The Legend and Symbolism:
The legend in the Puranas illustrates the profound significance of Goddess Lakshmi's association with cows and cow dung. The Devas, the celestial beings, wished to test the pervasive greatness and beneficence of Goddess Lakshmi. It was widely believed that prosperity and well-being flourish wherever Lakshmi resides. To test this belief, the Devas requested Goddess Lakshmi to reside in cow dung.
When Goddess Lakshmi agreed and took up residence in cow dung, people began to recognize its immense value. They discovered that cow dung had multiple beneficial uses. It started to be used as:
- Fuel: Dried cow dung cakes have been used as a traditional fuel in many rural areas for cooking.
- Manure: Cow dung is rich in nutrients and acts as an excellent natural fertilizer for crops.
- Plastering Homes: In rural India, cow dung mixed with mud is used to plaster walls and floors, providing insulation and antiseptic properties.
This transformation of cow dung's perceived value illustrates a key aspect of Lakshmi's influence—turning even the most humble and overlooked resources into valuable assets, thereby promoting sustainability and resourcefulness.
Cultural Practices and Worship:
In many regions of India, particularly in rural areas, the practice of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi in the form of cow dung images is prevalent. These practices highlight the sanctity of cows in Hindu culture, as cows are considered embodiments of divine and natural beneficence.
- Creation of Cow Dung Images: During certain festivals, such as Govardhan Puja (celebrated during Diwali), devotees create images of Goddess Lakshmi or other deities using cow dung. These images are adorned and worshipped with great reverence.
- Ritual Purification: Cow dung is also used in various purification rituals. Its antiseptic properties are believed to purify environments and sanctify spaces for religious activities.
Broader Symbolism:
The worship of Go Lakshmi underscores several symbolic themes:
- Agricultural Prosperity: The cow is integral to agrarian life. As Go Lakshmi, the goddess embodies the agricultural prosperity that sustains rural communities.
- Ecological Harmony: The use of cow dung in sustainable practices like organic farming and eco-friendly building methods aligns with the principles of ecological balance and respect for nature.
- Transformative Power: Lakshmi's presence in cow dung represents the transformative power of the divine to bring prosperity and purity to all aspects of life, even those deemed insignificant or impure.
Go Lakshmi or Gau Lakshmi, through her association with cows and cow dung, encapsulates the essence of nourishment, sustainability, and prosperity in Hindu tradition. The reverence for cow dung in rituals and daily life practices not only honors the goddess but also promotes a holistic and respectful approach to nature and its resources.