Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 23
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
पशवो यवसं क्षीरं वत्सं कृत्वा च गोवृषम् । अरण्यपात्रे चाधुक्षन्मृगेन्द्रेण च दंष्ट्रिण: ॥ २३ ॥ क्रव्यादा: प्राणिन: क्रव्यं दुदुहु: स्वे कलेवरे । सुपर्णवत्सा विहगाश्चरं चाचरमेव च ॥ २४ ॥
paśavo yavasaṁ kṣīraṁ vatsaṁ kṛtvā ca go-vṛṣam araṇya-pātre cādhukṣan mṛgendreṇa ca daṁṣṭriṇaḥ
Ang mga hayop na apat ang paa gaya ng mga baka ay ginawang guya ang Nandi, ang toro ni Śiva, at ginawang sisidlan ang gubat; kaya napiga nila mula sa lupa ang sariwang luntiang damo bilang gatas. Ang mababangis na hayop na may pangil ay ginawang guya ang leon at, sa sarili nilang katawan bilang sisidlan, napiga ang laman. Ang mga ibon ay ginawang guya si Garuḍa at napiga mula sa lupa ang mga gumagalaw na insekto at ang di-gumagalaw na halaman at damo.
There are many carnivorous birds descended from Garuḍa, the winged carrier of Lord Viṣṇu. Indeed, there is a particular type of bird that is very fond of eating monkeys, and eagles are fond of eating goats. Of course, many birds eat only fruits and berries. Therefore the words caram, referring to moving animals, and acaram, referring to grasses, fruits and vegetables, are mentioned in this verse.
FAQs
This verse shows that the Earth yields different “milk” (resources) according to the needs and nature of each class of beings—here, animals obtain grasses—when approached in an ordered, dharmic way.
The narrative describes various groups appointing a suitable “milker” and “calf” to draw their specific sustenance from the Earth; the lion represents the power and leadership among beasts used to extract their share.
Take only what is needed, in a regulated and responsible way, recognizing nature as sacred and meant to support all beings—not to be exploited without dharma.