Shloka 20
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
प्रहरन्ति न वै स्त्रीषु कृताग:स्वपि जन्तव: । किमुत त्वद्विधा राजन् करुणा दीनवत्सला: ॥ २० ॥
praharanti na vai strīṣu kṛtāgaḥsv api jantavaḥ kim uta tvad-vidhā rājan karuṇā dīna-vatsalāḥ
Even if a woman commits a sin, no one should raise a hand against her. How much more, O King, for one like you—merciful, a protector, and affectionate to the poor.
FAQs
This verse teaches that even ordinary beings refrain from harming a woman, and that a righteous king must be even more compassionate—especially toward the distressed.
In the narrative, Pṛthu confronts the Earth for withholding resources; Bhūmi appeals to his dharma and innate compassion, discouraging harsh violence and urging merciful governance.
Exercise power with restraint: avoid harming the vulnerable, respond to conflict with empathy, and let compassion guide leadership and decision-making.