Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 28
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
ततो महीपति: प्रीत: सर्वकामदुघां पृथु: । दुहितृत्वे चकारेमां प्रेम्णा दुहितृवत्सल: ॥ २८ ॥
tato mahīpatiḥ prītaḥ sarva-kāma-dughāṁ pṛthuḥ duhitṛtve cakāremāṁ premṇā duhitṛ-vatsalaḥ
Daraufhin war König Pṛthu, der Herr der Erde, höchst zufrieden mit der Erde, denn sie versorgte alle Wesen reichlich mit Nahrung und erwies sich als die wunscherfüllende Kuh. Pṛthu, von väterlicher Zuneigung erfüllt, liebte die Erde, als wäre sie seine eigene Tochter.
FAQs
This verse describes the Earth as sarva-kāma-dughām—able to supply all necessities and desired resources—when she is properly protected and governed by a righteous king like Pṛthu.
After being pleased, Pṛthu related to the Earth with protective, affectionate responsibility—like a father to a daughter—signifying care, guardianship, and dharmic stewardship rather than exploitation.
Treat nature and resources as a trust to be protected and nurtured—responsible leadership, gratitude, and sustainable use—so that society receives genuine prosperity without harm.