GERMANY, August 9, 2013 (Topagrar by Steffi Leuchten): The Leuchten family dairy farm and horse stables in Meerbusch lent a cow for the blessing of the site of the largest Hindu temple in Europe in mid-July. The US$2 million temple is to be privately funded by donations. The Hindus wanted a cow to come and bless the building site. The spokesman for the Hindu association assured that nothing bad would happen to the cow. Farmer Heinrich Leuchten had to promise that the cow would not be slaughtered in the future. This agreement between the farmer and the Hindu community was reached by phone.
On 14 July at 9.00 o’clock the Leuchten family drove with trailer and the freshly washed and groomed cow named “Shakira” to the grounds of the Hindu Cultural Association in Krefeld. They received a friendly welcome from a colorful and festive dressed group of Tamils. The tame, but excited cow was unloaded, washed again and tied to the trailer.
Traditionally dressed priests began to worship and pray in the Sanskrit language. Mantras were chanted, incense burned, bells rang, and the Gods were asked for blessings and benevolence. The cow had calmed down and discovered the food that had been brought for her.
Suddenly the priest came up to the surprised farmer and asked who is the “protector and guardian of this cow”? Heinrich came forward and was immediately fitted with a sarong and a turban. The main priest painted a red dot on his forehead and blessed him. Then the farmer had to stand next to his cow and put a hand on her shoulder.
The cow was sprinkled with flowers, blessed extensively and also got a red dot painted on her forehead. It was decorated with a beautiful flower necklace and colorful fabrics. Shakira was incredibly quiet and looked completely caught up, almost as if hypnotized. After the ceremony, the priest asked for some milk drops from the “sacred cow” in order also to bless the earth.
The German dairy farming family was duly impressed with how Hindus treat cows!
More and photos at “source.”