Hindus respect, honor and adore the cow. To the Hindus, the cow is a symbol of the Earth, the nourisher, the giver and a provider. It is a symbol of grace and abundance. In general, Hindus regard all living creatures as sacred. Mahatma Gandhi once said ” One can measure the greatness of a nation and its moral progress by the way it treats its animals. The cow symbolizes dignity, strength, endurance, maternity and selfless service. In the Vedas, cows represent wealth and joyous Earthly life.