Celebrating the complicated, decorated holy COWS and sacred bulls of India

She’s not a heifer! She’s a look, a vibe, aaand a mooovement. In the spirit of the divine bovine, command the respect you deserve today.

For much of India’s distinctly humped cattle, respect is a given. Things that go moo are celebrated, decorated, and protected by government decree. It’s actually illegal to slaughter cows and bulls in parts of India, due, at least in part, to their god-like status in Hinduism. Of course, that doesn’t mean that cows aren’t killed there -- India is actually the world’s second largest exporter of beef -- or that this affinity for cattle is pure of corruption -- protective measures have been used by ruling Hindu nationalists to promote religious violence and stifle Muslim-run industries.

The truth is, India’s relationship with cattle is long and complicated. While these sacred mammals have become icons of nationalism, cows and bulls have long been symbols of generosity and nonviolence.

For Hindus, a cow isn’t just sources of milk and manure, it’s the source of life itself. Lakshmi, one of the bossest goddesses, sometimes takes the form of the cow in her manifestation as Bhumi, aka Mother Earth. She’s a symbol of patience, fertility, and generosity, and her accessory game is always on point. As Kamadhenu, “the mother of all cattle,” the cow is sometimes depicted tatted up with the faces of Hindu gods. Not only does she provide milk for Vedic ceremonies, she’s also the muscle and guardian of religious devotees.

The cows are cool and all but there’s one bull in particular that’s captured our hearts. Nandi is Shiva’s protector and guardian of the pot god’s sacred stash. As the deva’s heavy, he can be found sitting outside the destroyer’s temples across South Asia, dripping in gold and draped in strings of flowers. If that level of floss isn’t enough for you, consider this: lil’ baby Nandi was apparently born encrusted in diamonds. So here’s to the holy cows and bling-y bulls. We can’t change what history has made of you, but we’ll continue to celebrate your spirit of generosity by giving respect to all of Earth’s beings, no matter what they believe.

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Nandi’s earring inspired by Vida Kush
Original art The Grass Agency