(Garuda Purana, Chapter II)
One must travel across Vaitaraṇî river (River of Hell). To cross the river easily, one must do a Gaudaan or Gift a Cow during his lifetime. Those doing so are believed to be taken across the river quickly, but those who do not do this are made to swim in the river of blood, pus, urine and filled with deadly animals and crocodiles.
Regardless of their karma — even those who are meant to go to the higher dimensions must face this obstacle. One must eventually cross this river to meet Lord Yamraj where the deeds of one’s past life are judged.
(Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 78)
Bhishma on his deathbed, recounted a story from a much earlier ancient period when king Saudasa asked Rishi Vasishtha what in the 3 worlds was the most scared. There Rishi Vasishtha discoursed upon the mystery relating to cow:
“Donation of cows is superior to all others. Cows are supreme and sacred.”
“They who make gift of cow succeed in transcending all sins which they may have committed and all kinds of calamities into which they may fall.”
(Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Section 80 – 83)
“There is no gift in this world that is superior to the gift of cow.”
“Men of wisdom succeed in attaining to Heaven by making gifts of cow.”
“They who make gift of cow succeed in transcending all sins which they may have committed and all kinds of calamities into which they may fall.”
(Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Section 83)
Of all kinds of gifts, the gift of cow is applauded as the higher. Cows are the foremost of all things.”
It is said that the Sun, Moon, Varuna, Agni, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva salutes the person who donates cow benevolently.
“They who make gift of cow succeed in transcending all sins which they may have committed and all kinds of calamities into which they may fall.”
The Timing of Gau Daan:
The scriptures emphasize the importance of performing Gau Daan during one’s lifetime. Delaying this sacred act to future generations is discouraged. Ideally, Gau Daan is recommended when one is young and able. If performed by the sons after the individual’s passing, it should be done within a year to fulfill this sacred responsibility.
