‘Gau Daan’, or the gifting of a cow to a
Brahmin, is one of the many ancient rituals of our ancestors
that are steeped in philosophy. The Sanskrit word ‘Go’ has
various meanings. Some of them are: ‘source of food’, ‘symbol of
life’ and ‘senses’. The term ‘daan’ means ‘gift’. The expression
‘Gau daan’ therefore means ‘the gift of a cow’.ow urine or Goumutra is considered
sacred in Hindu mythology. It is used for various proposes for
its madicenal values. It is said that urine, being sold for 30p
a bottle, can be used for ailments ranging from liver disease to
obesity and even cancer.'Gau' means cow and 'Daan' means
donation.
Cow has a great importance in Hindu religion.
Since ancient times cows have been donated by kings and other
people to Braahman and others. Although it can be donated any
time, but it is believed that at least one cow must be donated
in one man’s life time.The benefits of donating a cow are simply
endless. There is no other donation comparable to donation of a
cow in this world. It helps in making a person pure and helps
him in attaining the highest state of eternal bliss. It is said
that the Sun, Moon, Varuna, Agni, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva salute
the person who donates cow benevolently. Purpose of Cow
donation:
1. Paap Dhenu Gau Daan: to get rid off sins.
2. Karj Mukti Dhenu Gau Daan: freedom from debts
3. Moksha Dhenu Gau Daan: for Moksha (enlightenment)
4. Prayaschit Dhenu Gau Daan: for seeking forgiveness
5. Vaitarni Dhenu Gau Daan: Cow donation during the last days of
a person's life for Moksha.
Manu-Smrti.IV.39
" Let him [ householder ] pass by (a mound of) earth, a
cow, an idol, a Brahmana, clarified butter, honey, a crossway,
and well-known trees, turning his right hand towards them.
"
This is placed on the heads of children
possessed of evil spirits. When the demoness Putana tried to
poison the young Krishna, Yasoda waved a cow-taiil over him to
guard him from her; whilst Nanda placed dried powdered cow-dung
on his head."
" The 5 products of the cow, milk, curds,
ghee, urine and dung are all used in purificatory ceremonies,
and cow-dung is `worshipped as an emblem of the discus of
Vishnu, as is the yellow pigment of the cow'."
Cow Donation or Gau Daan
to a Brahmin
500$
