102 - The greatness of Gudadhenu

The priest said:

1. I shall now tell you about Gudadhenu, the gift of which accomplishes all desires and endows wealth.

2. On the floor smeared (with cow dung) place an antelope’s skin covered with kušha grass. Spread a cloth on it and place in it the cow made of gur along with the calf and a bronze milking vessel.

3. The face should be of gold and teeth of pearls. The neck should be full of gems and nose of sandal paste.

4. The horns are to be of Agaru sticks and the back of copper. The tail is to be of silk and well decorated.

5. The feet are to be of sugarcane and hoofs of silver. A velvet cloth is to be put on it and fitted with bells.

6. The ears are to be of brass and the udder to be of butter. Different kinds of fruits are to be placed all around.

7. The best Gudadhenu is one which is four ädhätas (in weight), its calf may be half or one-fourth its weight.

8. The medium is the one with half its weight and the inferior is the one with a quarter of the weight. The poor may have it of the size according to capacity.

9. Then according to means, worship should be performed to this, as also for the Brahmin to whom it is to be given.

10. This is to be done with sandal paste, flowers, ghee and other Offerings and lamp.

11. It should be given to a Vedic Brahmin, preferably one who has performed sacrifices, with a hundred pieces of gold, or half or even a quarter of it.

12. And in the absence of capacity even for that, with a hundred or fifty, together with ear-rings, umbrella and footwear.

13. And then should be uttered the mantra: “O virile Gudadhenu, the bestower of all prosperity, be pleased to provide mc with food and drink as a result of this däna”.

14. The mantras cited before may also be recited.

15. The giver should face cast while giving it to the Brahmin.

16. The gift of such a cow is proclaimed to be efficacious in removing the sins committed through thought, word or deed and of all that is false.

17. Those who witness the gift of such a cow attain salvation. The rivers in that place flow with milk and marshes produce ghee. The sages and Siddhas flock there.

18. The giver takes himself and those in the past ten and future ten generations in his family to the world of Vishnu.

19. For this däna the equinoxes, solstices and the new moon and full moon days are particularly meritorious.

20. The gift should be made only to a deserving person and with full sincerity.

21. It then fulfils all wishes, removes all sins, provides enjoyment and finally liberation.

22. By the blessing of Gudadhenu one enjoys all prosperity, good health and long life.

23. All adversity is overcome and the abode of Vishnu is attained.

24. Never does he, at any time, meet with any distress or discomfort.

25. He who recites this or listens to this or advises others on its basis, lives in this world with all happiness and in the world beyond for long honoured by the gods.