104 - The greatness of Madhudhenu

The priest said:

1. I shall now tell you about Madhudhenu (cow of honey) which removes all sins.

2. On the floor smeared (with cow dung) and on which is placed antelope’s skin with kušha grass spread over it, the cow of honey made with sixteen pots of it and the calf of a fourth of its size should be placed.

3. The face should be of gold and the horns of Agaru. The back should be of copper and dewlap of bands of silk.

4. The feet should be of sugarcane covered with white velvet. Gur should be smeared on the face and sugar on the tongue.

 5. The hips should be of flowers and the teeth of fruits. The hairs should be of darbha grass and the hoofs of silver.

6. The ears should be of brass. Seven cereals should be spread all round in the prescribed manner and measure.

7. Four vessels of sesamum should be placed, one on each side. The cow should then be adorned with a pair of cloths and jewels on the neck.

8. A bronze milking vessel is also to be placed. Worship should then be done with sandal paste and flowers.

9. It may be gifted to a deserving Brahmin at any time, but the solstices, equinoxes, change of month and eclipses are particularly sacred.

10. The Madhudhenu is to be given to a poor Vedic Brahmin who has performed sacrifices and is born in the region Argyavarta.

11. The gift is to be made with water and dakshina, uttering the mantras and holding the cow by its tail.

12. This cow pleases all gods and is for the well-being-of all.

13. It is to be given. to the Brahmin saying, “O Madhudhenu, I bow to you; may all my ancestors be pleased.

14. I bow to you again; I hold you, O yielder of wishes, for the sake of my family.”

15. After the cow, umbrella and footwear also should be given.

16. After giving the cow, the giver may live on milk and honey for a day and the recipient similarly for three days.

17. Now listen to the good that arises out of it.

18. In the place where this gift is made, rivers flow with honey and marshes turn into päyasa. Sages and Siddhas flock there.

19. The giver enjoys all pleasures in this world and goes to the world of Brahmä. After living there long, he returns to the earth.

20. Then he enjoys pleasures in abundance and goes to the world of Vishnu.

21. In addition for himself, he acquires union with Vishnu for ten past generations and ten future generations in his family.

22. He who listens to this or recites to others gets free from all sins and goes to the world of Vishnu.