Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 30
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
अथास्मिन् भगवान् वैन्य: प्रजानां वृत्तिद: पिता । निवासान् कल्पयां चक्रे तत्र तत्र यथार्हत: ॥ ३० ॥
athāsmin bhagavān vainyaḥ prajānāṁ vṛttidaḥ pitā nivāsān kalpayāṁ cakre tatra tatra yathārhataḥ
Kemudian, Bhagavān Vainya Pṛthu, bagaikan ayah bagi rakyat, tampak sibuk memberi nafkah dan pekerjaan yang layak untuk nafkah itu. Setelah meratakan bumi, ia menetapkan tempat-tempat pemukiman di sana-sini sesuai kelayakannya.
FAQs
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.
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.
Responsible leadership means ensuring people’s basic needs—shelter, livelihood, and orderly living—are supported fairly, according to real needs and qualifications, not favoritism.