Why is the cow regarded as sacred in Hindu civilisation? The article examines the religious and civilisational foundations of cow reverence and the avoidance of beef in Hinduism. It draws upon the Vedas, Manusmriti, Mahabharata, and Puranic traditions, while also acknowledging the historical diversity of Hindu dietary practices. The article argues that the religious significance of the cow should be understood through concepts such as ahimsa, dharma, religious practice, and the traditional relationship between cattle and human society.
