Why Hindus Don't Eat Beef?

Hindus have a long tradition of refraining from beef. For many people, the question still remains, for this tradition is quite entrenched as far as the Hindu religion goes. Hindus have, since centuries of embracing the religion, respected the cow as a religious entity and a symbol of respect. In this article,we try and understand why Hindus don't eat cow and why cows are revered in Hinduism.

SIGNIFICANCE OF JANMASHTAMI

There are many religious beliefs associated with respecting the cow in the realm of Hinduism. The cow is considered to be symbol of life and an entity that represents abundance. So let us go ahead and look at why the cow is considered sacred in Hinduism and why, over the many years in the course of evolution of the religion, the cow still remains a revered entity in the realm of Hinduism.

Read on to know more...

Lord Krishna Was A cowherd

In ancient Hindu texts, Lord Krishna, one of the most prominent figures in the Hindu religion, is portrayed as a cowherd, making the cow immensely sacred to Hindus who worship Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is often called by the name Bala Gopala. The literal meaning here translates to "the boy who protects cows".

The Rig Veda

In the Rig Veda, the oldest of Vedas, the cow is venerated as a sacred entity that represents purity and merit. This is another prominent reason why cows are considered sacred in Hinduism and Hindus don't eat cows.

A Matriarchal Figure

According to the sage Veda Vyasa who wrote the Mahabharata, the cow is symbolic of the maternal qualities of the planet earth. This again is associated with the Vedas and Lord Krishna, for Lord Krishna was central to the entire story of Mahabharata.

The Cow Gives Milk

Looking at it slightly from outside the religious angle, one of the reasons why the cow is considered sacred is because it gives milk. The cows milk is also used to make offering to deities.

The Cow Is Seen As Being Ever Giving and Taking Too Less In Return

The cow represents a great deal of sacrifice, for it is seen in Hinduism as giving everything and taking only water and grass in return. It gives milk, butter, cheese, curd and scores of other milk products.

Vegetarianism

In most Hindu texts, it is said that it isn't totally wrong to eat meat. However, abstaining from eating meat can bring about scores of benefits. This is one of the many reasons why Hindus don't eat beef.