Cows are sacred in India primarily due to their deep religious, cultural, and economic significance rooted in Hinduism. They symbolize wealth, strength, fertility, and motherly love. The cow is seen as the earthly representation of the divine and nourishing Mother Goddess, embodying selfless giving as it provides milk, dung, and other resources without expecting anything in return. Hindu mythology frequently associates cows with important deities like Lord Krishna, who is known as the protector of cows, and Kamadhenu, the mythical "cow of plenty," symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The sacredness also has spiritual aspects: cows represent the earth and its bountiful resources, and reverence toward cows is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and spiritual liberation. Ancient texts and practices also advocate non-violence (Ahimsa) toward animals, making cows symbols of compassion and non-violence. This veneration has been reflected historically and culturally with legal protections in many Indian states against cow slaughter. Overall, the cow in India is a powerful symbol of life, sustenance, religious purity, and economic livelihood, which is why it holds a central and sacred place in Indian society and Hindu tradition.
