Shloka 22
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
पृथुरुवाच वसुधे त्वां वधिष्यामि मच्छासनपराङ्मुखीम् । भागं बर्हिषि या वृङ्क्ते न तनोति च नो वसु ॥ २२ ॥
pṛthur uvāca vasudhe tvāṁ vadhiṣyāmi mac-chāsana-parāṅ-mukhīm bhāgaṁ barhiṣi yā vṛṅkte na tanoti ca no vasu
King Pṛthu replied: O Earth, you have turned away from my rule and disobeyed my orders. You accept your share in the yajñas, yet you do not produce sufficient grains; therefore I must punish you.
The cow-shaped earthly planet submitted that she not only was a woman, but was innocent and sinless as well. Thus she argued that she should not be killed. Besides, she pointed out that being perfectly religious-minded, the King could not violate the religious principles that forbade killing a woman. In reply, Mahārāja Pṛthu informed her that first of all she had disobeyed his orders. This was her first sinful activity. Secondly he accused her of taking her share of the yajñas (sacrifices) but not producing sufficient food grains in return.
FAQs
In this verse, King Pṛthu accuses Earth (Vasudhā) of accepting her sacrificial share yet not increasing the people’s prosperity—setting the stage for her being restrained so she will provide produce again.
Because Earth had become “turned away” from his righteous rule and was not supplying necessities to the citizens; as a king responsible for protecting and sustaining his people, he confronts her to restore order and abundance.
It highlights accountability: receiving benefits (a “share”) should be matched by responsible contribution—leaders must ensure systems provide real welfare, and individuals should not take without giving back.