Silver Kamdhenu Cow & Calf Idol

According to Hindu scriptures, Kamdhenu emerged as one of the fourteen precious treasures during the Samudra Manthan — the great churning of the cosmic ocean by the Devas and Asuras in their quest for the elixir of immortality (Amrita). She was gifted to Sage Vasishtha, one of the Saptarishis (seven great sages), who relied on her to perform yajnas (sacred fire rituals). Her ability to provide infinite resources made her indispensable for Vedic ceremonies.

The name “Kamdhenu” comes from two Sanskrit words: Kaam (desire) and Dhenu (cow) — making her the “Cow of Desires” or “Wish-Fulfilling Cow.” Every part of her divine body holds deep symbolism: her four legs represent the four Vedas and the Himalayas; her horns embody the Trinity — Brahma at the tip, Vishnu at the centre, and Shiva at the base; her eyes are the Sun and Moon; her shoulders represent Agni (fire) and Vayu (wind).

In this murti, the tender scene of Kamdhenu with her calf (Nandini) adds another layer of meaning — the bond between mother and child, the flow of nourishment and love from one generation to the next. It is this quality of Vatsalya (maternal affection) that makes the Kamdhenu cow and calf pairing one of the most cherished symbols in Hindu households.