Prithvi
Prithvi, is the Sanskrit name for the Earth, as well as the name of the goddess-personification of it in Hinduism. The goddess Prithvi is an archetypal Mother Goddess, and one of the most important goddesses in the historical Vedic religion.
She is depicted as a stable, fertile, and benevolent presence in the Vedas. She is frequently addressed as a mother, and a nurturing, generous goddess who provides sustenance to all beings living on her vast, firm expanse. While the Rigveda predominantly associates her with Dyaus, the Atharvaveda and later texts portray her as an independent deity.
In classical Hinduism, the figure of Prithvi is supplanted by the goddess Bhumi, while the term Prithvi serves as one of her epithets. She becomes significantly associated with Vishnu, one of the most important gods in later Hinduism, and two of his dashavatars—Varaha and Prithu.
Besides Hinduism, Prithvi holds a significant position in Buddhism, symbolising the vastness and support that the Earth provides to all life. Her appearance in the Buddhist tradition is tied to the very moment of Buddha’s enlightenment, and she is considered the first goddess in the Buddhist pantheon.
Etymology and epithets
Prithvi is the most frequent Vedic word for both the earth and the Earth-goddess; and the poetic formula kṣā́m... pṛthivī́m. The name Pṛthivī has its roots in Proto-Indo-European mythology, originating from the epithet Plt̥h₂éwih₂, which means "the Broad One." This term highlights the expansive and nurturing nature of the Earth and forms the basis for the Vedic concept of Pṛthivī Mātā, or "Mother Earth."Another connection is found between Prithvi and the mythological figure Prithu, who chases the goddess Prthvi, shapeshifted as a cow. His name means 'far, wide, broad' and in later texts, the term Prithvi is treated as patronym for Earth derived from his name.
Goddess Prithvi is referred to by various epithets across different religious traditions, particularly in the Vedic and Buddhist contexts. These epithets highlight her nurturing, sustaining, and protective qualities, as well as her connection to truth, fertility, and abundance. Some of the key epithets used for Prithvi are listed below:
- Bhūmi – 'Soil'. This Vedic epithet becomes her primary name in later Hinduism
- Viśvagarbhā – 'Womb of the world'
- Medinī – 'Fertile one'
- Janitrī – 'Birthplace'
- Viśvasaṃ – 'Source of everything'
- Viśvaṃśu – 'Producer of everything'
- Dhātrī – 'Nursing mother'
- Dhāritrī – 'Nurturer'
- Viśvadhāyā – 'All-nourishing'
- Pṛśnī – 'Mother of plants'
- Vanaspatinām gṛbhir oṣadhīnāṃ – 'Womb of forest trees and herbs'
- Sthāvarā – 'Stable one'
- Dṛḍhā – 'Steady one'
- Kṣamā – 'Patient one'
- Dharā – 'Upholder'
- Viśvambharā – 'All-bearing'
- Viśvadhārinī – 'All-supporting'
- Ratnagarbhā – 'Repository of gems'
- Ratnavatī – 'Abounding in jewels'
- Vasundharā – 'Bearer of treasure'
In Vedic scriptures
Rigveda
In the Rigveda, the goddess Prithvi is predominantly associated with the Earth, representing the terrestrial realm where human existence unfolds. However, Prithvi is rarely depicted in isolation. She is most often paired with Dyaus, the male deity representing the sky. This coupling of Prithvi and Dyaus forms the dual entity Dyavaprithivi, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the sky and earth. Their unity is so fundamental in the Rigveda that Prithvi is seldom addressed separately, with the two being described as kissing the central point of the world. Their mutual relationship is one of sanctity, as both deities complement each other. Together, they are considered the universal parents, responsible for the creation of the world and the gods.In this divine partnership, Dyaus is frequently referred to as the father, while Prithvi is recognized as the mother. It is suggested in certain hymns that the two were once inseparable, but later parted by Varuna's decree. Nonetheless, their connection remains strong, with Dyaus fertilising the earth through rain, although in some instances, they are both credited with providing this nourishment. While Prithvi is largely associated with the Earth, it is sometimes unclear whether she has a connection to the sky as well. Dyaus and Prithvi are mentioned as the parents of various deities, especially Ushas, though the listing is not consistent throughout the text.
Beyond her maternal and productive attributes, Prithvi is revered for her steadfast support. She is described as firm, upholding all that exists, encompassing everything, and as broad and vast. While she is generally characterized as immovable, other verses describe her as capable of free movement. Prithvi and Dyaus are also frequently invoked for wealth, prosperity, and strength. The rains they produce are praised for their richness, fullness, and fertility, and they are often called upon for protection from harm, forgiveness of sins, and to bring joy. Together, Prithvi and Dyaus represent a vast, stable domain of abundance and safety, a realm governed by the cosmic order, which they nurture and sustain. They are seen as inexhaustible and full of potential life.
In a funeral hymn, Prithvi is portrayed as a compassionate and gentle mother, as the deceased is asked to return to her lap. She is implored to cover the dead lightly, as a mother would tenderly cover her child with her garment.
Atharva Veda
Prithvi is celebrated extensively in the Atharva Veda, where she is revered as the queen of all creation. She is referred to as the first water in the ocean, tying her to the primordial elements of existence. This description reinforces her fundamental role in the creation of life and the universe, linking her to fertility, abundance, and sustenance. The Atharva Veda highlights Prithvi as a fragrant, life-giving force, but also acknowledges that inherent dangers such as death and disease accompany this creative power. This dual nature emphasizes that while the Earth supports life, it can also bring destruction and hardship, representing the balance between creation and dissolution in the natural world. To avoid or mitigate these dangers, various rituals such as prayers, sacrifices, and the wearing of amulets were performed. This indicates the recognition of Prithvi's immense power and the need to maintain harmony with her through devotion and ritualistic appeasement.One hymn in the Atharva Veda claims that Prithvi was germinated from the goddess Aditi, who represents boundlessness or infinity. Aditi is often regarded as the mother of the gods in the Rig Veda, which further highlights Prithvi’s role as a life-giving force. This connection aligns Prithvi with the cosmic order and fertility, positioning her within a larger framework of divine motherhood in Vedic thought. Similar to earlier Vedic texts, the Atharva Veda often presents Prithvi in partnership with Dyaus, the sky god. This pairing symbolizes the unity of heaven and earth, with Dyaus fertilizing Prithvi through rain, allowing life to sprout. Together, they form the universal parents who not only create life on earth but are also responsible for the birth of the gods.
Like in the Rig Veda, Prithvi is associated with the cow, called Gauri, which is revered for its milk-giving qualities. The cow is seen as a symbol of nourishment and motherhood, making this connection with Prithvi natural. The earth itself is compared to a cow, with its calves represented by different deities, symbolizing the interconnectedness of nature and divinity.
''Pṛthvī Sūkta''
The most extensive praise of Prithvi in Vedic literature is found in the Prithvi Sukta. Unlike her depictions in the Rigveda, where she is almost always paired with Dyaus, the Prithvi Sukta is dedicated solely to her. In this hymn, Prithvi is seen as an independent and powerful goddess. Her consort is the mighty god Indra, who is said to protect her from harm. Other gods such as Vishnu, Parjanya, Prajapati, and Vishvakarma also play significant roles in relation to her. Vishnu is said to stride across her vast expanse, while Agni permeates her being.Despite her close associations with various male deities, the hymn emphasizes Prithvi’s inherent greatness and fertility. She is hailed as the source of all plant life, particularly crops, and as the nourisher of all living creatures. Prithvi is described as patient and resilient, providing sustenance to both the virtuous and the wicked, gods and demons alike. Her nurturing role is further highlighted as she is repeatedly addressed as the mother of all and is asked to offer her nourishment, much like a mother feeding her child. She is likened to a nurse to all living beings, with her breasts full of life-giving nectar.
In the hymn, Prithvi’s life-sustaining energy extends beyond the physical realm. She is said to manifest in the scent of both men and women, embody the fortune and brilliance in men, and represent the vibrant energy of maidens. The hymn also asks for Prithvi’s blessings to ensure long life, invoking her nurturing qualities as central to both life and prosperity.
Yajurveda
Prithvi’s role extends to cosmogonic myths, especially in the Yajuraveda, where she plays a significant part in the creation process. In the Yajurveda, the earth is submerged in the cosmic ocean at the beginning of creation until a boar dives into the waters and brings it to the surface, enabling creation to unfold.The Taittiriya Samhita expands the above Yajuraveda myth and describes the earth as being created from the waters, with the hymn Atharvaveda 12.1.8 stating that Prithvi was originally water. This cosmogonic role positions the earth as the first material entity formed from the more abstract waters, marking an essential stage in creation.
This myth is seed of the later epic myth of Vishnu’s Varaha avatara, where the earth is rescued from the depths of the ocean. This myth became a prominent part of later Hindu iconography, where Vishnu, in his boar form, lifts Bhumi out of the cosmic waters. This narrative emphasizes Prithvi's vulnerability in later myths and her need for divine protection, further reflecting the dynamic between the earth and the gods.