Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 16
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
सा दिशो विदिशो देवी रोदसी चान्तरं तयो: । धावन्ती तत्र तत्रैनं ददर्शानूद्यतायुधम् ॥ १६ ॥
sā diśo vidiśo devī rodasī cāntaraṁ tayoḥ dhāvantī tatra tatrainaṁ dadarśānūdyatāyudham
ଗୋରୂପିଣୀ ଦେବୀ ପୃଥିବୀ ଦିଗ-ବିଦିଗ ଓ ସ୍ୱର୍ଗଲୋକ ଏବଂ ପୃଥିବୀ ମଧ୍ୟର ଅନ୍ତରିକ୍ଷରେ ଏଠି-ସେଠି ଧାଉଥିଲା; ଯେଉଁଯେଉଁଠି ସେ ଧାଉଥିଲା, ସେଉଁଠି ସେଉଁଠି ଧନୁ-ବାଣ ଉଦ୍ୟତ କରି ରାଜା ତା’କୁ ଧାଉଥିବା ଦେଖିଲା।
FAQs
Because the Earth had been withholding nourishment (resources like grains and prosperity) from the citizens; fearing punishment from the righteous king Pṛthu, she fled in all directions to avoid his raised weapons.
It teaches that a true king must actively protect citizens and restore dharma and prosperity—even confronting powerful forces—while ultimately ensuring order and welfare for all.
Do not evade responsibility when your actions harm others; and when you hold authority, use it firmly yet righteously to correct imbalance and protect the well-being of those dependent on you.