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AMADHENU
(COW - PRICE AND VALUE
In ancient India cow used to be looked after as a member of the household. Cow and cow's milk were never considered as a commercial commodity in the Hindu civilisation. So long as this was the accepted norm, India's cattle wealth was the greatest in the world. Its agriculture was also the best in the world. The day cow was made into a dairy animal and milk became a commercial commodity, the downfall of India's cattle wealth, agriculture and health began.
The moment cow was viewed from an economic angle, its evaluation altered and instead of its rearing it was dragged to the abattoir, and even the calf was denied its share of milk. This economic measure led to the rise of several disasters.
When one reads the beautiful rendering of 'Chyavan Bhargava Dialogue' in the 50th chapter of the Anushasana Parva of Mahabharat, by Shri Makarand Dave, one realises the true value of the cow -
Once when Maharshi Chyavan was pursuing his vow by remaining in water at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, all the beings in the water had become the recipients of his love. The fish would smell the Maharshi and speed away in joy. After some time, several fishermen came there. They threw their nets to catch the fish. They managed to cover the water of both Ganga and Yamuna with their strong and stout nets. When they pulled out their nets, along with the fish and other life in water, Maharshi Chyavan was also caught in the net.
Chyavan Bhargava with a green moustache and
