Vedic Mythology c7.s3.6

c7.s3.6

The terrestrial cow herself has already acquired a certain sanctity in the RV., being addressed as Aditi and a goddess, while the poet impresses on his hearers that she should not be killed (8, 90¹⁵. ¹⁶ cp. VS. 4, 19. 20). The inviolability of the cow is further indicated by her designation *aghnyā*, ‘not to be slain’, which occurs sixteen times in the RV. (the corresponding masculine form *aghnya* being found only three times). In the AV. the worship of the cow as a sacred animal is fully recognised (AV. 12, 4. 5)⁸. In the ŚB. (3, 1, 2²¹) he who eats beef is said to be born again (on earth) as a man of evil fame; though beef is allowed to be cooked for guests (ŚB. 3, 4, 1²)⁹.