May 23, 2015
The truly holy Holy Cow
Rajasthan's Pathmeda Godham: peace, love and trust among beings.
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The Hindu's loving rapport with the Holy Cow remains a mystery to most of the world. at best—or an embarrassing subject at worst.
To shed light over this perennial question, two Hinduism Today editors and star reporter Rajiv Malik's daughter, Palak, pilgrimaged deep into Rajasthan to witness a giant festival honoring the Indian cow. It would be huge indeed, extraordinary and inspiring, they were told. But what they found there was beyond all expectations.
In her "Blessed Bovine..." article (April-May-June 2015, current issue) Palak describes her astonishment at finding a community entirely dedicated to sheltering, honoring, pampering and revering an astounding 200,000 cows, bulls and calves—all blissfully organized in one sweeping, uncrowded complex of pastures, corrals and buildings. Even more impressive than the sheer size of the place was the abundance of loving care and attention given to each of the animals, there.
The Desi or Indian cow is an entirely different breed, the article explains. They are extremely gentle and docile and their milk, the community residents say, is uniquely valuable for its health-giving and spirit-enhancing properties. The milk and products derived from it also provide for the sustenance of Pathmeda Godham and contribute significantly to the economy of the surrounding area. Thus, the animals give back generously.
They give back in another way, also. You could say they bless their caretakers who, in giving so much to the sweet beasts, find themselves uplifted. Together with the cows, bulls and calves, they create, day to day, a heavenly atmosphere where they feel blessed and enjoy a purposeful life.
As a prelude to reading the article, we suggest you browse through these Pathmeda Godham photos. They capture the whole spirit of the place, its people and their love and reverence for the Desi cow. They will leave you smiling. Among those photos and the article lies the heart of Hinduism, its finest expression.
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