Significance of Gift of a thousand cows
The Gift of a thousand cows is a significant act of charity in the Purana, symbolizing immense spiritual merit and prosperity. It represents various acts of devotion, including bathing at sacred sites and reciting religious narratives, which are believed to yield great spiritual benefits. This gift, equated with generous donations and emotional fervor, is said to free devotees from worldly bondage and lead them towards higher realms like Rudraloka. Ultimately, it signifies the profound importance of generosity and piety.
Synonyms: Generous donation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Gift of a thousand cows'
In Hinduism, the "Gift of a thousand cows" symbolizes immense spiritual merit, comparable to significant acts of generosity, devotion, and rituals, emphasizing prosperity gained through worship, charity, and holy practices, including bathing at sacred sites.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Devotees who bathe in the holy place can obtain the benefit of the gift of a thousand cows.[1] (2) A reward equivalent to the merit gained by visiting Sangaleshvara, highlighting the significance and benefits of visiting this holy place.[2] (3) A traditional form of wealth in ancient Indian society, symbolizing prosperity attained through devotion.[3] (4) A significant act of charity that leads to great merit, comparable to the spiritual benefits gained from Kapitirtha.[4] (5) A significant benefit or blessing attained by taking a holy bath in the Tirtha while being free from negative emotions.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A significant religious accomplishment for a man who bathes at Agnitirtha and sees Camunda, symbolizing generosity and piety.[6] (2) Having water in a tank during winter is said to grant the fruit of donating a thousand cows.[7] (3) A metaphor for immense spiritual merit achieved by reciting and reflecting on the significance of the vow of Apara, equated to the merit obtained by giving a substantial gift.[8] (4) A metaphorical reward that symbolizes immense spiritual merit and benefits for those who engage in proper worship and listening.[9] (5) A metaphorical expression indicating immense religious merit and prosperity obtained through worship, especially of Vishnu with a damanaka-sprout.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Symbolic merit associated with charity or good deeds derived from reading or hearing about the Gayatri-Kavaca.[11]