KAMADHENU–THE DIVINE COW-Part3 Dear friends,
This posting is about the divine cow Kamadhenu and herchildren in detail. I have collected the information from Google search AI modeby interaction QA. Hope the reading will be interesting for most members of theGroups. This posting is least intended to allknowing members. Repeating information is removed without losing therhythm. This is 3rd part of the posting. Gopalakrishnan 06-02-2026 Is there any specific or exclusive temple for Kamadhenuor for her daughters or for her sons? While Kamadhenu is rarely the primary deity in traditionaltemples, there are exclusive shrines and historical temples dedicated to herand her daughters, particularly in South India. Exclusive KamadhenuTemples Historically, Kamadhenu does not have a large worship cult,but modern and specific shrines exist: Sri Kamadhenu Kshetra Kammasandra Main Road,Vaddarahalli, Hobli Located on Magadi Road, this colourful temple is specificallydedicated to Kamadhenu (Go Matha). It is also blessed by the presence of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, who ishimself referred to as "Kaliyuga Kamadhenu". Sri Kamadhenu DeviTemple,3rd Main Rd, KR Puram, Bangalore. A dedicated temple in KR Puram, Bangalore, where she isworshipped as the chief deity. Kamadhenu Temple,No:41,Bharathiyar St, Located in Tambaram, Chennai, this is another rare shrine specifically dedicatedto her. Silver Gho Matha In the Golden Templecomplex in Sripuram, Vellore, there is a consecrated silverKamadhenu idol where dailyGho Pooja is performed for hundreds of devotees. Temples for HerDaughters Her daughters are celebrated at sites where they performedpenance to Lord Shiva: Patti (Patteeswaram):The Thenupureeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu is named after Patti. According to legend, sheworshipped a Shiva Lingam here with her milk. The town "Patteeswaram"is derived from her name. Daughters at OtherShiva Temples: In the Tamil Saiva tradition, it is believed that Kamadhenu’s four daughters—Patti,Vimali, Sabali, and Nandini—worshipped Shiva at different locations: Patti at Patteeswaram. Vimali at Thiruvimaloor. Sabali at Thiruchabali. Nandini at Thirunandhiyur. Tirukokaranam(Pudukkottai): TheMagizhavaneswarar Temple features a sthala puranam (temple legend) centered onKamadhenu’s penance on earth. Temples for Her Sons While there are no major "exclusive" temples forher sons as distinct deities, her son Nandi (the divine bull) is worshipped in every Shiva templeacross the world. In some regional Puranas, the Bull (Vrishabha) is considered her son, andspecific temples like the Bull Temple (Basavanagudi) in Bangalore celebratethis divine bovine power. Universal Presence In most ancient temples, Kamadhenu is present as a secondarydeity or in the form of a living cow. Every Hindu temple that maintains a Goshala (cow shelter)is essentially a space for the worship of Kamadhenu, as all cows areregarded as her earthly embodiments. These articles highlight specific temples dedicated toKamadhenu, her daughters, and her son Nandi in India. What are the detailsof Kamadhenu temple in Tambaram Chennai The Kamadhenu Temple in Chennai is a local Hindu shrine situated in the Anandapuram area ofEast Tambaram. While not a massive temple complex, it is a dedicatedspace for the worship of the divine cow, Kamadhenu. Location & Timings Address: No: 41, 17, Arumuganar Street, Anandapuram, EastTambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059. Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:30PM. Key Details Primary Deity: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamadhenu(also known as Go Matha or Surabhi). Significance: It is one of the few exclusive shrines in theChennai suburbs wheredevotees perform specific rituals related to cow worship for prosperity andwish-fulfilment. Accessibility: Located approximately 1.8 km from EastTambaram railway station and near landmarks like the Ark of God Church andAnandapuram Marg. Nearby Spiritual Sites The surrounding East Tambaram and Madambakkam areas are hometo several other prominent temples and spiritual centres: Sri DhenupureeswararTemple An ancient Chola-era temple where legend says Kamadhenuherself worshipped Lord Shiva to receive his blessings. Pudhu Mantralayam SriRaghavendra Swamy Temple(mutt) Located in Selaiyur near East Tambaram, this mutt oftenassociates Sri Raghavendra Swamy with the titles "Kaliyuga Kamadhenu"and "Kalpavriksha". Om Sri Skandasramam,,1, Kambar St, East Tambaram A major temple complex in Selaiyur featuring a massive idol ofNandikeswarar (the divine bull) among other deities Silver Gho Matha WHY NO TEMPLES WEREBUILT BY CHOLAS, PALLAVAS OR BY PANDYAS DURING THEIR PERIOD? While the Cholas, Pallavas, and Pandyas built thousands ofmagnificent temples, they did not build "exclusive" temples toKamadhenu primarily because of how the divine cow is positioned in Hindu theology. 1. The Cow is the Temple In ancient and Vedic traditions, Kamadhenu is not viewed as aseparate goddess to be housed in a stone structure. Instead: A "WalkingTemple": According to scriptures like the Bhavishya Purana, all 33 types(Koti) of gods and goddesses—including the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu,Shiva)—reside within the body of a cow. Direct Worship: Because the "living animal" isconsidered the literal earthly embodiment of the divine, ancient kings focused on Go-Puja(worshipping the living cow) rather than building an idol-based temple. 2. Focus on PrimaryDeities (Ishta Devatas) The Cholas, Pallavas, and Pandyas were primarily focused onShaivism and Vaishnavism. Royal Patronage: Their monumental architecture—like theBrihadisvara Temple (Chola) or Kailasanathar Temple (Pallava)—was designed toglorify the primary gods, Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu, who were the patrons ofthe dynasty. Subordinate Role: In these royaltemples, Kamadhenu and her offspring (like Nandi) appear as Vahanas (vehicles)or as sculptures on the walls and pillars to tell Puranic stories,rather than as the main deity of the sanctum. 3. The Absence of a"Worship Cult" Historically, there has never been a specific"sect" or cult dedicated solely to Kamadhenu. Unlike the Devi cult or the Murugancult, she is considered a source of prosperity and a provider for the gods andsages, but not a primary cosmic ruler requiring a dedicated templesystem. 4. Existing"Kamadhenupuris" While they didn't build exclusive temples, they did buildtemples at locations where Kamadhenu was said to have worshipped. For example: PattiswararTemple Hindu temple,28, Siruvani Main Rd Built by the Chola king Karikala Cholan, this temple is historically called Kamadhenupuribecause it is where she allegedly worshipped a Swayambu Lingam. Associated with her daughter Patti, this site receivedsignificant patronage from these dynasties, though the main deity remained LordShiva. In summary, theancient kings saw building a temple for a cow as unnecessary because, in theirview, the cow already was a temple If temple itself is cow, why temples are built for them now? That is a fantastic question! The shift from"the cow is a temple" to "building temples for the cow" isa reflection of how our society and environment have changed over thousands ofyears. Here are the main reasons why exclusive Kamadhenu temples arebeing built today: 1. Loss of Natural Access In the era of the Cholas and Pandyas, every household hadcows, and vast grazing lands (Meichal Poramboke) were protected by royaldecree. People interacted with "living temples" daily. Today: Urbanization means most people in cities like Chennaior Bangalore never see a cow. A stone temple provides a dedicated, accessiblespace for urban dwellers to connect with that divine energy. 2. Preservation andProtection (Goshala Culture) Modern Kamadhenu templesare often built as part of a Goshala (cow shelter). In ancient times, cows were safe and revered. Now: With the rise of the leather and meat industries,building a temple "for the cow" serves as a statement of protection.The temple provides the funds and the "sacred status" needed to savecows from being abandoned or mistreated. 3. Focus on"Kamadhenu" as a Symbolic Goddess While the ancient world focused on the biological cow(Surabhi), modern temples often focus on the iconography of Kamadhenu—thewinged goddess with the peacock tail. People today seek aspecific "Wish-Fulfilling" deity for financial and career success. This specific Wish-Fulfilling form is easier to worshipthrough an idol (Murti) than a living animal, which requires constant care. 4. Concentration ofSpiritual Energy According to Agamic traditions, a Prana Pratishtha(consecration) ceremony "locks" a specific energy into an idol. While a living cow is sacred, a temple idol allows for 24/7rituals (Abhishekam, Alankaram) that follow a strict schedule to generate aspecific "vibration" for the benefit of the community. 5. Cultural Revivalism We are currently in a period of cultural revival. New temples are being built to honourspecific Puranic legends (like those of Patti or Nandini) that were previouslyonly recorded in palm-leaf manuscripts. These temples serve as"educational centers" to keep these stories alive for the nextgeneration. Essentially, the "living temple" still exists, butthe "stone temple" has become a necessary anchor for spiritualpractice in a busy, modern world. I have readkamadhenu gave whatever was wished, it was given by Kamadhenu to sage Vasistha.Not only milk. How?? In Hindu mythology, Kamadhenu (and her daughter Nandini) is not a physical animalthat produces items; she is a celestial goddess who manifests reality throughdivine power. While ordinary cowsprovide milk, Kamadhenu provides "the milk of one’s desires". Here ishow she fulfilled Sage Vashishta's wishes beyond simple dairy: Divine Manifestation(Sankalpa): She possesses the power of Sankalpa—the ability to turn a thought or wish into physicalreality instantly. When Vashishta needed to host King Vishwamitra and hisentire army of thousands, she did not just "give milk"; shematerialised a lavish banquet of heavenly delicacies, wines, and jewels. Warrior Creation(Miraculous Protection): Her power extends to self-defense and protection of the righteous.When King Vishwamitra tried to seize her by force, she manifested entire armiesfrom her own body—specifically from her udder, mouth, and skin pores—to defendthe sage. A "City" ofAbundance: In similar legends involving Sage Jamadagni, she used her powers to create an entire bigcity to accommodate a visiting king’s massive entourage, complete with allcomforts and infrastructure. Spiritual and MartialInstruction: In some versions, she is described as a spiritual guide who could even instruct her ownerin the martial arts or provide divine weapons to defeat enemies. Symbolic Abode ofDeities: She is capable of these feats because her body is believed to be the home of all majordeities (the Trinity, the Sun, the Moon, and Agni). When Vashishta called uponher, he was effectively calling upon the combined creative power of the entireuniverse. In essence, she acted as a portable, divine source ofplenty that made the sage's hermitage self-sufficient and more powerful thanany earthly kingdom Kamadhenu's divinewish-fulfilling power was indeed inherited by her daughters, most notably Nandini. In Hindu mythology, the "cow ofplenty" is often a title shared by both mother and child because theyshare the same celestial essence. 1. Nandini: The Mirrorof Her Mother Nandini (also called Sabala) is the most prominent example ofan offspring possessing these powers. Hosting Armies: Justlike Kamadhenu, Nandini could manifest entire banquets, jewels, and luxuries. It was actually Nandiniwho provided the legendary feast for King Vishwamitra and his army at SageVashishta's ashram. Creating Warriors:When Vishwamitra tried to take her by force, Nandini—not Kamadhenu—was the one who manifested amassive army from various parts of her body (mouth, udder, and skin pores) todefend the sage. Granting Boons: Shealso possessed the power to grant specific blessings, such as when she removed a curse andblessed King Dilipa with a son, the great King Raghu. 2. Sons and OtherDaughters The wish-fulfilling poweris generally seen as a trait of the female divine cows (Dhenus) in this lineage, while hersons represent different divine aspects: I will continue inthe next and final part of the posting -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/2130190430.614096.1770356872669%40mail.yahoo.com.
