Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 22
The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu
अयं महीं गां दुदुहेऽधिराज:प्रजापतिर्वृत्तिकर: प्रजानाम् । यो लीलयाद्रीन् स्वशरासकोट्याभिन्दन् समां गामकरोद्यथेन्द्र: ॥ २२ ॥
ayaṁ mahīṁ gāṁ duduhe ’dhirājaḥ prajāpatir vṛtti-karaḥ prajānām yo līlayādrīn sva-śarāsa-koṭyā bhindan samāṁ gām akarod yathendraḥ
This King, this protector of the citizens, is an extraordinary king and is equal to the Prajāpati demigods. For the living facility of all citizens, he will milk the earth, which is like a cow. Not only that, but he will level the surface of the earth with the pointed ends of his bow, breaking all the hills exactly as King Indra, the heavenly King, breaks mountains with his powerful thunderbolt.
FAQs
This verse describes Pṛthu as an ideal emperor who draws prosperity from the earth for the welfare of all beings—like milking a cow—showing that governance is meant to nourish citizens, not exploit them.
Indra is cited as a familiar standard of power and effectiveness; the verse says Pṛthu, like Indra, could level the land by splitting mountains, emphasizing his capability to remove obstacles to prosperity.
Leadership—whether in family, community, or workplace—should focus on creating sustainable support systems, removing needless barriers, and using strength responsibly for the common good.