Our Five Mothers

The institution of motherhood is highly revered in Sanaatan Dharma and due recognition is given to five mothers: Mother Earth, the cow, our religious texts, our biological mother and the Divine Mother.

These mothers are all sources of life and of sustenance. As such, admiration, reverence, worship and provision for continuity are but a few of the duties of their earthly children.

1. Mother Earth: The earth is the principal source of food, water and air, the basic needs of all plants and animals, including humans. In puja, Mother Earth is worshipped as “Prithvi Maataa”.
2. The Cow: Gratitude and reverence are shown to the cow for its importance in the development of the physical welfare of humans.  The only food that is of nutritional value and can be digested successfully at this stage of a child’s life is milk. In puja, the cow is worshipped as “Gow Maataa”.
3. Religious Texts: It is said that wisdom or enlightenment comes with knowledge. Such knowledge guides humanity towards a positive state of wellbeing.  Reading of scriptural texts is “nitya karma” (daily practice) and is one of the five debts that must be repaid daily.
4. Biological Mother: “Maatri Devo Bhavah”, the scriptures declare. Mother is God, for she gives life, sustains and maintains it. Indeed, she is God and is worshipped daily by her children.
5. Divine Mother: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are forms of the Divine Mother and it is with their blessings, guidance and inspiration that an individual is endowed with intelligence, good health, wealth and success of every kind.

Our mothers play a pivotal role in the development of each of us and dependence on her is a necessity for a successful existence. This month, we wish all our mothers a Happy Mothers’ Day!