How do western people perceive Indians worshipping cows in Hindu temples? [closed]

How do western people perceive Indians worshipping cows in Hindu temples?

Indians worship cows and they consider it as a place where all the gods reside. They call it as GO MATHA (Mom in the form of cow). They consider the front portion of cow as goddess Durga and puts a bindi (Hindi word which is a decorative mark on a forehead)

How does it look from the eyes of a westerner when they see that adoring, decorating an animal in India while it is used in a tasty dish in many other places in the world?

india pilgrimages

Best Answer

I think you have your understanding of the dynamic a bit wrong. The cow is sacred but it is not worshipped, as in prayed to. The "Sacred Cow" article on Wikipedia gives a very simplistic view of this:

In the religion of Hinduism, the animal called a "cow" is thought to be sacred, or very holy. Most Hindus respect the cow for her gentle nature which represents the main teaching of Hinduism, non-injury (ahimsa). The cow also represents ghee and strength . It has become a common myth for ignorants to ridicule Hindus by saying they "worship cows". However, Hindus don't worship cows, but in fact they respect it like any other animal as they believe all life has a soul in which God resides.

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How do western people perceive Indians worshipping cows in Hindu temples? [closed] - Anonymous religious Hasidim Jews during pray near Western Wall

How do western people perceive Indians worshipping cows in Hindu temples? [closed] - Ethnic people gathering near bonfire during religious ritual

How do western people perceive Indians worshipping cows in Hindu temples? [closed] - Woman wearing Traditional Sari in a Temple

Which religion views cows as sacred?

Since the faith first evolved near Asia's Indus River more than 3,000 years ago, respect for animal life has been a central theme in Hindu life. While many scholars say early Hindus ate beef, most ultimately came to see the cow as a sacred animal to be esteemed, not eaten.

Are cows really Worshipped in India?

It is also a sacred animal for the majority Hindu community, and they amble unmolested in traffic-choked streets. The animal is worshipped and decorated during festivals; holy men take around cows, with their foreheads smeared in vermillion, to seek alms.

Why do followers of Hinduism respect cows?

sanctity of the cow, in Hinduism, the belief that the cow is representative of divine and natural beneficence and should therefore be protected and venerated.

Why do Indians view cows as sacred?

The cow, a revered animal in HinduismIt represents Mother Earth, as it is a source of goodness and its milk nourishes all creatures. Krishna, a central Hindu deity, is often portrayed in stories recounting his life as a cowherd and referring to him as the child who protects cows.

Why Cows are Sacred in India | Sadhguru

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