on milk and agricultural products, which sustain both body and mind.
Pancha-Gavya: The Five Gifts of the Cow
According to Srimad Bhagavatam, the cow provides five sacred and purifying substances:
- Milk – nourishes the brain’s subtle tissues, aiding in spiritual understanding.
- Yogurt – treats digestive disorders caused by milk overuse.
- Ghee – essential in yajnas and cooking.
- Cow dung – antiseptic, purifying, and used as eco-friendly fuel.
- Cow urine – medicinal and purifying—even used in deity worship.
Krishna – The Protector of Cows
Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad-gita (18.44), identifies go-raksha (cow protection) as one of the primary duties of the Vaishya community:
“Krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam vaisya-karma svabhava-jam”
Five thousand years ago, during Krishna’s manifest pastimes, there was abundance of milk, curd, and ghee. During festivals, cowherd men would joyfully sprinkle these on each other.
Krishna Himself is glorified as:
“Go-brahmana-hitaya ca”
– The well-wisher of cows and Brahmanas.
In Goloka Vrindavana, Krishna lovingly tends to the surabhi cows amidst forests of wish-fulfilling trees, as described in the Brahma Samhita.
Scriptural Glorification of Cow Service
“One who feeds the cow daily with water and grass receives the merit of performing an Ashwamedha yajna.”
– Brhat Parasara Samhita
Vedic texts reveal that all the demigods reside within the body of the cow, thus justifying her worship in Hindu dharma.
Join us in protecting cows—preserve dharma, promote sustainability, and honor the Vedic way of life.
