Shloka 30

Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement

Devanagari script

अथास्मिन् भगवान् वैन्य: प्रजानां वृत्तिद: पिता । निवासान् कल्पयां चक्रे तत्र तत्र यथार्हत: ॥ ३० ॥

Transliteration

athāsmin bhagavān vainyaḥ prajānāṁ vṛttidaḥ pitā nivāsān kalpayāṁ cakre tatra tatra yathārhataḥ

Translation

Then Bhagavān Vainya Pṛthu, like a father and provider for the citizens, busied himself in granting proper livelihood and suitable work. After leveling the earth, he allotted residential places here and there according to fitness.

Synonyms

अथthen

अस्मिन्in this (situation)

भगवान्the venerable/lordly one

वैन्यःVainya (Pṛthu)

प्रजानाम्of the subjects/people

वृत्ति-दःgiver of sustenance

पिताfather

निवासान्dwelling places

कल्पयाम्arranged, devised

चक्रेmade, established

तत्रthere

तत्रin various places

यथा-अर्हतःas appropriate

Characters & Entities

Pṛthu Mahārāja

Vena

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about an ideal king’s duty toward citizens?

This verse portrays King Pṛthu as a fatherly ruler who provides livelihood and organizes suitable residences for people according to their needs—showing welfare, protection, and practical administration as core royal duties.

Why is King Pṛthu called “vṛttidaḥ pitā” (the father who gives livelihood)?

Because his leadership is described as nurturing and sustaining—he does not merely rule, but ensures the citizens’ maintenance and stability, like a father caring for a family.

Practical application of Pṛthu Mahārāja’s leadership in modern life?

Responsible leadership means ensuring people’s basic needs—shelter, livelihood, and orderly living—are supported fairly, according to real needs and qualifications, not favoritism.