"Vasu Baras"- Legends and Lore of Kamadhenu's Divine Blessings

In Hindu Dharma, we consider cows as "Gaumata", i.e. divine, and worship them as symbols of motherhood, non-violence, and abundance.

To pay reverence to the cows (Gaumata), a special day called "Vasu Baras" has been reserved in Hinduism. It falls on the Dwadashi tithi (12th day) during Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. Hence, it's also known by the name "Govatsa Dwadashi."

As per the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either October or November.

This year, the divine occasion of "Vasu Baras" is on the 28th of October ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the “tithi” for "Vasu Baras" in ‘24 is as follows:

• Vasu Baras/ Govatsa Dwadashi on Monday, 28th of October ‘24
• Dwadashi Tithi Begins - 07:50 on 28th of October ‘24
• Dwadashi Tithi Ends - 10:31 on 29th of October ‘24

Significance of "Vasu Baras":

The propitious festival of "Vasu Baras" holds immense significance in Hindu Dharma due to various reasons which are as follows:

This occasion marks the beginning of "Diwali", being the very first day of the most awaited Hindu festival of lights.

There's a belief that Shri Vallabha, the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya disappeared in the holy Krishna river on "Vasu Baras."

This festival is known by different names at different places such as: "Vasu Baras" in Maharashtra, "Vagh Baras or Aso Vad Baras" in Gujarat, "Sripada Vallabha Aradhana Utsav" in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, "Govatsa Dwadashi" in northern states & "Bach Baras" at other places.

"Vasu Baras" or "Govatsa Dwadashi" is likely to occur and be celebrated one day before 'Dhanteras' in the Indian states of Gujarat & Maharashtra.

"Vasu Baras" honors 'Nandini', revered in Hindu Dharma as the sacred cow who bestows milk & prosperity.

This day holds immense importance for the followers of Shaivism (a sect of Hinduism that reveres Lord Shiva as its supreme being) as they celebrate "Vasu Baras" as "Nandini Vrat" because both Nandini (divine cow) & Nandi (sacred bull) are considered very holy in Hindu Dharma.

The term 'Vagh' signifies 'settling financial debts', and 'Baras' denotes 'the financial year.' Hence on this day, business men wrap up their accounting, taking a break from new entries until Labh Pancham, following a traditional financial practice.

'Bhavishya Purana' also mentions the immense importance of "Vasu Baras" where the story of divine cow Nandini/ Kamadhenu has been mentioned.

Legend of "Vasu Baras":

The legend about holy cow Nandini mentioned in Bhavishya Purana is as follows:

The festival's origin ties to the renowned tale of "Samudra Manthan." During the churning of the ocean by gods and demons for nectar, Kamadhenu, a divine cow, emerged. Eventually, Kamadhenu lived in heaven but then, it was presented to the seven sages by the Gods & in due course of time it came into the possession of Sage Vasishta. It has the capacity to fulfill all grants and desires of its owner.

It is believed that on the day of "Vasu Baras", there is an emission of Chaitanya-filled frequencies from the cow in the form of Vishnu. Therefore, those worshiping cows can absorb these frequencies emitted by Vishnu through his cow manifestation.

Appearance of Kamadhenu:

Kamadhenu, the "cow of wishes," is depicted with a bovine body, a female head, colorful wings resembling a tropical bird, and a peacock's tail.

In a sacred scene, her milk flows over a Shiva linga, channeled through the yoni for a ritual offering in the sacred fire. Brahmins in the foreground pour ghee into the fire, highlighting the spiritual importance of the cow in Vedic ceremonies where milk, butter, and ghee play vital roles.

Every part of the cow holds religious significance. Its legs represent the four Vedas and Himalayas, while its teats symbolize the four Purusharthas. The horns signify the gods, the face represents the sun and moon, and the shoulders symbolize Agni.

Kamadhenu, the sacred cow, represents purity, fertility, sacrifice, and motherly care essential for human life. In Sanatan Dharma, she is revered as the ultimate goddess, believed to bestow powerful blessings. By showing love and respect, and through worship, Kamadhenu is said to have the ability to fulfill all the wishes and desires of her owner.

Rituals & Observances on "Vasu Baras":

The devotees perform many rituals on the auspicious occasion of "Vasu Baras" which are as follows:

On Govatsa Dwadashi day cows and calves are worshipped & later on offered with wheat products.
People worship the calf of the cow at twilight (sandhya vela).

For good health & wealth of the family, married women observe 'Gau Pujan' on this occasion which is believed to be equal to bathing in the holy river Ganga.

On Vasu Baras, people observe rituals to express gratitude towards cows, considering them as a source of sustenance and prosperity. Devotees perform puja (worship) with offerings of various grains, fruits, and sweets. The cow, seen as a symbol of motherhood and fertility, is adorned with tilak (vermilion mark) and flowers.

A specific fast/ vrat termed as 'Nandini Vrat' is observed by the people, especially the women. Generally, childless women keep this fast for the attainment of child happiness. Fasting people especially refrain from consuming dairy items like milk and curd & wheat products.

As Lord Krishna was a cowherd (gwala) and had many cows, hence he's also worshipped by many devotees on "Vasu Baras."
The day is believed to commemorate Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers and their cattle from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain. This legend reinforces the reverence for cows and the importance of protecting the environment.

Lord Dattatreya's incarnation as Shri Vallabha is also revered and worshipped on this day.

Many people also stay vigil the whole night.

Importance of Cows (Gau Mata) in Hindu Dharma:

Cows hold significant cultural, religious, and economic importance in Hindu Dharma. They are revered and considered sacred for various reasons:

Symbol of Motherhood:

In Hinduism, the cow is often regarded as a symbol of motherhood and non-violence. The nurturing and selfless nature of a cow is associated with the qualities of a mother.

Honoring the Divine Bovine- Cows in the Sacred Embrace of the Vedas:

In the Vedas, the foundational Shastras of Hinduism, the cow holds a profound symbolic significance deeply intertwined with the principle of non-violence or "Ahimsa." The Vedic texts emphasize the gentle and nurturing nature of cows, making them a living embodiment of non-harm and compassion. This association extends beyond mere practical utility; it underscores a spiritual understanding that respects and values all forms of life. As a symbol of non-violence, the cow becomes a reminder to humans to live harmoniously with the environment and all its creatures.

Moreover, the Vedas highlight the indispensable role of cows in sacrificial rituals. These rituals, central to Vedic practices, involve offerings to deities and cosmic forces. Cows, being a source of milk, ghee (clarified butter), and other essential elements, play a crucial part in these ceremonies. Their participation is seen as a sacred contribution to the cosmic order, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual realms. The Vedas, by recognizing the cow's integral role in both non-violence and religious rites, shape a holistic perspective that places the well-being of society in harmony with the principles of compassion and spiritual consciousness.

Contribution to Agriculture:

Cows are valued for their contribution to agriculture. They provide milk, dung (used as fuel and fertilizer), and are involved in plowing fields. The economic significance of cows in traditional agrarian societies is profound.

Gau Seva (Service to Cows):

Caring for and protecting cows is seen as a virtuous act in Hinduism. Gau Seva, or service to cows, is considered a form of religious duty and a means of earning spiritual merit.

Panchagavya:

The five products obtained from a cow—milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), urine, and dung—are collectively known as Panchagavya. These substances have ritualistic and purifying significance in various Hindu ceremonies.

Environmental Harmony:

Hindu Dharma emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment. The cow, as a gentle and useful creature, is seen as an integral part of maintaining ecological balance.

Conclusion

In its essence, "Vasu Baras"/ "Govatsa Dwadashi" is a festival dedicated to the worship of cows and calves, symbolizing the sacred bond between humans and these animals. It serves as a reminder of the deep cultural and spiritual connection that exists between humans and animals, emphasizing the values of gratitude, compassion, and environmental stewardship.