Chapter 84: Brahmā’s Counsel on Tāraka, the Search for Agni, and the Genesis of Skanda
Kārttikeya
द्रहोन्न मनसा वापि गोषु नित्यं सुखप्रद: । अर्चयेत सदा चैव नमस्कारैश्व पूजयेत्
drohaṁ na manasā vāpi goṣu nityaṁ sukhapradaḥ | arcayet sadā caiva namaskāraiś ca pūjayet ||
毗耶娑说道:“对牛不可生嗔害之心,纵在意念中亦不可。应恒常为其安乐作事,依礼敬重,并以恭敬礼拜、稽首致敬等行持不断供奉。”
व्यास उवाच
The verse teaches complete non-malice toward cows—extending even to one’s thoughts—combined with ongoing positive duty: provide them comfort, treat them with due honor, and maintain reverent worship through salutations and respectful service.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction-focused setting, Vyāsa delivers a prescriptive dharma statement: how one should relate to cows—internally (no hostile intent) and externally (care, honor, and worship).