the giving of a cow
Gaudaan and animal careगोदान
Traditionally a cow — which in a farming household meant handing over a livelihood.
Gaudaan is traditionally the gift of a cow. In an agrarian household that was never the gift of an animal but of a livelihood: milk to drink and sell, draught power, and manure for the fields. Giving one away meant giving away income.
The living equivalent is the care and shelter of animals that cannot fend for themselves — gaushalas, street-animal rescue, veterinary care for working animals whose owners cannot afford it, and wildlife rescue.
