Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 35
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
अपामुपस्थे मयि नाव्यवस्थिता: प्रजा भवानद्य रिरक्षिषु: किल । स वीरमूर्ति: समभूद्धराधरो यो मां पयस्युग्रशरो जिघांससि ॥ ३५ ॥
apām upasthe mayi nāvy avasthitāḥ prajā bhavān adya rirakṣiṣuḥ kila sa vīra-mūrtiḥ samabhūd dharā-dharo yo māṁ payasy ugra-śaro jighāṁsasi
主よ、かつてあなたは水の中から私を救い出し衆生を守られたゆえ、「大地を支える者（ダラー ダラ）」として御名は名高い。だが今、偉大な勇者の姿で鋭い矢により私を討とうとされる。私は水上の舟のように、万物を沈ませぬよう支えているだけである。
The Lord is known as Dharādhara, meaning “He who keeps the planet earth on His tusks as the boar incarnation.” Thus the planet earth in the shape of a cow is accounting the contradictory acts of the Lord. Although He once saved the earth, He now wants to upset the earth, which is like a boat on water. No one can understand the activities of the Lord. Due to a poor fund of knowledge, human beings sometimes think the Lord’s activities contradictory.
FAQs
This verse highlights that a true ruler is one who “desires to protect the subjects” (rirakṣiṣuḥ prajāḥ), embodying heroism through responsibility rather than mere power.
Bhūmi-devī acknowledges Pṛthu as a protector of the citizens, yet questions his harsh approach—pointing out the contradiction of trying to protect the world while threatening the Earth herself.
Real leadership means protecting and sustaining others without aggression or exploitation—firmness should be guided by compassion and long-term welfare.