[25] School Master, Ibrámpur, Ratnágiri. [↑]
[26] School Master, Adivare, Ratnágiri. [↑]
[27] School Master, Anjur, Thána. [↑]
CHAPTER IX.
ANIMAL WORSHIP.
The following animals, birds and insects are respected by the Hindus:—The cow, bullock, she-buffalo, horse, elephant, tiger, deer, mouse, goat, ants and alligators; and among the birds the following are held sacred:—Peacock, swan, eagle and kokil or cuckoo.
Of all the animals the cow is considered to be the most sacred by Hindus. It is generally worshipped daily in the morning for the whole year, or at least for the Cháturmás or four months beginning from the 11th day of the bright half of Ashádha to the 11th day of the bright half of the month of Kártika; and a special worship is offered to it in the evening on the 12th day of the dark half of Ashvin (October).
The cow is believed to be the abode of all the deities and rishis. It is compared with the earth in its sacredness, and it is considered that when it is pleased it is capable of giving everything required for the maintenance of mankind, and for this reason it is styled the Káma Dhenu or the giver of desired objects. It is said that a person who walks round the cow at the time of its delivery obtains the punya or merit of going round the whole earth. The cow is even worshipped by the god Vishnu.
The cow is considered next to a mother, as little children and the people in general are fed by the milk of a cow. Some women among high class Hindus take a vow not to take their meals before worshipping the cow, and when the cow is not available for worship, they draw in turmeric, white or red powder the cow’s foot-prints and worship the same. At the completion of the vow it is worshipped, and then given as a gift to a Bráhman. It is considered very meritorious to give a Gopradán—a gift of a cow along with its calf—to a Bráhman. The sight of a cow in the morning is believed by all Hindus to be auspicious.