Guest guest Posted March 26, 2002 Report Share Posted March 26, 2002 nora55_1999 She is the early deity, worshipped as fertility goddess. She symbolizes the mother earth itself. It is said that the whole world & universe is divided into three regions, namely earth (Prithvi), heaven (Dyaus) and the intermediate space (Antariksha). She is also regarded as the wife of Vishnu, the other wife is Lakshmi. She played two roles a) As maternal and reproductive function b) As supportive nature As Maternal and reproductive function In the reg-veda (Atharva-veda) she is often associated with the sky deity Dyaus (the god of heaven). Infact these two are interdependent of each other, also a part of the dyavaprthivi (sky-earth) they are considered the universal parent, Prithvi as therefore the universal mother. They are the parent who creates this world and the other gods. Dyanus fertilizes the earth ( Prithvi ) through rain, and in some cases it is said that together they provided abundant rain. The Atharva-veda greatly emphasis the role of Prithvi as fertility mother. She is the source of all the plant, especially crops, and also nourishes all creatures that live upon her. She is also called the nurse of all living things, and as a mother she is petitioned to pour milk as a mother does for her son. As supportive nature, she is often called a) She who upholds and supports all things b) She who encompasses all things c) She who is broad an wide d) She who is motionless e) She who likes to move freely f) She who is patient and strong g) Supporting the wicked and the good, the demons and the gods As sky-earth, both are almost always petition together for a) Wealth, riches and power. And the water they produce together is described as fat, full, nourishing and fertile. b) To protect people from danger c) To expiate sin d) To bring happiness Together as universal parent, they provide a firm realm of abundance and safety, a realm pervaded by order, which they nourish, and strengthen. In the Brahmanas, Prthivi becomes virtually identified with Aditi. The difference between Prthivi and Aditi is that, Aditi do not have a male consort. Even though Prthivi during the early stages often was being associated with Dyaus, towards the later stage in the Vedic literature, she emerges as an independent Goddess. Aditi is also said to be the mother of the great Gods Indra, mothers of kings and the mother of all gods. In some text Prthivi is also the mother of Indra. Om ParaShaktiye Namaha devi_bhakta In addition to Nora's excellent summary, I'd add a drop of mythology that might shed some further light on this manifestation of Devi: The Earth Goodess, Bhoodevi, nourished all humankind with Her bounty, She was venerated by sages and seers; She belonged to all. But then humans sought to possess Her and plunder Her wealth. Enraged by this callous new attitude toward Her, the goddess refused to let any seeds sprout or any plants bear fruit. Humanity began to starve and die away. Moved by their plight, the god Vishnu descended to Earth as the patriarch Prithu and tried to make peace with Bhoodevi. But She refused to forgive humankind; She ran away from Prithu in the form of a cow. Prithu decided to take a harsher approach, pursuing Her on his chariot and threatening to shoot Her with arrows. "If you harm me," She warned, "the world will cease to be." "I do not wish to harm You," he replied. "I want You to feed mankind." "Why should I nurture those who do not respect me?" She asked. "Fear not," he told Her. "I shall make sure humans respect their Mother Earth and treat Her as a cow treats Her calves. I will be Gopala, the cowherd, protecting You from danger." And so it came to pass, Prithu instituted the practice of prudent economics and taught mankind to draw on the Earth's resources without exploiting Her. He also established the sacred laws of dharma that ensure stability in society, and maintains a harmonious relationship between mankind and the world around. Pleased with this, Bhoodevi called Herself Prithvi, beloved of Prithu. But the lesson remains, and may yet return to destroy humankind -- as exploitation replaces respect, will She continue to nurture us and give us life? Aum Maatangyai Namaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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