In Hindu religious scriptures, especially Garuda Purana, there is a detailed description of man’s journey from birth to death and the afterlife. One of the most important and prevalent traditions among these is ‘Gau Daan’ (donation of a cow) before death.
There is a belief in Sanatan Dharma that donating a cow at the last moment of life opens the door to an easy path for a person’s soul.
According to Garuda Purana, after death the soul has to undertake a difficult journey to Yamaloka. There is a very dangerous and painful river on this route, which has been called ‘Vitarani River’. This river is full of blood, pus and filth and contains terrible creatures. The sinful souls have to cross this river by swimming, which is like unbearable torture.
It is believed that a person who donates a cow with devotion during his lifetime or just before his death, remains present on the banks of river Vaitarani to help that soul. The soul easily crosses that dreadful river by holding the tail of that cow.
Freedom from sins and blessings of Gods
In the scriptures, cow has been given the status of ‘Mother’ and it is believed that 33 crore gods and goddesses reside in the body of the cow. The main objectives behind donating a cow are:
Relief from suffering: This donation reduces the suffering of the soul at the time of death.
Ease in Yamalok:The path to Yamalok is very long and inaccessible. The soul who donates a cow suffers less from hunger and thirst on this path.
Attainment of salvation: Cow donation done selflessly atones for the sins committed unknowingly by a person and grants him salvation by saving him from the fire of hell.
correct method of donation
Garuda Purana says that charity should always be given only to the deserving (needy or learned Brahmin). It is considered best if the donated cow is healthy and milk producing. If donating a cow in person is not possible, then donating gold or cash as its symbol is also fruitful.
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