In India, Kaal or time is divided into four parts, which we know as Yugas, such as Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Each Yuga has its own merits and demerits, and even different types of living beings live in each age. At present we are living in Kali Yuga, but three Yugas have passed before us. In these bygone ages there used to be many mysterious creatures, which are no longer present in India. Today, through the story, we will learn about one such mystical creature who used to live in India earlier.
Kamadhenu
Kamadhenu is a divine cow, also known as Surabhi who is believed to be the mother of all cows and possessed many mystical powers. The one who had Kamadhenu had all his wishes fulfilled. Talking about her origin, it is believed that in the Satya Yuga, the devas along with the asuras churned the ocean (Samudra Manthana) to produce nectar. During this churning, many precious things were brought to light, among which one divine blessing was the Kamadhenu cow. Kamadhenu is said to be white in color with the face of a beautiful woman and the body of a cow. She also had two wings and her entire body was said to be the abode of all the gods and goddesses. It is said that two Kamadhenu existed in Satya Yuga, one brought to light in Samudra Manthan and the other was the daughter of Daksha.
In history, we find some stories related to Kamadhenu. It is said that when Kamadhenu was churned out of the Samudra Manthan, she was gifted to an ancient sage, named Rishi Vashishta. She lived freely in Rishi's ashram and he worshiped her as his own mother and took care of her with love and respect. Since the sage was absorbed in meditation most of the time, food and other materials were easily available to him by the grace of Kamadhenu. But when King Vishvamitra came to know about Kamadhenu, he desired to have this cow. The king demanded Kamadhenu from sage Vashista in exchange for thousands of ordinary cows, elephants, horses, and jewels, but the sage refused him. Vishvamitra was filled with rage and tried to get that holy cow by force. After that, an army of warriors emerged from Kamadhenu's body and defeated all the soldiers of Vishvamitra. Vishwamitra was stunned to see this amazing miracle, due to which he left his kingdom and got absorbed in penance. Later he came to be known as rishi or sage Vishvamitra.
In addition, there is another interesting incident of Kamadhenu. It is said that the second Kamdhenu was residing in sage Jamadagni's hermitage. Meanwhile, King Kartavirya Arjuna got informed that Kamdhenu and a calf were staying in Jamadagni's hermitage. The king attacked and destroyed the hermitage of the sage and captured the calf of Kamadhenu. Now Parashurama, the son of sage Jamadagni fought with the king. After killing the king, he brought back the calf. Later on, getting the opportunity, the king's sons killed Jamadagni. Now there is no limit to Parashurama's anger, he destroyed the kshatriya ("warrior") race 21 times. As soon as this vow was fulfilled, his father was resurrected by divine grace.
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