Shloka 3
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
विदुर उवाच कस्माद्दधार गोरूपं धरित्री बहुरूपिणी । यां दुदोह पृथुस्तत्र को वत्सो दोहनं च किम् ॥ ३ ॥
vidura uvāca kasmād dadhāra go-rūpaṁ dharitrī bahu-rūpiṇī yāṁ dudoha pṛthus tatra ko vatso dohanaṁ ca kim
Vidura asked: O brāhmaṇa, since Mother Earth can assume many forms, why did she take the form of a cow? And when King Pṛthu milked her, who became the calf, what was the manner of milking, and what was the vessel that received the milk?
FAQs
This verse frames Vidura’s inquiry into the symbolism of the Earth appearing as a cow—an emblem of nourishment and sustenance—so the narrative can explain how righteous rule draws forth prosperity for all beings.
Vidura is speaking, asking why the Earth assumed a cow’s form and, in King Pṛthu’s milking of her, who functioned as the calf and what served as the milking vessel.
Prosperity is not merely extracted by force; it is drawn forth through dharma—responsible leadership, protection of resources, and actions that benefit the whole society.