Shloka 13
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
इति व्यवसितो बुद्ध्या प्रगृहीतशरासन: । सन्दधे विशिखं भूमे: क्रुद्धस्त्रिपुरहा यथा ॥ १३ ॥
iti vyavasito buddhyā pragṛhīta-śarāsanaḥ sandadhe viśikhaṁ bhūmeḥ kruddhas tripura-hā yathā
Thus resolved, the King took up bow and arrow and, in anger, aimed at the earth—like Śiva, the slayer of Tripura, when he rises to destroy.
King Pṛthu found out the cause for the scarcity of food grains. He could understand that it was not the people’s fault, for they were not lazy in executing their duties. Rather, the earth was not producing sufficient food grains. This indicates that the earth can produce sufficiently if everything is properly arranged, but sometimes the earth can refuse to produce food grains for various reasons. The theory that there is a scarcity of food grains due to an increase of population is not a very sound theory. There are other causes that enable the earth to produce profusely or to stop producing. King Pṛthu found out the proper causes and took the necessary steps immediately.
FAQs
It shows that a righteous king, after careful resolve, may take strong corrective action to protect the Earth and ensure proper maintenance for all beings.
Tripurahā means “destroyer of Tripura”; the verse uses Śiva’s decisive, forceful act as a comparison for Pṛthu’s intense determination while aiming his arrow.
Act decisively only after clear judgment, and when correcting wrongs—whether in leadership, work, or family—combine firmness with responsibility rather than impulsive anger.