The Vedic Cow.

Tags: Arched Back, Brahman Cow, Cow Dung, Cow Urine, Dewlap, Hindu Cow, Horns,Indigenous Cow, Modern Cow, Prominent Hump, Scriptural Description, Vedic Cow

Hare Krsna!

Here I am going to discuss what the Vedic cow is and its description in Vedic scriptures. Vedic scriptures give specific descriptions of cow and the anatomy and we will see how it fits perfectly with cows in some parts of world esp. Indian subcontinent, Africa, south America etc and how most of cross breeds like Jersey, Brown Swiss, Holstein, Belgian Blue etc. doesn’t match the Vedic scriptural description.

I am aware that in western countries vedic cows are not easily available. But I request all to please read following points with open mind. There is always some discussion on cow urine of Indian (I would call it vedic) breeds and non vedic (which we call western) breeds. I am not making following statements as I am from India and neither because I hate western things. There is no prejudice on my side and I hope there should not be prejudice on the readers’ side as well. Let’s discuss analytically. But reasons and logic are mentioned and I request all open-minded readers to go through the article even though it is a bit long.

Of course this distinction does not at all, ordain or permit the slaughter of non-vedic cows. We have to be non violent towards all living entities. But Vedic cows have to be specifically protected. So although it is our duty to protect every species of life, we have to understand that according to the sastras, very specific species are considered auspicious and worshipable.

In Vedic scriptures cows are called as mothers and their products are called amruta i.e. nectar or elixirs. But today the scientists call milk as white poison. What may be the reason for this? I am not trying to break hearts of those who have cared for Jersey, Holstein, Brown Swiss and other such breeds of cow like species but then I cannot also restrain myself from speaking based on Vedic scriptures. Again, my only request to all is, please read complete post and then make an opinion and comment.

Scriptural References of Cow’s Anatomy:

I would say that in Vedic description time and again cow’s hump on back and dewlap i.e. thick prominent fold of skin below the neck is mentioned. I will also point out other differences. Then the decision is of readers. I quote here from Mahabharat anushasna parva section 79 Bhisma says as follows – By giving away a bull with a high hump and adorned with every jewel, the giver, O king, attains to the region of the Maruts.

Also in Ananda vrndavan champu in Govardhan lila it is described as follows – The cows sheltered their calves under the blankets of loose skin on their necks. In fear of the slashing rainwater, the cows kept their eyes almost closed. When the rain hit the horns of the bulls it bounced off and landed on their fatty humps. Breaking into small pearl like drops it then rolled down their broad muscular backs.

There are many other scriptural references where there are specific words for horns, hump and dewlap. Also I will discuss the importance and affects of presence of these various organs in cow which are found only in Vedic cows. I will also discuss about the difference between Vedic cow and non Vedic ones in terms of properties of their urine and dung.

So here I am going to point out few differences in anatomy of vedic and non vedic breeds. The significance of these differences.

Vedic Knowledge v/s Modern Knowledge:

Before that I am making one logical point. The sages in vedic India which dates many hundreds or even few thousands of years back were intelligent and had advanced spiritual and material knowledge. We may say that they did not manufacture laptops. But then the memory power was so strong that they did not required laptops. Like we remember Quresha disciple of ramanujacharya memorising whole book in few nights. If you had heard Shakuntala devi of India a genius mathematician who can do calculations faster than calculator. If most of populations had this capacity then why do they need to discover calculators?

In vedic times excellent steel was made. For eg the steel of Ashok stambha in New Delhi is still a technological wonder. The steel column is standing right exposed to all atmosphere for past 1200 years and still no rust has come on it. So the steel was made in vedic past. It was used for weapons but not for cooking pots. So it would do good to us to try to understand the decisions of vedic sages rather than trying to justify or not justify our recent actions based on modern science. Now we are hearing that even steel is carcinogenic etc.

Other bovine species in India also not considered Vedic cow:

Similarly there are many species in India which are very similar to Go mata (mother cow) but are not classified as go mata. For e.g. there is neel gaya. There is yak called chamari etc. The vedic sages studied in depth and based on it few species were given priority and few were not. Few metals were given priority and few were not. Also the knowledge came down in parampara.

Spread of non local species in the last few centuries:

Of all the famous non vedic breeds like jercy, browm swiss, Belgium blue etc were taken all around the world only in last 2-3 centuries. If you see same things apply to most of vegetables which were not used in vedic india. Almost all of these vegetables originated in chile, peru, etc regions of south America and were spread all over world in last 2-3 centuries. This is well known historic fact. If we observe these vegatables require maximum amount of pesticides to be used on them for cultivation. So my point is if the items is so riddled with pests that so much pesticides are required then how it can make us healthy after we eat it. The quality will be passed to us.

Most of traditional Indian vegatables can be grown with minimal or with natural pesticides. In India we hardly see karela(bitter guard), muli(raddish), bhopla(pumpkin) having any insects inside. They require very less chemical pesticides to grow. So such vegetables which are healthy themselves and so can give health to us were given priority. Making this point I come to point of cows.

How the discussion began:

Similarly the cows go mata, the respect of mother was given to cows of vedic breeds which had distinguished hump and dewlap. These are prominent distinguishing features. I am not against Belgium or swiss cows. If they fit the description of cows in Vedas which mention hump and dewlap (fold of skin below neck) then I have no problem. I am here discussing the anatomy.

Such cows and come from any part of world. But they should fit the vedic description. Also about few simple differences more than those mentioned above. These differences were pointed to me by ISKCON gosevaks of Europe with whom I was having non biased healthy discussion. One is Mohan prabhu of Slovenia. When we both were at our temple’s wada farm where we have vedic cows we were discussing this topic.

Below are a few points that came up.

Above: A vedic cow (hump).

Below: A modern cow (hump).

• We see prominent hump in all vedic cows. We see in all modern species the hump is practically absent. The hump in Vedic cows has a specific vein called surya ketu nadi which is absent in non Vedic ones. This nadi (vein) absorbs all the energies and radiations from sun, moon and all luminaries from universe and puts them in cow products like milk, urine, dung, ghee (clarified butter) etc. In cow products of non Vedic species this divine effect of surya ketu nadi is absent.

Above: A vedic cow (Dewlap).

Below: A modern cow (Dewlap).

• Dewlap is a prominent specific fold of skin below neck which is prominently present in Vedic cows as seen in photos above. This dewlap gives immunity power to cow and cow products.

• Rounded back – The back of Vedic cows in nicely rounded where as those of non Vedic once in mostly sharp angular.

• Cow urine – It is described in scriptures that in cow urine Ganga is present. As Ganges water never gets bad similarly urine of Vedic cow will never get bad. All readers can try it. I have done it. I urine of Vedic cows and non Vedic cows is filled in clean glass bottles and kept then the urine of Vedic cows is never spoiled or rots. But the urine of non Vedic variety without hump and dewlap gets rotten after few days. So Ganga is not present in urine of non Vedic cows. So it is not cow urine as per reverse logic.

Above: Vedic cowdung.

Below: Vedic bulls.

• Cow dung – Cow dung of Vedic cows have following few properties which is not present in non Vedic variety. Dung of Vedic cows in normal condition of health is of solid consistency. It is always covered by thin membrane. It always has a pleasing odour. Dung of non Vedic species is of liquid consistency. It generally flows from cow. It can’t maintain its shape like dung of Vedic cows. It doesn’t have a membrane covering as the dung of Vedic cows. Dung of non Vedic cows has repulsive odour. As we see in photo the dung of Vedic cow has solid consistency and so can be picked in hand and as seen it has a membrane covering over the dung.

Our Hiten Prabhu who had been visiting Prabhupada Manor since his childhood told me that he had seen always the stool of cows there flowing liquid as if from tap. The harmful dysentery causing bacteria is present in dung of non vedic cows and it can be seen in its stool by consistency. I know in few places the dung of non vedic cows is also solid in consistency. But then the second test. The odour of the dung is repulsive as compared to that of vedic cow. This was brought to my notice by HG Mohan prabhu who had served non vedic cows for few years. Its only vedic cows of all 84 lakh species whose dung doesn’t smell bad. In fact you can hold it in your hand and the odour is pleasing. Then comes the 3^rd point. The dung of vedic cows is always covered by a membrane like covering. This helps is medicinal properties and many other point which if mentioned will make the already lengthy post lengthier.

• Prominent Forehead – The Vedic cows have prominent forehead of round shape. The non Vedic once have flat or almost flat forehead.

• Facial appearance – There is serenity on face of vedic cows which is absent in those of non vedic variety. See photos above.

Finally:

Someone with non vedic breeds can do this and report to us. Take one litre of cow urine and keep it in clean bottle. Let is remain for a year. Just tell me the observation. At least the cow urine of vedic cow never gets spoiled even if kept for more than 1 year. This I have tried.

Also I would like to point out another historical fact that what we call jercy, swiss, belgium cows were spread all over Europe and America in just last 200 years from their places of origin. The cows were raised in west for beef and milk. The vedic knowledge gives in detail knowledge of cow and its every part while protecting it. The cow’s protection history of Indian sub continent dates to many thousands of years.

Can we compare the knowledge and experience of the two? Just because now we are devotees of Krsna shall we claim that we know most about cow protection and we don;t need to refer to the scriptures that are the real reference of our life philosophy? Why should we neglect the knowledge left to us by vedic sages since thousands of years just because we circumstantially don’t have access to vedic cows? Will that be considered as ‘the proper following of the scriptures’ for an aspiring devotee of the Lord?

Racism amongst cows

When there is any discussion on vedic (indigenous breeds) and non-vedic breeds some tend to say this is racism amongst cows. Here I would like to say few points. First there is always and will always be differences in bodies and species and entities. Even in ordinary dealings we tend to go to experts for work in that field. So if we want to remove racism amongst cows, then we should be okay to go to any person for any work or else it will be racism.

This differentiation is not racism but a practical science. As many of readers will be devotees of Sri Krsna I would like to point out here that even Sri Krsna and his parents Nanda and Yasoda made this practical differentiation. We have heard that nanda maharaj had 9 lakh cows. Amongst them 1000 were very special. They were given special soft grass to eat. Their milk was pure ambrosia and nectar. The milk from these 1000 cows was given to 100 very special cows. Then the milk from these 100 special cows was fed to 10 very very special cows. Then one cow was extremely special called padma gandha i.e. whose fragrance was like that of lotus flower. This one very very very special cow was fed milk from 10 special once last mentioned. Then the milk from this one special cow was used to be given to sri Krsna.

So here we see differentiation being made amongst cows all for practical vedic purposes. So making differences between Vedic cows and non vedic once is not racism but rather coming to accept reality.

I want to say again that, I am aware that in western countries vedic cows are not easily available. I have not made above statements as I am from India and neither because I hate western things. There is no prejudice on my side and I hope there should not be prejudice on other side as well. Let’s discuss analytically.

The sages of vedic India had taught above points only after realising these facts. There are many details to this topic which will appear in other posts.

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Cow Protection And Krishna Consciousness » Blog Archive » Mata Sarva Devanam Said On 25-05-2010
	[...] The main pran (living force) for all living entities are received from Mother cow (Vedic cow - http://mgdas.com/2010/04/vedic-cow/). Vedic cow was mother of all entities in past, present and will be in future. Mother is one who [...]

Cow Protection And Krishna Consciousness » Blog Archive » Serving Cows As Sadhana Bhakti Said On 26-05-2010
	[...] see that glories of holy cow ( http://mgdas.com/2010/04/vedic-cow/ ) are sung in all the puranas and vedic scriptures. This is because of its role in spiritual [...]

Hanuman Prasad Das Said On 04-06-2010

Hari Bol, Dandavat . I like this concept of Vedic cows instead of Indian cows. I read the article about the description and very pleased to know that African ( atleast in Uganda)cows are Vedic cows . My Love towards this cow really increased. initially i was little bit confused about Indian & western cow concept, but after hearing your lecture & reading this article things are very much clear. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information to all of us hare Krishna

Dr.Balkrishna.N.Dave Said On 30-06-2010

Vedic Age- A lot of information is available on keeping of animals in Vedic Age in the Rigved,which is the oldest holy book of Aryans.In Rigved ,animals were considered as wealth.Aryans maintained their cattle on pastures, which were near to their dwellings.The cow has been defined as Aghanya, ie not to be killed, indicating of sesame after extraction of oil were used for feeding of animals. Ancient India considered that whole cow family or gau vansh” was essential for existence of humanity, its protection, nurishment ,development and culture.

Madan Gopal Das Said On 01-07-2010
	Thank you. Can you share with us some information or where we can get the concerned chapters of rigveda. YS Madan Gopal das

Dr.Balkrishna.N.Dave Said On 02-07-2010

Madandasji, I have some collection of articles written by R.Somvanshi, e-mail -somvanshi@ivri.up.nic.in The vedic cow written by u gave more interesting,and other contents too.My basically suggestion to u to uplift our Indian indigenous Cow , because the condition of these breeds is decresing in population,and more attension is towards Buffaloes to Dairy and milk purpose.The Lord Krishna was in the Rigved time and indus velly civilization in Gujarat, So at Dwarka was a capital of that time.The Cow which was in Lord Krishna “s herd is assuming the Gujarat Cow ,either Gir, or Kankrej or Rathi of Rajasthan. please look in details to find out the Padma breed which was pure breed at that time.l My heartly thanks for appreciating me. Dr.Dave

Madan Gopal Das Said On 03-07-2010
	Thanks for the letter. Padma breed are those from whose body, milk, dung and urine a fragrance similar to that of lotus comes. Padma cows have to be searched keeping this in mind. They have to be searched. We have to be always on lookout for them when moving amongst cows and if Krsna’s mercy is there we will find them. Madan Gopal das

Dr.Balkrishna.N.Dave Said On 21-07-2010

I am again thanks to clarify on Vedic/non Vedic Cow , but intension for to save cow either in India/abroad we still following what Gita says and the religion point Hindu stands for non violance movement based on Vedas scripts. So massages to readers need the awareness for Cow -products should use maximum in driks,fooods,and seeits as ingrediients and be healthy and creative due to Cow blessed mankind since her avtar on Earth with Lord Krishna,King Dilip and ur Mahapradaji born to save Cow.

Devi Said On 13-10-2010
	this above information is very useful. i came to know lot of information from the above article. thank you

Ramesh Gehi Said On 20-11-2010

Hare Krishna. Jai Shree Radhe. I would like to get Pure Cow Ghee Ghrita & Pure Gorochan. Is it available at the ISKCON Temple in Juhu, Mumbai. Please help. Thanks. Ans – I was not going to answer this as I don’t want to just increase sales at our temple stall but more people to make cow ghee. Still I thought may be this will help some one. Yes pure ghruta as per Vedic standard is available in Sri radha Gopinath mandir temple stall, Girgaum chowpatty, Mumbai – 7. It will be priced more than Rs 900/kg at present rates i.e. Nov 2010. Any one selling ghruta below Rs 800/kg can’t do it without outside subsidization. It is available in Pune temple as well. Even Rs 900/kg is in loss. Its factual cost at present rates should be Rs 1200/kg with little profits for farmer etc.

Shyamkant Satpute Said On 02-12-2010
	Haribol, Madan Gopal Das has really compiled wonderful information regarding vedic cows. Mere asking the government to stop cow slaughter is not going to work. We need to form pressure group. So I wish all the Go-Bhakts to come together and work unitedly. Propogate the uses of Panchgavya to all where you gol like Bus, railways, office, garden. Serve cows to serve Lord Krishna.

Rahul Said On 22-03-2011

Dear Prabhu, Its a very interesting but little confusing. I think it would be better u give little more scientific descriptions of the breeds and how a vedic cow is different from others and why is non-vedic cow not sacred. Has Srila Prabhupada said anything in this regards? I think apart from hybrid, all authentic natural cow breeds should be considered holy, although the health benefits from different products of different breeds may differ. Ans – Thanks for writing. The points I have mentioned are completely scientific. Science means to know things as they are. What is usually meant by science (as you mention in your comment) is modern empirical science that relies heavily on evidence gathered from observations by our limited senses. My information may not be scientific in terms of modern science, the outcome of which has been trouble to society. I have mentioned about different types of stool odour, which is scientific. Another point about the presence of hump is scientific. This is anatomy and so scientific. Is anatomy and odour a part of science. What we study in chemical and biological labs. We study odour, forms etc. We should understand that Vedic science is simple, cheap and possible for everyone to check for himself without any need to rely on complex, costly and patented equipment as is the case with modern science. Such modern science which only few have access to is not science but means to cheat and manipulate. Even modern science say that these are two different species names Bos Indicus and Bos tarus. My points are scientific for those who understand Vedic science. If someone wants to learn modern science then one has to do it on their terms and conditions. Similarly if someone wants to understand Vedic science one has to understand it in its terms. An open-minded person will accept any science as long as it works and gives promised results. I do not want to prove my points based on modern science by which sometimes all the medical reports of a sick patient show normal conditions and still the patient is suffering. Why should we learn from modern science which has proved to be disastrously harmful in every aspect? I prefer to learn from scriptures which tells us about characteristics viz. the hump and dewlap of cows repeatedly. Modern scientists can give some other arguments and the discussion can go on endlessly. A sane man will not rely on those arguments but will learn from authoritative scriptures that have given us unfailing knowledge. You are free to think anything. But before commenting my question is have you carefully studied the glories of cows? Have you practiced to a some extent some seva to the cows? Have you any time gone to graze cows, seen their birth, death or nursed them. Have you taken cow urine, dung or any other of panchagavya for sustained time period to understand its effect so that you are saying I can think. This I can think has created confusion to one and all. I do not trust modern fallible knowledge going under the name of “science.” Srila Prabhupada has not said much in regards to the points that I have mentioned. In fact he did not much discriminate about this. If you want to know why I do so, write to me personally and I will answer. When we equate all types of cows as the same, it is equivalent to saying that all elephants are same except that a few have trunk, tail and tusk and others have. Animals which do not have trunk, tusk and tail may be black and big but are not elephants. Such animals although looking like an elephant is not be an elephant. Without a trunk and a tail, how can you have an elephant? If someone still wants to call them as elephants, he can do so. It is up to the individual about what he wants to call them but the differences are glaring. The choice is yours. You are free to think what ever you want. I say something because I have read it in authorized books and not my individual thinking. Vedic scriptures say that cows are holy and we can derive health benefits from holy cows. If we accept some animal as a cow and we do not derive any health benefits from it, it simply means that this animal is not to be accepted as a cow. I accept this and not what general uninformed people think. I would prefer to read and learn and in this way benefit from a science that has stood the test of time and not from something that has repeatedly proven to be harmful being motivated by selfishness and greed.

Robin Said On 26-09-2011

‘One of ways to advance spiritually is to chant holy names of Krsna while serving cows. If we can chant holy names of God while serving cows then it is supremely beneficial.’ Does this also hold for serving non-vedic western breeds? Ans – This being a very sensitive issue it not suitable that we discuss it at public forum where all points are not heard and personally explained. Other wise it can create more confusion and useless debate than some good result. For those who understand I can say I don’t want to discuss on what has happened or what is right or wrong. I am at point if something is better why not go for it. My points are very clear in my writings and further details are to be dealt on personal level in personal way. So you can write a mail to me or meet me personally.

Shyam Said On 22-10-2011

vedic just refers to a period of time in indian history so the name vedic cows is not proper these are breeds found in india even now they are foud though rarely. it is not nesesary only for a particular religious group it should not be given religious brands every person who wants to consume healthy cow {diary}products needs to go for indian breeds of cows may be mentioned in vedas Ans – Vedic knowledge is beyond time. The knowledge is true always. Modern historians have given some time period as Vedic and I am not referring to any time period. Vedic means as found is description in vedic scriptures. Vedic scriptures for those who understand it doesn’t brand themselves religiously. Vedic need not mean Hindu although modern people take it like that. In present times Vedic cows are called Indian. But that may change. Slowly in India may be because of excessive cross breeding Indian (vedic) cows number will dwindle as it is happening to some extent. Just like items like fruit salads are not traditionaly Indian but are now considered indian. But they will never become vedic. In today’s society Vedic cows and Indian cows are synonymous, but it may not be always.

Shyam Said On 22-10-2011
	i appreciate the writer for this rare information thank u

Dharmesh Said On 05-09-2012

Hare krishna Can u plz tell us from which yoni the mix breed cow has come from?Ihave heard that they are from pig yoni . Dharmesh Ans – No, I can’t. My specialty is not to study wrong things but to study and share the correct cows which are vedic cows which fit in description of word ‘Go’. Vedic cows produce panchagavya is panchamruta i.e. five nectars. I give my short time to study the glories of Vedic cows than to find the faults and defects of other species. But I can tell they (non vedic) cows don’t fit the description word ‘Go’ and milk, dung, urine, curd from non vedic cows are toxic and disease causing.

Dharmesh Said On 05-09-2012
	Hare krishna Thank u.can u plz tell me where can i get pure guaranteed desi. Ghee and ark Ans – contact Ghanshyam pr – 9726732139 –http://www.gomataseva.org/ Inform me if you don’t get them still.

Rajiv Mishra Said On 16-12-2012
	Thank you for the good work,let’s promote brotherhood and non-violence throughout the world. Cow and cow-products can feed the countless hungry millions of the world. Please contact me for any details or volunteer work. Rajiv Mishra organickranti at gmail Hari Bol.

Swapnil Said On 17-12-2012

Hare krishna The importance of desi cow is understood by brazil and USA. Thats why they have imported 4 indian cow breeds from indian in 1960′s and from them develop the special breed which they call them as ‘Brahman. This breed is develop from only india cow breeds and not any foreighn breed is involed in this development. As indian cows are suitable to leave in high temperature in many parts of USA they are shifting from other breeds to indian breeds Also In brazil they have indian breed cow call “Gir” from gujtat which is having record of giving highest amount of milk. In brazil maximum milk i.e 80% is come from Gir cows. On contrary we indians are moving towards Hf cows which are prodcing type A1 milk which is cause of many diseses.

Eva Said On 12-01-2013
	This is WONDERFUL info!! I never knew any of this. I especially like you point about the hump & nadi & the dewlap giving immunity & power to cows. Thank you so much for sharing this!!