How are cows the daughters of the Sun god?

What is the basis for the statement that cows are the daughters of Surya?

In the broad Vedic tradition, there is often a seamless transition between the literal and the symbolic. Many events, though literal in description, carry symbolic significance that far outweighs their physical narrative. For example, in the Srimad Bhagavatam, when Parikshit Maharaj converses with a cow and a bull—who are said to represent Dharma and Bhoomi—it appears that he physically travels on his chariot and encounters this situation. Yet, the deeper meaning lies in the symbolic conversation between Dharma and the Earth, which addresses universal ethical and ecological concerns.

Similarly, the statement that cows are the daughters of Surya (the Sun God) may not necessarily be a reference to biological genealogy. While it’s possible that there could be some obscure textual reference in terms of lineage, such a reference is difficult to verify or locate explicitly.

However, the Atharva Veda (10.10.29) states:

“The cow is the mother of the Rudras, the daughter of the Vasus, the sister of the Adityas.”

Atharva Veda 10.10.29

“गो माता रुद्राणां दुहिता वसूनां स्वसा: सूर्यस्य…”
“The cow is the mother of the Rudras, the daughter of the Vasus, the sister of the Ādityas (Sūrya), and the center of nectar (amṛta).”

go (गौ) 1. Cow
2. Ray (especially solar ray)
3. Earth
4. Word or voice (as in “sound”)
5. Sense organ

In Nighantu and Nirukta (the ancient Vedic lexicon and Yaska’s commentary), go is explained as a word with multiple valid significances, especially light, speech, and cattle—all seen as forms of divine energy or channels of knowledge.

This verse clearly presents a symbolic genealogy. It’s challenging to interpret such relationships biologically or literally, but their symbolic meaning is rich and significant. In Sanskrit literature, especially in lexicons like Nirukta, the word go (cow) refers not only to a physical cow but also to light and speech.

Thus, cows are often associated with light—both literal and metaphorical. The sun gives physical light, while cows give nourishment in the form of milk, symbolizing life and sustenance. Furthermore, light is often symbolic of knowledge, and cows, as givers of milk, can also be seen as givers of wisdom and inner illumination.

This symbolism is reflected in many Vedic metaphors. The loss and recovery of cows can be seen both as actual events and as symbolic of lost knowledge being rediscovered—similar to how the Vedas are said to have been stolen and then recovered, as mentioned in various Puranic accounts.

To understand this further, consider how the Bhagavad-gita (10.6) says:

“The seven great sages and the four Manus are born from My mind.”

Yet, in the Bhagavatam and other Puranas, we find detailed genealogies for these figures. Here, Krishna’s statement is best understood symbolically: the sages represent wisdom, and the Manus represent order and governance. Both manifest divine will—wisdom and law—within creation. Thus, even apparent historical or biological claims in scripture often have a symbolic underpinning.

Earlier in that chapter, Krishna also says:

“Buddhiḥ jñānam asammohaḥ…”
“Intelligence, knowledge, freedom from doubt…”
These are all described as divine manifestations.

So the world, including its attributes, flows from the divine—not just its physical elements.

In conclusion, while there may be references that suggest a literal or genealogical connection between cows and the Sun God, their symbolic meaning is likely more significant. The sun illuminates the world, and cows sustain life—both contribute to an illuminated existence. Recognizing the cow as a daughter of Surya invites us to see the sacred interplay between nature’s elements—how divine energy flows through life-sustaining beings, and how serving and protecting such beings brings us closer to God.

Thus, the meaning of such descriptions ranges from literal to symbolic, and which aspect to emphasize depends on the context.