Godana

(“gift of a cow”) In Hindu religious practice, gift giving (dana) is common and
believed to be a pious act that generates
religious merit. Godana is the gift of a
cow, usually to a brahmin. Traditional
religious texts highly laud the gift of
a cow, both as a charitable act and as
a way to expiate one’s sins. However,
since many of these texts were written
by brahmins, one can detect a hint
of self-interest.