Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 28
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
ततो महीपति: प्रीत: सर्वकामदुघां पृथु: । दुहितृत्वे चकारेमां प्रेम्णा दुहितृवत्सल: ॥ २८ ॥
tato mahīpatiḥ prītaḥ sarva-kāma-dughāṁ pṛthuḥ duhitṛtve cakāremāṁ premṇā duhitṛ-vatsalaḥ
Sesudah itu Raja Pṛthu sangat puas terhadap Bumi, sebab ia mencukupi kebutuhan pangan semua makhluk dan menjadi pemerah segala keinginan. Karena kasih sayangnya yang lembut, Pṛthu memperlakukan Bumi seakan-akan putrinya sendiri dan menaruh cinta kepadanya.
FAQs
This verse describes the Earth as sarva-kāma-dughām—able to supply all necessities and desired resources—when she is properly protected and governed by a righteous king like Pṛthu.
After being pleased, Pṛthu related to the Earth with protective, affectionate responsibility—like a father to a daughter—signifying care, guardianship, and dharmic stewardship rather than exploitation.
Treat nature and resources as a trust to be protected and nurtured—responsible leadership, gratitude, and sustainable use—so that society receives genuine prosperity without harm.