Shloka 18
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
उवाच च महाभागं धर्मज्ञापन्नवत्सल । त्राहि मामपि भूतानां पालनेऽवस्थितो भवान् ॥ १८ ॥
uvāca ca mahā-bhāgaṁ dharma-jñāpanna-vatsala trāhi mām api bhūtānāṁ pālane ’vasthito bhavān
Addressing the greatly fortunate King Pṛthu—knower of dharma and tender to those who surrender—she said, “Please save me as well. You are the protector of all living beings, and now you stand as the king of this planet.”
The cow-shaped earth addressed King Pṛthu as dharma-jña, which refers to one who knows the principles of religion. The principles of religion dictate that a woman, a cow, a child, a brāhmaṇa and an old man must be given all protection by the king or anyone else. Consequently mother earth took the shape of a cow. She was also a woman. Thus she appealed to the King as one who knows the principles of religion. Religious principles also dictate that one is not to be killed if he surrenders. She reminded King Pṛthu that not only was he an incarnation of God, but he was situated as the King of the earth as well. Therefore his duty was to excuse her.
FAQs
This verse states that a righteous ruler is “established in the duty of maintaining all beings,” and should extend protection even to the distressed and surrendered—here, the Earth herself.
In the narrative, the Earth had been withholding her produce due to misrule and exploitation; seeing Pṛthu’s dharmic authority, she appeals to him as an āpanna-vatsala protector to be safeguarded and properly cared for.
It highlights responsible stewardship: those with power—leaders, parents, managers—should protect the vulnerable and uphold dharma by sustaining others rather than exploiting them.