Daan Dakshina

Gau Daan or Cow donation is regarded as one of the most meritorious and beneficial daan or donation in Sanatan Dharma. As per Vedic scriptures a person should once in his or her life do Gau Daan to a poor Brahmin or to a needy person. Gau or Cow is regarded as mother in Indian culture and is considered as worship-worthy. Cows are regarded as sacred in Dharma both due to religious and cultural reasons. Lord Krishna has stated that in Kali Yug, taking care and selfless service of cows will be equivalent to His worship. Also as per scriptures all Gods and Goddesses reside in the body of a cow. India being an agrarian country used to have cows in family with them being treated as family members and often young kids fed their milk. Also because of their calm and giving nature cows have special place in Sanatan Dharma.    

Gau Daan or Cow donation helps wash negative past karmas of this and past lives and gain good karma. It attracts prosperity, peace of mind and good fortune. Gau Daan helps attract Divine blessings, as per scriptures there is no other noble deed which is as meritorious as Gau Daan. It was believed that when a Cow is donated to a poor Brahmin, it will help him sustain himself and his family and everyday he will be thankful which will in turn lead to continuous blessings for the native. It is stated in the scriptures that a person who does Gau daan all his Planetary doshas are rectified, he recives blessings of all Gods and Goddesses and after death the noble task will help his soul cross the River Vaitarna on its way to heaven.