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Cow protection and vegetarianism In the Vedas, the earliest of Hindu scriptures, there is a reference to animals being an important part in religious ceremony. There are also references of cows in the hymns. The cow was a sacrificial animal which was appreciated for its role in offerings to the gods. Hindus believed that the person, who offers a cow, would gain immediate ascension to heaven, so the cow must be holy and important. Around the time the Vedas were written cows were regarded as a great prize. It had a high value and was the source of many useful products such as milk, cheese and meat. It was also thought to protect Brahman. Ahimsa however was only introduced around the 6th Centaury BCE, by Mahavira the Jain. It gradually increased in popularity amongst Hindus. Nowadays one could say the cow is like a domestic animal in India. They are...

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