Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 3
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
विदुर उवाच कस्माद्दधार गोरूपं धरित्री बहुरूपिणी । यां दुदोह पृथुस्तत्र को वत्सो दोहनं च किम् ॥ ३ ॥
vidura uvāca kasmād dadhāra go-rūpaṁ dharitrī bahu-rūpiṇī yāṁ dudoha pṛthus tatra ko vatso dohanaṁ ca kim
ヴィドゥラは問うた――尊きブラーフマナよ、多くの姿を取り得る大地の母は、なぜ牝牛の姿を取ったのか。プṛトゥ王が彼女を乳搾りしたとき、子牛は誰で、搾乳の方法は何であり、乳を受ける器は何であったのか。
FAQs
This verse frames Vidura’s inquiry into the symbolism of the Earth appearing as a cow—an emblem of nourishment and sustenance—so the narrative can explain how righteous rule draws forth prosperity for all beings.
Vidura is speaking, asking why the Earth assumed a cow’s form and, in King Pṛthu’s milking of her, who functioned as the calf and what served as the milking vessel.
Prosperity is not merely extracted by force; it is drawn forth through dharma—responsible leadership, protection of resources, and actions that benefit the whole society.