Bovine Conservatory: ‘Kamdhenu’
In the Vedic culture of India, ‘Kamdhenu’ refers to the wish cow. It was a miraculous cow of plenty who could give her owner whatever was desired. Metaphorically it is true since cow is symbolic of abundance. There are various usages of cow products namely, milk, urine and dung.
Panchgavya is an ancient Indian therapeutic practice in which the “five products” of a cow are used.
- Milk:
Since Vedic times, cow’s milk is considered to promote Sattvic (purifying) qualities in man.
- Clarified butter:
Clarified butter from the milk of a cow is healthy and hygienic to eat or prepare food. It is even used in various religious ceremonies and Vedic rituals like Ygya.
- Curd or Yogurt:
In India, it is common practice to finish any meal with curd or buttermilk, which is supposed to be good for health and also aids digestion.
- Dung:
The burning of cow dung creates an insecticide to repel mosquitoes and ash formed from cow dung can be used as a fertilizer. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicines as antiseptic and blood purifier.
- Urine:
It is distilled for Ayurvedic medicinal purposes and is termed as ‘Gaytri Rasaayan’.
Considering these medicinal benefits, cow is considered sacred among Hindus. Moreover, in Indian scriptures, Lord Krishna is often described as Bala Gopala, “the child who protects cows” and Govinda, “one who brings satisfaction to cows.”
For the well being of the contemporary modern society, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan is reviving knowledge of the past by initiating a movement called “Kamdhenu”. Under this movement, cow shelters are created. Cows are taken care of in these shelters and Panchgavya are prepared with the synthesis of modern technology and the ancient wisdoms and methods of Ayurveda.