Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 20
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
प्रहरन्ति न वै स्त्रीषु कृताग:स्वपि जन्तव: । किमुत त्वद्विधा राजन् करुणा दीनवत्सला: ॥ २० ॥
praharanti na vai strīṣu kṛtāgaḥsv api jantavaḥ kim uta tvad-vidhā rājan karuṇā dīna-vatsalāḥ
Sekalipun seorang wanita melakukan dosa, tidak patut seseorang mengangkat tangan terhadapnya. Apalagi engkau, wahai Raja, yang penuh belas kasih, pelindung dan penyayang bagi kaum papa.
FAQs
This verse teaches that even ordinary beings refrain from harming a woman, and that a righteous king must be even more compassionate—especially toward the distressed.
In the narrative, Pṛthu confronts the Earth for withholding resources; Bhūmi appeals to his dharma and innate compassion, discouraging harsh violence and urging merciful governance.
Exercise power with restraint: avoid harming the vulnerable, respond to conflict with empathy, and let compassion guide leadership and decision-making.