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
主啊，往昔你曾从水中救起我并护持众生，因此你以“持地者”（Dharādhara）之名闻名于世。如今你却现大英雄之相，以锋利之箭欲杀我；而我如水上之舟，使万物得以漂浮不沉。
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.