There are many people who believe that Indians or Hindus worship cows or consider them gods. This misconception leads to a lot of confusion and, unfortunately, misinformation. What some call “worship” is not worship in the traditional sense.
The more I hear so-called experts discussing topics they barely understand, the more I notice the spread of misinformation. Take, for example, the viral professor Jordan Peterson. In one of his lectures on Hinduism, he made several inaccurate statements that even a child in India with basic knowledge of Hindu culture could identify as incorrect.
This is what happens when someone without real experience claims to be an expert and begins teaching others. The same issue occurs with some religious teachers who pass on wrong information as facts, perpetuating these inaccuracies to their students.
I remember watching a video on YouTube many years ago from a madrasa in the UK. In it, a Pakistani-origin teacher told his students that Hindus worship cows, drink their urine, and even ride them. He mocked Hindu practices, spreading false information and sowing seeds of misunderstanding.
While writing this blog, I tried to find that video again but couldn’t locate it. Still, it serves as an example of how ignorance can lead to the spread of misinformation. This teacher, like many others, wrongly claims that Hindus worship cows.
For those who do not know why cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, this blog will provide some clarity.
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You might wonder, “Why do Hindus worship the cow?” or “Is there a cow god in Hinduism?” These questions often arise due to misconceptions.
In Hinduism, cows are highly respected because of their significant role in Indian life. Their contributions to food, agriculture, medicine, and even fuel are immense. Cow’s milk is a staple in the Indian diet, used in products like curd, ghee, paneer, and simply as milk itself. In rural India, dried cow dung is a valuable source of fuel and is also used in building mud houses.
Additionally, cow urine is believed to have medicinal properties and, after filtration and dilution, is used in Ayurveda as a remedy. Cow dung is also a natural fertilizer in Indian agriculture. Given these benefits, it’s no surprise that cows are held in high regard by ancient Indians.
Cows are also mentioned in many Hindu scriptures and are associated with deities like Krishna, further elevating their status in Hindu culture. Because of their importance, cows are integral to various Hindu rituals and festivals.
For example, during the Indian festival of Pongal, cows are washed, decorated with paint, clothes, and jewelry, and given food to honor their contribution to agriculture. In many Hindu rituals, offering food to cows is a necessary step before anyone else can eat.
This respect is not worship in the religious sense but rather a deep appreciation for their role in daily life. However, this respect is often misinterpreted by those who are unfamiliar with such customs.
For some, the level of care and reverence shown to cows may seem like worship, especially if their own cultural or religious practices do not include similar expressions of respect toward animals. In Hinduism and other Dharmic faiths, this reverence is rooted in love and gratitude, not in the belief that cows are deities.
Conclusion
So, do Hindus worship cows? The answer is no. While cows are highly respected and play an important role in various rituals and traditions, they are not worshiped as gods. The reverence shown to them is a reflection of their immense value in Hindu culture.
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