Significance of Cow dung
Synonyms: Manure, Animal manure
In Dutch: Koeienmest; In Finnish: Lehm盲n lantaa; In Spanish: Esti茅rcol de vaca; In German: Kuhmist; In Malay: Tahi lembu; In Swedish: Kodynga; In French: Bouse de vache
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Cow dung'
In Hinduism, cow dung is regarded as a sacred and purifying substance, essential for rituals, cleansing, and sanctification. It is used in various religious practices, symbolizing purity and enhancing the auspiciousness of worship.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) Used in various mixtures and processes during the extraction of mica essence for its beneficial properties.[1] (2) Manure from cows, employed to stop holes in the basin, providing insulation during the heating process of haritala.[2] (3) Organic matter from cattle used as one of the agents in the bhavana process for solidifying mercury.[3]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) Material upon which the crucible is placed during the heating process, essential for maintaining the required temperature.[4] (2) The material used to sustain a fire for seven days as part of the mercury stabilization process.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Waste material from cows, used to produce smoke for creating carbon in the purification process.[6] (2) Used both as a material for making the dais and as a pressing tool to apply pressure to the kajjali on the banana leaf.[7]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Animal waste used in the initial rolling of the seeds of katu-tumbi.[8]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A substance used in the process of purifying land, particularly through smearing, as advised in certain texts.[9] (2) A natural byproduct of cows that is mentioned among the items for which theft incurs a penalty.[10] (3) Cow-dung is used for smearing to purify the ground or house; it's one of the substances involved in the purification processes.[11] (4) Another substance involved in the Santapana Kricchra, utilized for its spiritual significance in various rituals.[12]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Substance used to besmear the sacrificial ground, indicating a cleansing or auspicious preparation.[13] (2) Dung from cows used traditionally for its purifying and protective properties in rituals.[14]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A substance used to besmear a surface to the east of the house before starting the ceremony.[15]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A material used in rituals, symbolizing purity and often utilized in the preparation of offerings.[16]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A material used in the drawing of mandalas in Vishnu鈥檚 temple, believed to have purifying and protecting qualities.[17] (2) An auspicious material considered sacred and often used in rituals to purify and sanctify.[18]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A natural material used to create a model of Govardhana Hill for the purposes of worship.[19] (2) A substance used in the ritualistic worship as an anointing material for Govardhana Hill.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Organic material used in traditional rituals for purification and sanctification.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Considered purifying and essential for ritual practices, cow-dung is highlighted as important in daily routines.[22]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A natural material ordered by Kamsa to be profusely placed in the enclosures as part of the ceremonial preparations.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The primary material used in rituals for creating different types of Bhashmas.[24]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A natural substance used for purifying the ground before worship, prescribed for its freshness and cleanliness.[25] (2) Fresh dung that is used to clean the worship area, regarded as a purifying agent in rituals.[26]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) An animal excrement whose juice was historically noted for its usage in treating poisoning cases and potential cardiac protective effects.[27]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Excrement from cows used as manure to enrich soil and promote healthy plant growth.[28]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Manure used to enrich the soil, particularly in the context of planting seeds.[29]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Cow-dung is cited as an example of non-intelligent matter, from which scorpions are produced, which is utilized in the text to illustrate the concept of cause and effect.[30]
Jain concept of 'Cow dung'
In Jainism, cow dung serves as a significant material for smearing surfaces, aiding seed preservation, and is categorized alongside hay, reflecting the belief in the sanctity of living beings prior to their destruction.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A material used for besmearing surfaces, significant in the preservation process of seeds.[31] (2) Cow-dung is categorized similarly to hay and is seen as body-parts from living beings before burning.[32]
The concept of Cow dung in local and regional sources
Cow dung serves multiple roles in the text, symbolizing themes of deception, labor, cultural significance in worship, and social dynamics, showcasing its practical uses and deeper meanings within the community and personal experiences.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Animal waste used for smearing the ground as part of the sacrificial preparation process.[33]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A traditional material used to purify and adorn the temple, indicating cultural significance in worship practices.[34]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A humorous reference used in Keshav Kumar's caricature illustrating the interaction between the poet and the community around him.[35]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) One of the materials the poor man used to fill the newly built house.[36] (2) The unexpected result of the golden cow, highlighting the theme of deception within the story.[37]