Kamadhenu, also known as Surabhi, is a divine bovine-goddess described in Hinduism as the mother of all cows. She is a miraculous cow of plenty who provides her owner whatever they desire and is often portrayed as the mother of other cattle. In iconography, she is generally depicted as a white cow with a female head and breasts, the wings of a bird, and the tail of a peafowl or as a white cow containing various deities within her body. Kamadhenu is not worshipped independently as a goddess. Rather, she is honored by the Hindu veneration of cows, who are regarded as her earthly embodiments.
Sculpture of Kamadhenu at the Batu Caves, Malaysia
In a poster condemning the consumption of beef, the sacred cow Kamadhenu is depicted as containing various deities within her body.
Kamadhenu (left, 2nd from top) depicted in a scene of the Churning of the Cosmic Ocean
Kamadhenu pictured with her calf
Cattle in religion and mythology
There are varying beliefs about cattle in societies and religions.
An Indian cow and its calf— a late 7th century sculpture from Uttar Pradesh, India
A bull bas relief, Mamallapuram
The Hindu god Krishna is often shown with cows listening to his music.
The calf is compared with the dawn, in Hinduism. Here, with a sadhu.
