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Prthvi (Samskrit:  पृथ्वी) or Earth is one of the five great elements or Panchamahabhutas, the others being Ap (water), Teja (fire), Vayu (air) and Akasha (space). The creation is said to have originated from these five elements.<ref name=":0">Vijnana - Level A ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_A/Vijnana-A_Englishi_OBE/Science-A_E_Ch-2.pdf Chapter 2]), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling (Open Basic Education Programme).</ref>

Prthvi (Samskrit:  पृथ्वी) or Earth is one of the five great elements or [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Panchamahabhutas]], the others being [[Jala (जलम्)|Ap (water)]], [[Agni (अग्निः)|Teja (fire)]], Vayu (air) and Akasha (space). The [[Creation of the Universe (सृष्ट्युत्पत्तिः)|creation]] is said to have originated from these five elements.<ref name=":0">Vijnana - Level A ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_A/Vijnana-A_Englishi_OBE/Science-A_E_Ch-2.pdf Chapter 2]), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling (Open Basic Education Programme).</ref>

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The body of all living beings and non-living substances of this earth are made of the Panchamahabhutas viz. earth, water, fire, air and sky.<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>इह हि द्रव्यं पञ्चमहाभूतात्मकम् ।१७.२<ref>Ashtanga Sangraha, Sutra Sthana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7-%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A6 Adhyayas 11-20]</ref> iha hi dravyaṁ pañcamahābhūtātmakam ।17.2</blockquote>Speaking of the evolution of the five great elements, the Taittiriya Upanishad<ref>Vettam Mani (1975), Puranic Encyclopaedia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/358/mode/2up?view=theater See: Jivatman]</ref> says,<blockquote>आकाशाद्वायुः । वायोरग्निः । अग्नेरापः । अद्भ्यः पृथिवी ।...॥ १ ॥<ref>Taittiriya Upanishad, Brahmananda Valli, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80#%E0%A5%A5_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A5 Anuvaka 1].</ref> ākāśādvāyuḥ । vāyoragniḥ । agnerāpaḥ । adbhyaḥ pr̥thivī ।...॥ 1 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Air originated from the sky, from air came fire, from fire came water and from water came earth.

The [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|body]] of all living beings and non-living substances of this earth are made of the Panchamahabhutas viz. earth, water, fire, air and sky.<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>इह हि द्रव्यं पञ्चमहाभूतात्मकम् ।१७.२<ref>Ashtanga Sangraha, Sutra Sthana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7-%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A6 Adhyayas 11-20]</ref> iha hi dravyaṁ pañcamahābhūtātmakam ।17.2</blockquote>Speaking of the evolution of the five great elements, the Taittiriya Upanishad<ref>Vettam Mani (1975), Puranic Encyclopaedia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/358/mode/2up?view=theater See: Jivatman]</ref> says,<blockquote>आकाशाद्वायुः । वायोरग्निः । अग्नेरापः । अद्भ्यः पृथिवी ।...॥ १ ॥<ref>Taittiriya Upanishad, Brahmananda Valli, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80#%E0%A5%A5_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A5 Anuvaka 1].</ref> ākāśādvāyuḥ । vāyoragniḥ । agnerāpaḥ । adbhyaḥ pr̥thivī ।...॥ 1 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Air originated from the sky, from air came fire, from fire came water and from water came earth. So, earth is believed to have originated from water.<ref name=":0" /> According to Tarkasangraha, a basic text of the [[Nyaya Darshana (न्यायदर्शनम्)|Nyaya]]-[[Vaiseshika Darshana (वैशेषिकदर्शनम्)|Vaisheshika]] schools of [[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|Indian philosophy]], the characteristic of Prthvi is smell. Prthvi is of two kinds, Nitya (eternal) and Anitya (perishable). It is nitya in the form of Paramanu (earth-particles) and anitya in the form of Karya (all the products made of earth). The earth in the form of products can further be classified into three types viz. body of living beings, [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|sense organs]] and objects made of earth.<ref>V N Jha (2010), [https://archive.org/details/TarkasangrahaOfAnnambhattaVNJha/page/14/mode/2up?view=theater Tarkasangraha of Annambhatta], Kerala: Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan.</ref><ref>Vettam Mani (1975), Puranic Encyclopaedia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/546/mode/2up?view=theater See: Pancabhuta]</ref> <blockquote>तत्र गन्धवती पृथिवी । सा द्विविधा, नित्याऽनित्या च । नित्या परमाणुरूपा । अनित्या कार्यरूपा । पुनस्त्रिविधा शरीरेन्द्रियविषयभेदात् ।...॥१॥<ref>Tarkasangraha, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Dravya Lakshana Prakarana].</ref> tatra gandhavatī pr̥thivī । sā dvividhā, nityā'nityā ca । nityā paramāṇurūpā । anityā kāryarūpā । punastrividhā śarīrendriyaviṣayabhedāt ।...॥1॥</blockquote>Infact, each of the mahabhutas are said to have a basic essential property and as they evolve from one another, their properties also expand. Therefore, along with the distinguishing property of earth viz. smell, the property of akasha and others ie. shabda, touch, form and taste together form the five basic properties of earth which like the earth itself are everlasting in nature.  

So, earth is believed to have originated from water.<ref name=":0" /> According to Tarkasangraha, a basic text of the Nyaya-Vaisheshika schools of Indian philosophy, the characteristic of Prthvi is smell. Prthvi is of two kinds, Nitya (eternal) and Anitya (perishable). It is nitya in the form of Paramanu (earth-particles) and anitya in the form of Karya (all the products made of earth). The earth in the form of products can further be classified into three types viz. body of living beings, sense organs and objects made of earth.<ref>V N Jha (2010), [https://archive.org/details/TarkasangrahaOfAnnambhattaVNJha/page/14/mode/2up?view=theater Tarkasangraha of Annambhatta], Kerala: Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan.</ref><ref>Vettam Mani (1975), Puranic Encyclopaedia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/546/mode/2up?view=theater See: Pancabhuta]</ref> <blockquote>तत्र गन्धवती पृथिवी । सा द्विविधा, नित्याऽनित्या च । नित्या परमाणुरूपा । अनित्या कार्यरूपा । पुनस्त्रिविधा शरीरेन्द्रियविषयभेदात् ।...॥१॥<ref>Tarkasangraha, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Dravya Lakshana Prakarana].</ref>

Manifestation of the [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|qualities]] of [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|Sattva]], [[Rajas (रजः)|Rajas]] and [[Tamas (तमः)|Tamas]] are also described in the five great elements. And the earth is considered tamas predominant.<ref name=":0" />

 

 

Manifestation of the qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are also described in the five great elements. And the earth is considered tamas predominant.<ref name=":0" />

== नामाभिधानम् ॥ Names ==

== नामाभिधानम् ॥ Names ==

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== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology  ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology  ==

Earth is commonly known in Samskrit by the terms Prthvi, Prthivi, Bhumi, Dhara, Mahi, Medini, Kashyapi etc. The significance of these names are explained in Samskrit dictionaries with etymologies as well as with stories from the itihasas and puranas. Some such interesting interpretations of the names are enumerated here.<ref name=":1" />

Earth is commonly known in Samskrit by the terms Prthvi, Prthivi, Bhumi, Dhara, Mahi, Medini, Kashyapi etc. The significance of these names are explained in Samskrit dictionaries with etymologies as well as with stories from the [[Itihasa (इतिहासः)|itihasas]] and [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|puranas]]. Some such interesting interpretations of the names are enumerated here.<ref name=":1" />

* According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, earth is called Medini since it was made out of the marrow (meda) of the two Asuras Madhu and Kaitabha. She is also called Dhara as she supports everything, Prthvi due to her expanse and Mahi because of her greatness in supporting so many beings.<ref>Swami Vijnanananda (1921-22), [https://archive.org/details/SrimadDeviBhagavatamEnglish/page/n129/mode/2up?view=theater The Srimad Devi Bhagawatam (Part I & II)]</ref>

* According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, earth is called Medini since it was made out of the [[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|marrow (meda)]] of the two [[Asuras (असुराः)|Asuras]] Madhu and Kaitabha. She is also called Dhara as she supports everything, Prthvi due to her expanse and Mahi because of her greatness in supporting so many beings.<ref>Swami Vijnanananda (1921-22), [https://archive.org/details/SrimadDeviBhagavatamEnglish/page/n129/mode/2up?view=theater The Srimad Devi Bhagawatam (Part I & II)]</ref>

<blockquote>मधुकैटभयोर्मेदः संयोगान्मेदिनी स्मृता । धारणाच्च धरा प्रोक्ता पृथ्वी विस्तारयोगतः ॥ ८ ॥ मही चापि महीयस्... ।<ref>Devi Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 3, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 13]</ref> madhukaiṭabhayormedaḥ saṁyogānmedinī smr̥tā । dhāraṇācca dharā proktā pr̥thvī vistārayogataḥ ॥ 8 ॥ mahī cāpi mahīyas... ।</blockquote>

<blockquote>मधुकैटभयोर्मेदः संयोगान्मेदिनी स्मृता । धारणाच्च धरा प्रोक्ता पृथ्वी विस्तारयोगतः ॥ ८ ॥ मही चापि महीयस्... ।<ref>Devi Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 3, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 13]</ref> madhukaiṭabhayormedaḥ saṁyogānmedinī smr̥tā । dhāraṇācca dharā proktā pr̥thvī vistārayogataḥ ॥ 8 ॥ mahī cāpi mahīyas... ।</blockquote>

* The Mahabharata states that once Prthvi, the daughter of Brahma, decided to give up her 'bhumitva' and proceed to brahmaloka to deprive Raja Anga of his kingdom that he wished to give as dana to brahmanas. Seeing her leave, Maharshi Kashyapa temporarily gave up his body and installed himself in the gross body of the Earth with the help of yoga thereby making the earth flourish more than ever. This way, Maharshi Kashyapa upheld the earth for 3000 divine years. When Prthvi returned from brahmaloka, she offered salutations to the great Rishi Kashyapa and began living as his daughter thereby gaining the name Kashyapi.<ref>Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 6), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref>

* The [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]] states that once Prthvi, the daughter of [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma]], decided to give up her 'bhumitva' and proceed to brahmaloka to deprive Raja Anga of his kingdom that he wished to give as [[Dana (दानम्)|dana]] to [[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|brahmanas]]. Seeing her leave, Maharshi Kashyapa temporarily gave up his body and installed himself in the gross body of the Earth with the help of [[Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्)|yoga]] thereby making the earth flourish more than ever. This way, Maharshi Kashyapa upheld the earth for 3000 divine years. When Prthvi returned from brahmaloka, she offered salutations to the great Rishi Kashyapa and began living as his daughter thereby gaining the name Kashyapi.<ref>Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 6), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref>

<blockquote>अथागम्य महाराजन्नमस्कृत्यि च कश्यपम् । पृथवी काश्यपी जज्ञे सुता तस्य महात्मनः ।।१३.२५९.७<ref>Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-259 Adhyaya 259]</ref>

<blockquote>अथागम्य महाराजन्नमस्कृत्यि च कश्यपम् । पृथवी काश्यपी जज्ञे सुता तस्य महात्मनः ।।१३.२५९.७<ref>Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-259 Adhyaya 259]</ref>

athāgamya mahārājannamaskr̥tyi ca kaśyapam । pr̥thavī kāśyapī jajñe sutā tasya mahātmanaḥ ।।13.259.7</blockquote>

athāgamya mahārājannamaskr̥tyi ca kaśyapam । pr̥thavī kāśyapī jajñe sutā tasya mahātmanaḥ ।।13.259.7</blockquote>

* According to Shabdakalpadruma, the words Prthvi or Prthivi stem from the root word 'Prath' which means 'to spread' or 'to extend'; it is endowed with the quality of 'sthulatva' or 'expanse'. She is called Prthvi on account of her being considered the daughter of Raja Prthu.  

* According to Shabdakalpadruma, the words Prthvi or Prthivi stem from the root word 'Prath' which means 'to spread' or 'to extend'; it is endowed with the quality of 'sthulatva' or 'expanse'. She is called Prthvi on account of her being considered the daughter of [[Prithu ( पृथु )|Raja Prthu]].

<blockquote>प्रथते विस्तारं यातीति पृथिवी । पृथ्वी स्थूलत्वगुणयुक्ता । पृथोर्दुहितृत्वस्वीकारादेतन्नाम ।<ref name=":1" /> prathate vistāraṁ yātīti pr̥thivī । pr̥thvī sthūlatvaguṇayuktā । pr̥thorduhitr̥tvasvīkārādetannāma ।</blockquote>It is said that formerly, the grounds were not even, there were no divisions like villages and towns, no crops like rice or wheat, no agriculture, no cow-protection and no trade. People desired to live in places where the grounds were even. Then they lived on fruits, leaves and roots. But then came a time when everything was destroyed and people found it difficult to live. Therefore, Prthu, making Svayambhuva Manu as calf, milked all the plants from the earth for the welfare of his people. Even today, people live by what was milked then. And because he brought back life on Earth, Prthu became father of the earth and she got the name Prthvi.<ref>Vettam Mani (1975), Puranic Encyclopaedia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. See: [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/608/mode/2up?view=theater Prthu milks the earth]</ref>

<blockquote>प्रथते विस्तारं यातीति पृथिवी । पृथ्वी स्थूलत्वगुणयुक्ता । पृथोर्दुहितृत्वस्वीकारादेतन्नाम ।<ref name=":1" /> prathate vistāraṁ yātīti pr̥thivī । pr̥thvī sthūlatvaguṇayuktā । pr̥thorduhitr̥tvasvīkārādetannāma ।</blockquote>It is said that formerly, the grounds were not even, there were no divisions like villages and towns, no crops like rice or wheat, no agriculture, no cow-protection and no trade. People desired to live in places where the grounds were even. Then they lived on fruits, leaves and roots. But then came a time when everything was destroyed and people found it difficult to live. Therefore, Prthu, making [[Manu (मनु)|Svayambhuva Manu]] as calf, milked all the plants from the earth for the welfare of his people. Even today, people live by what was milked then. And because he brought back life on Earth, Prthu became father of the earth and she got the name Prthvi.<ref>Vettam Mani (1975), Puranic Encyclopaedia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. See: [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/608/mode/2up?view=theater Prthu milks the earth]</ref>

=== पृथ्वीदोहनम् ॥ Milking of the Earth ===

=== पृथ्वीदोहनम् ॥ Milking of the Earth ===

|Rishis through Brhaspati

|Rishis through Brhaspati

|Moon

|Moon

|Milk of virtue in the pot of Vedas

|Milk of virtue in the pot of [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]]

|-

|-

|Devas through Mitra

|[[Deva (देवः)|Devas]] through Mitra

|Indra

|[[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]]

|Elixir of life in the pot of gold

|Elixir of life in the pot of gold

|-

|-

|Pitrs

|[[Pitrvamsha (पितृवंशः)|Pitrs]]

| -

| -

|Elixir of life in the pot of Silver

|Elixir of life in the pot of Silver

|-

|-

|Antaka

|Antaka

|Yama

|[[Yama Deva (यमदेवः)|Yama]]

|Svadha

|Svadha

|-

|-

|Nagas through Dhrtarashtra

|[[Nagas (नागाः)|Nagas]] through Dhrtarashtra

|Takshaka

|Takshaka

|Poison in a gourd

|Poison in a gourd

|-

|-

|Asuras through Dvimurdha

|Asuras through Dvimurdha

|Virochana

|[[Virochana (विरोचनः)|Virochana]]

|Maya in a pot of iron

|[[Maya (माया)|Maya]] in a pot of iron

|-

|-

|Yakshas  

|Yakshas  

|Kuvera

|[[Kubera (कुबेरः)|Kuvera]]

|Knowledge of making themselves invisible in an earthen pot

|Knowledge of making themselves invisible in an earthen pot

|-

|-

gataprāṇau tadā jātau dānavau madhukaiṭabhau । sāgaraḥ sakalo vyāptastadā vai medasā tayoḥ ॥ 83 ॥ medinīti tato jātaṁ nāma pr̥thvyāḥ samantataḥ ।...॥ 84 ॥</blockquote>

gataprāṇau tadā jātau dānavau madhukaiṭabhau । sāgaraḥ sakalo vyāptastadā vai medasā tayoḥ ॥ 83 ॥ medinīti tato jātaṁ nāma pr̥thvyāḥ samantataḥ ।...॥ 84 ॥</blockquote>

* Skandha 9 (Adhyaya 3) of the Devi Bhagavata also elaborates on the creation of the earth. It is said that in the beginning, Mahavishnu or Mahavirata Purusha spread everywhere. And in every pore of that Mahavirata, who was lying on the surface of the water, there was a Brahmanda. In course of time, that Virat obtained a mind. That mind stood connected with each of the pores equally. And later the Panchamahabhutas were formed from it. From their combination was formed the Bhuta called "Maha Prthvi". It was cut into many pieces and each of the pieces was deposited in each pore. It was these Prthvi pieces which became "Bhumis” at the time of creation. During floods, these Bhumis sank again into those pores as before. In each of these Brahmandas, there are the earth, mountains, forests, oceans, the seven islands, Himavan, Meru, Sun, Moon, Stars and other lokas. Also, each of them has its own Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and other Devas. Since all the different Bhumis in all the Brahmandas had been formed artificially, they are all known to perish in the floods.<ref name=":5" />

* Skandha 9 (Adhyaya 3) of the Devi Bhagavata also elaborates on the creation of the earth. It is said that in the beginning, Mahavishnu or Mahavirata [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]] spread everywhere. And in every pore of that Mahavirata, who was lying on the surface of the water, there was a Brahmanda. In course of time, that Virat obtained a mind. That mind stood connected with each of the pores equally. And later the Panchamahabhutas were formed from it. From their combination was formed the Bhuta called "Maha Prthvi". It was cut into many pieces and each of the pieces was deposited in each pore. It was these Prthvi pieces which became "Bhumis” at the time of creation. During floods, these Bhumis sank again into those pores as before. In each of these Brahmandas, there are the earth, mountains, forests, oceans, the seven islands, Himavan, Meru, [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Sun]], Moon, [[Nakshatras (नक्षत्राणि)|Stars]] and other lokas. Also, each of them has its own Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and other Devas. Since all the different Bhumis in all the Brahmandas had been formed artificially, they are all known to perish in the floods.<ref name=":5" />

<blockquote>एवं सर्वं कृत्रिमं च बाह्याभ्यन्तरमेव च ॥ १४ ॥ तद्विनाशे विनाशश्च सर्वेषामेव नारद । जलबुद्‌बुदवत्सर्वं विश्वसंघमनित्यकम् ॥ १५ ॥<ref>Devi Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 9, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%AF/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 3]</ref> evaṁ sarvaṁ kr̥trimaṁ ca bāhyābhyantarameva ca ॥ 14 ॥ tadvināśe vināśaśca sarveṣāmeva nārada । jalabud‌budavatsarvaṁ viśvasaṁghamanityakam ॥ 15 ॥</blockquote>

<blockquote>एवं सर्वं कृत्रिमं च बाह्याभ्यन्तरमेव च ॥ १४ ॥ तद्विनाशे विनाशश्च सर्वेषामेव नारद । जलबुद्‌बुदवत्सर्वं विश्वसंघमनित्यकम् ॥ १५ ॥<ref>Devi Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 9, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%AF/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 3]</ref> evaṁ sarvaṁ kr̥trimaṁ ca bāhyābhyantarameva ca ॥ 14 ॥ tadvināśe vināśaśca sarveṣāmeva nārada । jalabud‌budavatsarvaṁ viśvasaṁghamanityakam ॥ 15 ॥</blockquote>

== भूसंरक्षणम् ॥ Preservation of the Earth ==

== भूसंरक्षणम् ॥ Preservation of the Earth ==

Earth is known for having nourished and protected biodiversity. The Vedas thus, accord the status of a mother to the earth. It is said in the Rigveda,<ref name=":7" /> <blockquote>द्यौर्मे पिता जनिता नाभिरत्र बन्धुर्मे माता पृथिवी महीयम् ।...॥३३॥<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%AA Sukta 164]</ref> dyaurme pitā janitā nābhiratra bandhurme mātā pr̥thivī mahīyam ।...॥33॥</blockquote>Meaning: Sky is my father, brother and my centre. And this vast earth is my mother who is the greatest.<ref>Sripad Damodar Satavlekar (1985), Rigveda ka Subodh Bhashya ([https://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/Rigveda_Subodh_Bhasya_Vol_I/#book/449 Volume 1]), Pardi: Svadhyay Mandal.</ref>A similar feeling is conveyed in the Atharvaveda as well. It says,<ref name=":7" /> <blockquote>माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः ... ॥१२॥<ref name=":6">Atharvaveda, Kanda 12, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7 Sukta 1]</ref>mātā bhūmiḥ putro'haṁ pr̥thivyāḥ ... ॥12॥ </blockquote>Meaning: The earth is our mother and I am her son.<ref name=":8">Vijnana - Level A ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_A/Vijnana-A_Englishi_OBE/Science-A_E_Ch-3.pdf Chapter 3]), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling (Open Basic Education Programme).</ref>

Earth is known for having nourished and protected biodiversity. The Vedas thus, accord the status of a mother to the earth. It is said in the [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]],<ref name=":7" /> <blockquote>द्यौर्मे पिता जनिता नाभिरत्र बन्धुर्मे माता पृथिवी महीयम् ।...॥३३॥<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%AA Sukta 164]</ref> dyaurme pitā janitā nābhiratra bandhurme mātā pr̥thivī mahīyam ।...॥33॥</blockquote>Meaning: [[Dyurloka (द्यु्र्लोकः)|Sky]] is my father, brother and my centre. And this vast earth is my mother who is the greatest.<ref>Sripad Damodar Satavlekar (1985), Rigveda ka Subodh Bhashya ([https://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/Rigveda_Subodh_Bhasya_Vol_I/#book/449 Volume 1]), Pardi: Svadhyay Mandal.</ref>A similar feeling is conveyed in the [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]] as well. It says,<ref name=":7" /> <blockquote>माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः ... ॥१२॥<ref name=":6">Atharvaveda, Kanda 12, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7 Sukta 1]</ref>mātā bhūmiḥ putro'haṁ pr̥thivyāḥ ... ॥12॥ </blockquote>Meaning: The earth is our mother and I am her son.<ref name=":8">Vijnana - Level A ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_A/Vijnana-A_Englishi_OBE/Science-A_E_Ch-3.pdf Chapter 3]), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling (Open Basic Education Programme).</ref> The Atharvaveda also states that the earth nourishes us, protects our wealth, is the foundation of everything, has gold in itself, is the resort of all moving and non-moving objects, provides happiness to all, nurtures fire within and such a land will endow us with prosperity. Thereby, indirectly emphasizing on the importance of conserving land in the Vedas.<ref name=":7" />  <blockquote>विश्वंभरा वसुधानी प्रतिष्ठा हिरण्यवक्षा जगतो निवेशनी । वैश्वानरं बिभ्रती भूमिरग्निमिन्द्रऋषभा द्रविणे नो दधातु ॥६॥<ref name=":6" />  

 

The Atharvaveda also states that the earth nourishes us, protects our wealth, is the foundation of everything, has gold in itself, is the resort of all moving and non-moving objects, provides happiness to all, nurtures fire within and such a land will endow us with prosperity. Thereby, indirectly emphasizing on the importance of conserving land in the Vedas.<ref name=":7" />  <blockquote>विश्वंभरा वसुधानी प्रतिष्ठा हिरण्यवक्षा जगतो निवेशनी । वैश्वानरं बिभ्रती भूमिरग्निमिन्द्रऋषभा द्रविणे नो दधातु ॥६॥<ref name=":6" />  

viśvaṁbharā vasudhānī pratiṣṭhā hiraṇyavakṣā jagato niveśanī । vaiśvānaraṁ bibhratī bhūmiragnimindrar̥ṣabhā draviṇe no dadhātu ॥6॥ </blockquote>According to the Vedas, the earth is our shelter. It nurtures us and takes care of us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect it. In Vedic culture, there is a lot of emphasis on conservation of land. The Prthvi Sukta of the Atharvaveda is note worthy in this regard.<ref name=":7" />It says, <blockquote>यत्ते भूमे विखनामि क्षिप्रं तदपि रोहतु । मा ते मर्म विमृग्वरि मा ते हृदयमर्पिपम् ॥३५॥<ref name=":6" />

viśvaṁbharā vasudhānī pratiṣṭhā hiraṇyavakṣā jagato niveśanī । vaiśvānaraṁ bibhratī bhūmiragnimindrar̥ṣabhā draviṇe no dadhātu ॥6॥ </blockquote>According to the Vedas, the earth is our shelter. It nurtures us and takes care of us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect it. In Vedic culture, there is a lot of emphasis on conservation of land. The Prthvi Sukta of the Atharvaveda is note worthy in this regard.<ref name=":7" />It says, <blockquote>यत्ते भूमे विखनामि क्षिप्रं तदपि रोहतु । मा ते मर्म विमृग्वरि मा ते हृदयमर्पिपम् ॥३५॥<ref name=":6" />

yatte bhūme vikhanāmi kṣipraṁ tadapi rohatu । mā te marma vimr̥gvari mā te hr̥dayamarpipam ॥35॥</blockquote>Meaning: O land ! If I dig any part of you, it should be filled immediately. O discoverable earth ! I won't do anything that will either hurt your heart or harm you.<ref name=":8" />

yatte bhūme vikhanāmi kṣipraṁ tadapi rohatu । mā te marma vimr̥gvari mā te hr̥dayamarpipam ॥35॥</blockquote>Meaning: O land ! If I dig any part of you, it should be filled immediately. O discoverable earth ! I won't do anything that will either hurt your heart or harm you.<ref name=":8" /> This personal prayer towards the earth shows how sensitive the Vedic Rishi is towards the earth. If a feeling of this kind is fostered in the minds then land conservation will happen of its own accord. Infact, conservation of land in the Vedas is inherent in the protection of one's motherland. Expressing concern for the preservation of the Earth, the Rishi further states, in the Prthvi Sukta, that one must be ready for even self-sacrifice for the protection of the Earth.<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>उपस्थास्ते अनमीवा अयक्ष्मा अस्मभ्यं सन्तु पृथिवि प्रसूताः । दीर्घं न आयुः प्रतिबुध्यमाना वयं तुभ्यं बलिहृतः स्याम ॥६२॥<ref name=":6" />

 

This personal prayer towards the earth shows how sensitive the Vedic Rishi is towards the earth. If a feeling of this kind is fostered in the minds then land conservation will happen of its own accord. Infact, conservation of land in the Vedas is inherent in the protection of one's motherland. Expressing concern for the preservation of the Earth, the Rishi further states, in the Prthvi Sukta, that one must be ready for even self-sacrifice for the protection of the Earth.<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>उपस्थास्ते अनमीवा अयक्ष्मा अस्मभ्यं सन्तु पृथिवि प्रसूताः । दीर्घं न आयुः प्रतिबुध्यमाना वयं तुभ्यं बलिहृतः स्याम ॥६२॥<ref name=":6" />

 

upasthāste anamīvā ayakṣmā asmabhyaṁ santu pr̥thivi prasūtāḥ । dīrghaṁ na āyuḥ pratibudhyamānā vayaṁ tubhyaṁ balihr̥taḥ syāma ॥62॥</blockquote>Meaning: O Earth ! All of us who have gained birth from you, may we all be healthy and longlived in your lap. And may we ever remain ready to sacrifice self-benefit for the sake of motherland and remain ever-ready in your service.<ref>Sripad Damodar Satavlekar (1985), Atharvaveda ka Subodh Bhashya ([https://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/Atharvaveda_Subodh_Bhashya_Vol_IV/#book/170 Volume 4]), Pardi: Svadhyay Mandal.</ref>  

Such is the spirit of land conservation in the Vedas.<ref name=":7" /> The Rigveda also speaks on conservation of natural resources. The Aranyani sukta of the Rigveda states that those who love and know the importance of forests never destroy the forests nor do any other violence towards such forest lovers.<ref name=":8" /> <blockquote>न वा अरण्यानिर्हन्त्यन्यश्चेन्नाभिगच्छति ।...॥५॥<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 10, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA%E0%A5%AC Sukta 146]</ref> na vā araṇyānirhantyanyaścennābhigacchati ।...॥5॥</blockquote>Thus, the Rishis wish for the preservation of the Earth in various forms<ref name=":7" /> and there was a lot of emphasis for the preservation of the earth in our ancient knowledge tradition.<ref name=":8" /> Infact, in the Brhadaranyakopanishad, Maharshi Yajnavalkya explains to Maitreyi that this earth is the essence of all the bhutas (core elements) and all the bhutas are in the middle of this earth.<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>इयं पृथिवी सर्वेषां भूतानां मधु । अस्यै पृथिव्यै सर्वाणि भूतानि मधु ।... ॥ २,५.१ ॥<ref>Brhadaranyakopanishad, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_2p Adhyaya 2]</ref>  

upasthāste anamīvā ayakṣmā asmabhyaṁ santu pr̥thivi prasūtāḥ । dīrghaṁ na āyuḥ pratibudhyamānā vayaṁ tubhyaṁ balihr̥taḥ syāma ॥62॥</blockquote>Meaning: O Earth ! All of us who have gained birth from you, may we all be healthy and longlived in your lap. And may we ever remain ready to sacrifice self-benefit for the sake of motherland and remain ever-ready in your service.<ref>Sripad Damodar Satavlekar (1985), Atharvaveda ka Subodh Bhashya ([https://vedicheritage.gov.in/flipbook/Atharvaveda_Subodh_Bhashya_Vol_IV/#book/170 Volume 4]), Pardi: Svadhyay Mandal.</ref> Such is the spirit of land conservation in the Vedas.<ref name=":7" /> The Rigveda also speaks on conservation of natural resources. The Aranyani sukta of the Rigveda states that those who love and know the importance of forests never destroy the forests nor do any other violence towards such forest lovers.<ref name=":8" /> <blockquote>न वा अरण्यानिर्हन्त्यन्यश्चेन्नाभिगच्छति ।...॥५॥<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 10, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA%E0%A5%AC Sukta 146]</ref> na vā araṇyānirhantyanyaścennābhigacchati ।...॥5॥</blockquote>Thus, the Rishis wish for the preservation of the Earth in various forms<ref name=":7" /> and there was a lot of emphasis for the preservation of the earth in our ancient knowledge tradition.<ref name=":8" /> Infact, in the [[Brhadaranyaka Upanishad (बृहदारण्यकोपनिषद्)|Brhadaranyakopanishad]], [[Yajnavalkya (याज्ञवल्क्यः)|Maharshi Yajnavalkya]] explains to Maitreyi that this earth is the essence of all the bhutas (core elements) and all the bhutas are in the middle of this earth.<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>इयं पृथिवी सर्वेषां भूतानां मधु । अस्यै पृथिव्यै सर्वाणि भूतानि मधु ।... ॥ २,५.१ ॥<ref>Brhadaranyakopanishad, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_2p Adhyaya 2]</ref>  

iyaṁ pr̥thivī sarveṣāṁ bhūtānāṁ madhu । asyai pr̥thivyai sarvāṇi bhūtāni madhu ।... ॥ 2,5.1 ॥</blockquote>A famoue quote by Mahatma Gandhi states that the nature is capable of fulfilling our needs but not in fulfilling anyone's greed. So, if nature is used with conservation, then all the needs of human species can be fulfilled. Thus, we should be conscious of the environment around us, avoid exploitation of land and conserve the earth as emphasized by the Vedic Rishis.<ref name=":7">Vijnana - Level A ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_A/Vijnana-A_Englishi_OBE/Science-A_E_Ch-4.pdf Chapter 4]), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling (Open Basic Education Programme).</ref>

iyaṁ pr̥thivī sarveṣāṁ bhūtānāṁ madhu । asyai pr̥thivyai sarvāṇi bhūtāni madhu ।... ॥ 2,5.1 ॥</blockquote>A famoue quote by Mahatma Gandhi states that the nature is capable of fulfilling our needs but not in fulfilling anyone's greed. So, if nature is used with conservation, then all the needs of human species can be fulfilled. Thus, we should be conscious of the environment around us, avoid exploitation of land and conserve the earth as emphasized by the Vedic Rishis.<ref name=":7">Vijnana - Level A ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_A/Vijnana-A_Englishi_OBE/Science-A_E_Ch-4.pdf Chapter 4]), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling (Open Basic Education Programme).</ref>

[[Category:Puranas]]

[[Category:Puranas]]

[[Category:Devatas]]

[[Category:Devatas]]