The holy cow of India: a guardian angel in the middle of road traffic!
The holy cow of India: a guardian angel in the middle of road traffic!
Lienz, Österreich - In India, the cow is of particular importance. It is considered sacred and is revered by about 80 % of the population, especially Hindus. This can be seen in daily reality, where cows can be found everywhere and at any time. According to dolomitenstadt.at they are not eaten but fed and respected. The author tells of an impressive encounter with a cow that helped her cross a busy road. This cow acted as a "leading animal" and calmed down the traffic around it.
In Hinduism, the cow is viewed as a nourishing animal mother and symbol for care. The author describes how she felt protected by the presence of the cow. As you cross the street, traffic slows down and it reflects on the serenity of the cow, in contrast to her own impatience. This peaceful coexistence of humans and animals is a central topic in Indian culture.
myth and reality of the sacred cow
cows in India are not only holy, but also an essential part of the everyday life of the Hindus. The Sanskrit name "Aghnya" means "the untouchable" and the slaughter of cows is considered a serious offense. In 22 out of 28 states it is forbidden to slaughter cows, which is underlined by the holiness that is awarded to them, as indienhute.de reports.
Although India is the largest producer of milk worldwide, cows often face challenges. Many of them strip freely around and feed on waste, which can cause conflicts with agriculture. While the demand for dairy products is increasing annually, male calves that are not required for milk production are often used or sold as work animals.
cultural and social aspects
The importance of the cow in Indian culture is also illustrated by religious figures such as Lord Krishna and Nandi, the Bullen, the Lord Shiva. Kamadhenu, the cow goddess, is worshiped and fulfilled as the mother of all cows. This shows how deeply rooted the worship of the cows in the spirituality of the Hindus, which Irenein-indien.com .
The topic of the Holy Kuh has also accepted political dimensions in recent years. Under the BJP government, illegal slaughterings were severely restricted, and the discussion about the Holy Kuh is partly regarded as part of an anti-Muslim movement or voter strategy. These tensions lead to an increase in conflicts and lynch murders that are directed against supposed butchers and beef eaters.
The diverse aspects around the cow in India - from their sacred status to the challenges in today's life - are deeply rooted in culture and reflect the complex relationships between humans and animals. The author also plans to share her experiences in a reading on April 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lienz city library, admission is free.
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| Ort | Lienz, Österreich |
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