Shloka 10
The Priyavrata Dynasty Continues: Sumati’s Line and the Glorification of Mahārāja Gaya
यमभ्यषिञ्चन् परया मुदा सती:सत्याशिषो दक्षकन्या: सरिद्भि: । यस्य प्रजानां दुदुहे धराऽऽशिषोनिराशिषो गुणवत्सस्नुतोधा: ॥ १० ॥
yam abhyaṣiñcan parayā mudā satīḥ satyāśiṣo dakṣa-kanyāḥ saridbhiḥ yasya prajānāṁ duduhe dharāśiṣo nirāśiṣo guṇa-vatsa-snutodhāḥ
The chaste daughters of Dakṣa—such as Śraddhā, Maitrī, and Dayā—whose blessings never failed, joyfully performed the abhiṣeka of Mahārāja Gaya with sanctified river waters. Seeing his virtues, Mother Earth appeared as a cow and, as if beholding her calf, poured forth abundant “milk” of prosperity for the citizens; yet Gaya himself remained desireless.
The earth over which Mahārāja Gaya ruled is compared to a cow. The good qualities whereby he maintained and ruled the citizens are compared to the calf. A cow delivers milk in the presence of her calf; similarly the cow, or earth, fulfilled the desires of Mahārāja Gaya, who was able to utilize all the resources of the earth to benefit his citizens. This was possible because he was bathed in sanctified water by the honest daughters of Dakṣa. Unless a king or ruler is blessed by authorities, he cannot rule the citizens very satisfactorily. Through the good qualities of the ruler, the citizens become very happy and well qualified.
FAQs
This verse teaches that when a ruler governs without selfish motives (nirāśiṣaḥ) and protects citizens dharmically, the earth herself becomes fully bountiful—like a cow giving milk—granting prosperity and blessings to the people.
They refer to the sacred rivers personified as Dakṣa’s daughters; their waters, carrying pure and unfailing blessings, are described as joyfully anointing the king during his consecration.
Serve family, society, or workplace duties without exploitation or egoistic gain; when leadership is ethical and selfless, it naturally creates trust, harmony, and sustainable prosperity—reflecting the Bhagavatam’s model of dharmic governance.