Surabhi Devi Stotram

INTRODUCTION:

Cow in Hinduism is regarded as the very incarnation of Goddess Surabhi- the celestial wish fulfilling cow (Kamadhenu). All cows are said to be the progeny of Surabhi and are replica of her. Cows are gives of all boons and enjoyments. They are sacred beings. It's only cow's milk that is prescribed for use in sacred Vedic rituals and offerings to Gods. Without cows there can not be a healthy life on this earth.

Almost every scripture of Hinduism glorifies cows and advocates for their protection. Cow killing, is rated as the highest sin and is prohibited even in Vedas. Cows are innocent beings who know only to give. They eat grass and bestow upon us their nectar like milk. In Mahabharata when Yudhishthira was asked where is ambrosia on earth, he answered saying it is verily the milk of a cow. Even lord Sri Krishna and his elder brother Balarama practically taught us the importance of cows by they themselves acting as cowherds. They preached that without Go-Raksha (protection of cows) and Krishi-Raksha (protection of farming practices), there can't be any upliftment in human society. Cow's milk is Dharma (righteousness) in liquid form and cow herself is an epitome of Dharma. Therefore caring for cows, rearing them, feeding, doing service to them all are very sacred acts. In fact milking a cow, drinking milk from a cow are also highest Dharmic acts. In Mahabharata it is stated that none of the parts or products of a cow are despicable. Even the cow dung, and urine are also sacred that's the reason Goddess Lakshmi didn't hesitate to reside therein. Mahabharata gives a detailed account of this story. Cows are called as mothers of all creatures (gavam vishwasya matarah). Since my childhood I always have extreme love and affection for cows, and hopefully someday I would purchase a cow and my Gomata would stay in my home receiving my love and services.

This hymn is in reverence to the cow - the mother of all and is dedicated to the mother of all cows viz. goddess Surabhi who graces us by sending her progeny to our homes who are in fact her own incarnations / replica. If the initials of each paragraph of this hymn is joined it forms the phrase, "My dear Kamadhenu, kindly pardon me of all my sins".

सुरभी-देवी स्तोत्रम | Surabhi-Devi Stotram
(A hymn to Goddess Surabhi)

Mother of all creatures - O my innocent mother cow,
For you, in love and reverence, my head tends to bow.
Bless me with words of wisdom, let my feelings flow,
Let my love for you soar high, let my devotion grow.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [1]

You're my dearest one O Surabhi, my beloved mother,
Let your lineage never decline, let it always multiply further.
Except you, I would never think of, worshiping another,
Bless me with your love, through your milk swollen udder.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [2]

Dear mother come to me, and stay in my home forever,
Nurture me like your own calf, and forsake me never.
I neither covet for luxuries, nor I fear hardships whatever,
Till you remain graceful on me, I'll remain smiling ever.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [3]

Encompassing a wide range of, auspicious qualities,
You remain as the highest, among all the species.
You're loved by children, and also by those in their nineties,
A glimpse of yours itself, removes all my anxieties.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [4]

Although I could not become, the best among the virtuous,
And my sins have become, uncontrollably copious.
Yet I take your refuge, knowing your nature as non-callous,
Since in forgiving sins of your children, you're highly famous.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [5]

Rear me from the beginning, like your own newborn calf,
Come and ferry me of all my sins, on the almighty's behalf.
If you flag yourself on my heart, considering it your flagstaff,
I'm sure of remaining untouched, by the cruel Yama's staff.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [6]

Knowing you as the kindest, I ask from you a boon,
In the form of cows descend, and come to our houses soon.
O my lovely mother, your face resembles the full moon,
And your divine splendor emanates, the rays of sun at noon.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [7]

Accepting my prayers for you, which are rich in devotion,
Come and call me your child, with a heart full of emotion.
Shower your mercy on me, through the gesture of lactation,
Since your maternal nature is, as vast as an ocean.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [8]

Mother! Come and stand before me, licking me to greet,
Let me house you in your cow pen, which is clean and neat.
Let me sincerely wash with devotion, your lotus like fore feet,
With love, allow for your hind limbs, the same process to repeat.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [9]

Allow me to apply, on your feet, a coat of sacred Turmeric,
Beautifying your lovely forehead, with saffron round and thick.
I would wait with bated breath, for you to lick my cheeks,
Because your maternal love is, immeasurable under any yardstick.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [10]

Devoting myself to you, let me circumambulate you thrice,
Prostrations on your fore & hind legs, makes the count twice.
Let me pass across your belly, under your udders precise,
Scriptures say this form of worship, is incalculable in price.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [11]

Hovering my hand to and fro, let me massage your forehead,
Let me caringly feed you some rice, and some Indian bread.
I would never hook your nostrils, with rope or even a thread,
Since before I could see your pain, I would see myself as dead.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [12]

Encircling your beautiful neck, let me suspend a bell,
Which would jingle the depth of my veneration, and tell,
That I'm not only a devotee, but your own infant as well,
Who seeks your mercy, to rise me up, from the hell where I fell.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [13]

Nicely chewing the cud O Mother, kindly stand In front of me,
Let me recite in your front, the sacred hymns of Bhavani.
Allow me to worship your rear, with sacred hymns of Lakshmi,
Express your acceptance by your moo, wherein resides devi Vani.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [14]

Under your feet remain, all the sacred places of pilgrimage,
All the deities dwell in your body, together with their lineage.
No one is superior than you, be it a God or be it a Sage,
Since, you are the standard, and you are the gauge.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [15]

Kindness combined with forgiveness, makes the mother Earth,
Who sits in your belly, bearing the cosmos around the girth.
You hold in your udders, the ocean of ambrosia with mirth,
And sustain all the universes, which take from you their birth.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [16]

In your dung and urine, you gave place for Sree to reside,
Foolish men think, you did that, to ill-treat her and deride.
But you showed that, Sree isn't fickle, and remains motherly tied,
To the devotee who is righteous, and not with the greedy eyed.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [17]

Nicely under your neck you have, beautiful folds of skins,
Gentle rubbing and scratching the folds, erases all our sins.
And also delivers from hell to heaven, all the departed kins,
That's how in our scriptures, your holy praise begins.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [18]

Dear mother cow! The four Vedas are your four legs,
You lovingly fulfill all wishes, before one actually begs.
Men falling from the cliff of virtues, see you as the anchoring peg,
For the seeker of wisdom, you're the hen with golden eggs.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [19]

Licking action of yours lovingly, cleanses us of every sin,
Your devotee has no vices, even as minute as a hair pin.
One devoted to you gains glories, but never faces chagrin,
Dwelling in your pen is greater than, staying in a luxury inn.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [20]

Yearning I remain always, to own you in my sweet home,
To hug your belly lovingly is, more relaxing than a bed of foam.
Your name, O my dear Gomata! Is sweeter than the sacred OM,
Your pen is more sacred, than the castle having golden dome.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [21]

Patting on your back gently, I wish to give you comfort,
I wish to put food in your mouth, to decrease your self-effort.
I wish you to reward me maternally, for my childly comport,
Since you are my mother Surabhi - sage Kashyapa's consort.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [22]

Awaiting I would remain, till your calf feeds to his fullest,
Then kindly permit me with love, to suckle on your breast.
Sucking your milk is delight O mother, since you are my dearest,
Consider me your calf O mother, and make me your closest.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [23]

Rear me O dear mother cow, like your very own child,
I wish your nature to remain always, docile, loving and mild.
To put in words my feelings, is too difficult to be compiled,
Opening your heart for me O mother, let my devotion be filed.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [24]

Dear Cow! You are a four legged mother, and aren't an animal,
I wish to shield you of all risks, infinitesimal to cataclysmal.
Let my veneration grow always, and let your grace be maximal,
Since you are the supreme being, in the form of a mammal.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [25]

Owing to your maternal nature, you even suckled Lord Krishna,
To save you, he killed Kaliya, and cleansed the river Yamuna.
To serve you once again, he lifted the hill Govardhana,
It's not possible to overcome, the debts of you and Annapoorna.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [26]

None can ever equal you, O mother, in compassion,
You dwelled in Vasishtha's home, to help in Vedic oblations.
You made Vishwamitra flee, who wanted you for his possession,
That act later turned him equal to Vashishtha, in position.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [27]

Mother! Prabhasa wanted to steal you, to please his wife,
It made him gain curses, and be the object of every strife.
That made him rise to fame, and his glories became rife,
And was called Bheeshma, when Ganga gave him life.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [28]

Even the great king Dilipa, ignored you and got cursed,
But he was a scholar, who was righteous and well versed.
When he served your daughter Nandini, his merits reimbursed,
It was all your play, to make his glories outshine and disperse.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [29]

Once even the goddess Bhudevi, the kindest of all mothers,
Desired to donate away, all her hidden treasures altogether.
For that she shed her form, and became a cow rather,
And bestowed everything, when Prithu milked her udders.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [30]

From your womb you gave birth, to Rudras - the storm gods,
Who obeying your holy orders, remain as Indra's squads.
Due to your grace, O mother, they never face any odds,
And they stand unconquered, wielding bows and sharp rods.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [31]

Accepting the command of Brahma, you pronounced a lie,
But to speak out the truth, your tail wagged in reply.
Your lie made him pronounce curse, who has a third eye,
Rewarding your truthful tail, he made it holy thereby.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [32]

Living in poverty, wishing to drink your milk, O mother!
The little kid Upamanyu, had to endure hunger rather.
But when he resorted to Bhava, the universal father,
He bestowed him, ocean of your milk, rich in creamy lather.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [33]

Likewise O my dear cow, you have innumerable stories,
For yourself, and of your childlike devotees' glories.
Your milk as blood O mother, runs in innumerable arteries,
Your grace is enough O Mother, for achieving all victories.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [34]

Mother! You are the mother of all, from animals to men,
You feed everyone your sweet milk, from old men to children.
When would you come and stand, in my home's cow pen?
When would you feed me your milk, and make my heart gladden?
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [35]

Your milk is praised as divine ambrosia, in all our scriptures,
It is also the liquid Dharma, as preached in our culture.
Milking you is more sacred, than milking other creatures,
Since milking you is drawing Dharma, from your teats' apertures.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [36]

Surabhi! Your breast-milk is said to be, the liquid form of Dharma,
Which when consumed or traded, bestows one with Artha.
That Artha when used for the needs, it fulfils all the Kaama,
And for such a gratified child, O Mother; you only give Moksha.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [37]

In my home, O Mother Surabhi, remain as my cow forever,
Bless me O mother, that I would step out of Dharma never.
Forgive all my sins and offenses, committed by me whatever,
With all your kindness guide me, in my spiritual endeavour.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [38]

Neither I would desire wealth, nor luxuries whatever,
I also do not seek you, for selfish motives whichever.
It's only my childly love for you, that overwhelms like a river,
Like your newborn calf O mother, let me suckle forever.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [39]

Sweetly accept this hymn O mother, gifted by your son Santosh,
Which is out of pure love, and may not be professional or posh.
Whosoever reads this with devotion, gushing out with force,
You’d lovingly grace that human, by erasing sins of course.
Salutations to you O Devi Surabhi, the mother of all kine,
Forget not the fact that you're a mother of mine. [40]

--- Composed on 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th Oct 2011 within the limits of my busy work life.