Shloka 24
गोशकृन्माहात्म्य-प्रश्नः (On the Merit of Cow-Dung and the Abode of Śrī) / Inquiry into the Sanctity of Cow-Dung
गा वै पश्याम्यहं नित्यं गाव: पश्यन्तु मां सदा । गावो<स्माकं वयं तासां यतो गावस्ततो वयम्
gā vai paśyāmy ahaṁ nityaṁ gāvaḥ paśyantu māṁ sadā | gāvo ’smākaṁ vayaṁ tāsāṁ yato gāvas tato vayam ||
Bhishma sprach: „Möge ich die Kühe jeden Tag schauen, und mögen die Kühe mich stets mit gnädiger Huld ansehen. Die Kühe sind die Unsrigen, und wir gehören ihnen; wo immer die Kühe wohnen, dort sollen auch wir wohnen.“
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse expresses reverence and ethical responsibility toward cows: one should seek their auspicious sight and extend protection and care, recognizing a reciprocal bond—humans depend on cows and therefore owe them guardianship and respectful proximity.
In Bhishma’s instruction on dharma (Anushasana Parva), he voices a benediction and vow-like sentiment centered on cows—wishing constant darśana of them and their favorable regard—underscoring their sanctity and the duty to remain aligned with their welfare.