The cow holds a sacred place in many Vedic and post-Vedic texts, where it is symbolized as a symbol of prosperity, nourishment, and spirituality. Here is a list of significant Vedic and other ancient texts that mention cows: 

1. Rigveda

• Mentions of Cows: Cows are a symbol of wealth, nourishment, and spirituality in the Rigveda. Several hymns are dedicated to their protection and prosperity. Cows are called Aghnya (not to be harmed).

• Example Verse:

  • Aghnyeyam sa no mahyam aghnyaa suprajastvaya
    (Rigveda 1.164.40)
    Translation: "The cow, inviolate, is beneficial to us; let her give us good progeny and bless us."

• Additional Reference: Hymn 6.28 praises cows for their life-sustaining benefits.

2. Yajurveda

• Mentions of Cows: The Yajurveda emphasizes the cow’s importance in sacrifices, rituals, and daily life. Cows are vital for agricultural and religious ceremonies.

• Example Verse:

  • Go ma adya na kalpataam aghnyaa manasaayajuh
    (Yajurveda 12.73)
    Translation: "May the cow, inviolable and sacred, be a blessing for us. Let her satisfy us through her milk."

• Additional Reference: The Yajurveda contains multiple references to cow offerings during Vedic rituals, ensuring cows' wellbeing.

3. Atharvaveda

• Mentions of Cows: The Atharvaveda includes prayers for the protection of cows, linking their wellbeing with societal prosperity.

• Example Verse:

  • Maataraah samnah pitaro rishayo devah, Duhitarah suryaasyaapannam aapur gavam
    (Atharvaveda 4.21.4)
    Translation: "The cow is mother to the sun, father to the wind, and sister to all humanity. The prosperity of the world is linked to her well-being."

• Additional Reference: Cows are mentioned as symbols of nourishment and fertility throughout the Atharvaveda.

4. Samaveda

• Mentions of Cows: While the Samaveda focuses on musical hymns, cows are mentioned as sources of wealth and prosperity.

• Example Verse:

  • Go maahi go mahishta maahinaa mahaanasi
    (Samaveda 179)
    Translation: "The cow is great; she is our sustainer, providing wealth and blessings."

• Additional Reference: Cows are praised for their blessings in the Samaveda, reinforcing their importance in rituals.

5. Bhagavad Gita

• Mentions of Cows: In the Bhagavad Gita, cows are part of the duties assigned to the Vaishya class, linked to agriculture and Dharma.

• Example Verse:

  • Krishi-go-raksha-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam
    (Bhagavad Gita 18.44)
    Translation: "Farming, cow protection, and commerce are the natural duties of the Vaishya class."

• Additional Reference: The Gita emphasizes cow protection as a moral duty within the context of societal roles.

6. Manusmriti

• Mentions of Cows: The Manusmriti contains laws and ethical guidelines regarding the treatment and protection of cows. Cows are viewed as providers of life and sustenance.

• Example Verse:

  • Dhenur vai janayaty annam dhenur vai janayaty payah
    (Manusmriti 4.233)
    Translation: "The cow brings forth food and milk. Protecting cows ensures the prosperity of the people."

• Additional Reference: Multiple chapters in the Manusmriti mention penalties for harming cows and the importance of cow protection.

7. Mahabharata

• Mentions of Cows: The Mahabharata frequently references cows in the context of charity, sacrifice, and Dharma. Cows are revered as symbols of righteousness and are often given as gifts in religious ceremonies.

• Example Verse:

  • Gāvo rakṣanti yajñāya gāvo rakṣanti medhaye
    (Mahabharata 13.76.23)
    Translation: "Cows safeguard the sacrifices; cows safeguard the intellect."

• Additional Reference: The Anushasana Parva contains detailed discussions on the protection and gifting of cows as a righteous act.

8. Ramayana

• Mentions of Cows: The Ramayana mentions cows in the context of gifts and offerings. Cows are important to religious practices and are protected by Lord Rama and other noble figures.

• Example Verse:

  • Gāvas chaiva prajāḥ pāntu Rāghavasya mahātmanaḥ
    (Ramayana 1.22.22)
    Translation: "May the cows and the people always protect the great-hearted Raghava (Rama)."

• Additional Reference: Cows are part of the offerings made during religious events and are protected in the kingdom.

9. Puranas (Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, etc.)

• Mentions of Cows: The Puranas frequently emphasize the divine status of cows, linking them to various gods and religious practices.

• Example Verse:

  • Gāvo me mātaraḥ sarvāḥ sarva-yajñasvarūpiṇīḥ
    (Vishnu Purana 1.19.65)
    Translation: "All cows are my mothers and embodiments of all sacrifices."

• Additional Reference: The Bhagavata Purana contains multiple stories and passages dedicated to cow protection and their divine role in society.

10. Arthashastra

• Mentions of Cows: The Arthashastra provides legal and economic guidelines regarding cows, focusing on their protection and the role they play in agriculture and wealth.

• Example Verse:

  • Goghrānām kāryeṣu mantrinābhihitāḥ syuḥ
    (Arthashastra 2.24.5)
    Translation: "The protection of cows should be the primary duty in times of need and in governance."

• Additional Reference: The Arthashastra outlines penalties for harming cows and provides guidelines for their management within agricultural and economic systems.

Summary:

• Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda: Multiple hymns, prayers, and references emphasize the cow's role in nourishment, rituals, and societal prosperity.

• Samaveda: Occasional references highlight the cow's blessings and wealth, despite its focus on chants.

• Bhagavad Gita, Manusmriti, and Mahabharata: These texts link cow protection to societal duties and righteous acts, reinforcing the moral obligation to care for cows.

• Ramayana and Puranas: Stories and teachings reinforce the divine status of cows, associating them with gods and Dharma.

• Arthashastra: Cows are seen as economically important, and their protection is enshrined in legal and governance frameworks.

These verses and references show that cows are not just economically important but hold deep spiritual significance across various Vedic and post-Vedic texts. 

According to Hindu religion, serving a cow is equivalent to serving God. Cows are considered sacred and are regarded as a representation of divinity. Even during sutak (a period of ritual impurity after the birth or death of a family member), when one cannot touch idols or visit temples, cows remain so pure and sacred that people can still offer their worship to them, seeing them as a living form of God.