The holy cow in Hinduism between the Arabic writings and the Hindu writings

Abstract

Modern Arabic books on Comparative Religion say about Hinduism that the Hindus worship and revere cows considering them as deities. Most Arab writers mention it as an important characteristic of Hinduism. But is it the reality and real status of cows in Hinduism?_x000D_ Do Hindus really worship cows or just venerate them as a sacred animal? Do cows hold a position in the list of their deities? What is the status of cows in real Hinduism? How are they now being considered as sacred? If cows have no status as deities, then what are the evidences for it? And why did Arab writers draw a different picture?_x000D_ This study discusses about these in four chapters._x000D_ That cows are not reverend in Hinduism has been tried prove discussing the facts of worshipping and veneration in Islam and Hinduism. Rather cows are considered to be the most venerated and sacred among all animals. And this position isn’t being hold following the original scripture of Hinduism, rather it has been added afterwards in context of time and reality. Besides there are some more economical, social, religious and humanitarian reasons._x000D_ The main result of this study is, the status of cows in Hinduism mentioned in Arabic books is not compatible with real Hinduism. Rather cows are just considered as sacred and venerated animal, not as worshipful deities.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies