Goddess Prithvi

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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