Who · King Pṛthu, Arci, the sages, the reciters, the earth
The story · The sages churned Vena’s arms, and Pṛthu and Arci appeared; Pṛthu was empowered by Lord Viṣṇu to protect the people. He received royal gifts but humbly questioned praise for qualities he had not yet displayed, while the reciters described his future deeds. Later, he pursued the earth in her cow form because she was not supplying what was needed. She explained that she had been neglected and that grains were being misused for sense gratification. Pṛthu and others milked their respective foodstuffs from her, and he leveled the land and provided citizens with subsistence, employment, and places to live.
What it teaches · Pṛthu’s example joins humility with practical care for others. A king should act like an affectionate father, providing for his citizens.