Abstract :

The Cow (Gau) Occupies A Revered And Multifaceted Position In Sanskrit Literature, Serving Not Only As A Symbol Of Material Sustenance But Also As A Profound Emblem Of Spiritual, Ethical, And Cultural Values. This Study Critically Explores The Representation Of The Cow Across A Wide Spectrum Of Sanskrit Texts, Including The Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Epics, Puranas, And Dharmashastras, To Trace Its Evolution From A Domesticated Animal To A Sacred And Moral Entity. In The Vedic Corpus, The Cow Is Venerated As A Source Of Wealth And Nourishment, Described As Aghnya (not To Be Killed), Embodying The Principles Of Dharma And Ahimsa. In Later Literature, Particularly The Epics And Puranas, The Cow Assumes Divine Qualities, Becoming Associated With Deities Like Kamadhenu, Surabhi, And Gauri, And Is Often Depicted As The Mother Of All Beings (Gau-Mata). The Dharmashastras, Meanwhile, Codify Its Protection As A Moral Duty Of Rulers And Citizens Alike. This Paper Critically Examines The Ethical Foundations, Symbolic Roles, And Socio-religious Significance Of The Cow Within These Texts, While Also Contextualizing Its Enduring Influence In Indian Tradition And Public Consciousness. Through A Scholarly Lens, The Study Highlights How Sanskrit Literature Not Only Preserves But Also Elevates The Cow As A Vehicle Of Dharma, A Guardian Of Prosperity, And A Reflection Of The Sacred Interconnectedness Between Nature, Society, And The Divine. Keywords: Dharmashastras, Sanskrit Literature, (Gau-Mata).

Published:

10-6-2025

Issue:

Vol. 25 No. 6 (2025)

Page Nos:

1035-1039

Section:

Articles

License:

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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