According to Hindu mythology, Kamadhenu (IPA: /kaməðenu/) was a divine cow who was believed to be the mother of all cows. Like her daughter Nandini, she could grant any wish for the true seeker. Kamadhenu provided Vasishta with his needs for the sacrifices.

When the eight Vasus visited Vashishta's ashram with their wives, one of the wives took a fancy to Kamadhenu and asked her husband to steal it from Vashishta. He stole it with the help of the others, and was cursed by Vashishta to be born in the world of men. The seven Vasus who assist in stealing Kamadhenu have their curse softened to be liberated from their human birth as soon as they are born, but the last Vasu, due to his being instrumental in the theft, is cursed to endure a longer life on the earth, though the curse is softened so that he becomes one of the most illustrious men of his

When King Vishwamitra visited Vashishta's ashram with his army, Vashista fed the entire army with the help of Kamadhenu. Vishwamitra desired to acquire Kamadhenu by force, which led to a battle in which Vishwamitra was defeated by the warriors created by Vashishta. A result of this engagement led finally to Vishwamitra becoming a Brahmarishi.