Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 17
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
लोके नाविन्दत त्राणं वैन्यान्मृत्योरिव प्रजा: । त्रस्ता तदा निववृते हृदयेन विदूयता ॥ १७ ॥
loke nāvindata trāṇaṁ vainyān mṛtyor iva prajāḥ trastā tadā nivavṛte hṛdayena vidūyatā
De même qu’on ne peut échapper aux mains cruelles de la mort, la Terre sous forme de vache ne trouva pas de refuge contre le fils de Vena. Enfin, saisie de peur et le cœur meurtri, elle fit demi-tour, impuissante.
FAQs
This verse portrays that when a ruler like Vena fails in rajadharma, the people feel as helpless as before death—society loses safety, stability, and the ability to live peacefully.
Because Vena’s rule was oppressive and irreligious, the citizens could not find protection or justice, so they withdrew in fear and inner anguish.
Leadership must provide real protection—materially and morally. When authority becomes exploitative, people lose courage and productivity; therefore one should support dharmic governance and personally take shelter of the Lord when worldly shelter fails.