Shloka 15
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
कृत्वा वत्सं सुरगणा इन्द्रं सोममदूदुहन् । हिरण्मयेन पात्रेण वीर्यमोजो बलं पय: ॥ १५ ॥
kṛtvā vatsaṁ sura-gaṇā indraṁ somam adūduhan hiraṇmayena pātreṇa vīryam ojo balaṁ payaḥ
The demigods made Indra the calf, and with a golden vessel they milked from the earth soma, a drink like nectar; thus their vigor, ojas, and strength increased.
In this verse the word soma means “nectar.” Soma is a kind of beverage made in the heavenly planets, from the moon to the kingdoms of the demigods in the various higher planetary systems. By drinking this soma beverage the demigods become more powerful mentally and increase their sensual power and bodily strength. The words hiraṇmayena pātreṇa indicate that this soma beverage is not an ordinary intoxicating liquor. The demigods would not touch any kind of liquor. Nor is soma a kind of drug. It is a different kind of beverage, available in the heavenly planets. Soma is far different from the liquors made for demoniac people, as explained in the next verse.
FAQs
In this verse, the demigods are described as drawing “milk” from Soma—symbolically obtaining vigor (vīrya), vital power (ojas), and strength (bala)—showing that cosmic energies are received through divinely ordained processes.
The verse depicts a ritual-symbolic method: by making Indra the “calf,” the devas focus their claim and leadership through him, and by milking Soma they obtain the specific essence needed for their power and sustenance.
It teaches that real strength is gained through proper means and right order—seeking vitality through disciplined, dharmic processes rather than exploitation, and recognizing that resources have intended purposes.