SURAHI (SURABHI, SURAHA) Your gait is that of Suraha (Surahi, Surabhi) and the hair on your tail glitter (Basant Kabir, p. 1196) Comments : The word \’Suraha\’ seems to be a derivative from Surabhi, \’the boon granting or wish-rulfilling cow\’. In the hymn pertaining to the above reference, Kabir has addressed a dog, who was seen licking the flour from the handmill. Instead of the word Surabhi the word Kamadhenu has been used in the Sikh Scripture. See : Kamadhenu.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Surabhi, also known as Kamadhenu, holds a revered place in Hindu mythology as the divine cow, the mother of all bovines, and a symbol of fertility, abundance, and prosperity. She embodies sustenance and nourishment, playing a crucial role in both cosmic and earthly realms.
Key Aspects of Surabhi:
Origins and Creation:
- Surabhi emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) by the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) in search of Amrita (nectar of immortality). She was one of the treasures obtained during this event, symbolizing purity and abundance.
- Often referred to as Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow, she is believed to grant any desire to those who worship her.
Role in Mythology:
- Surabhi is considered the progenitor of all cows and is often linked to Sage Vasishta, one of the Saptarishis. In some stories, Sage Vasishta owned Kamadhenu, who provided him with all necessities for performing rituals and sacrifices.
- She is also associated with Lord Shiva, as one of the cows in his divine abode.
Symbolism:
- Surabhi represents nature, fertility, and life-giving power, emphasizing the connection between humans and the divine through sustainable living.
- She serves as a protector and nurturer, fostering the well-being of the universe and reminding devotees of their duty toward the environment.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance:
- Surabhi’s essence is celebrated in the veneration of cows in Hindu tradition, which are considered sacred and treated with great respect.
- Rituals and prayers dedicated to cows, such as Gopashtami, honor her divinity and the blessings she bestows on devotees.
Surabhi’s story inspires reverence for the interconnectedness of divine creation and earthly life, highlighting values of sustainability, gratitude, and abundance.
