Prithvi (
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
: पृथ्वी, ', also पृथिवी, ', "the Vast One", also rendered Pṛthvī Mātā), is the
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
name for the
earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to Planetary habitability, harbor life. This is enabled by Earth being an ocean world, the only one in the Solar System sustaining liquid surface water. Almost all ...
, as well as the name of the goddess-personification of it in
Hinduism
Hinduism () is an Hypernymy and hyponymy, umbrella term for a range of Indian religions, Indian List of religions and spiritual traditions#Indian religions, religious and spiritual traditions (Sampradaya, ''sampradaya''s) that are unified ...
. The goddess Prithvi is an archetypal
Mother Goddess
A mother goddess is a major goddess characterized as a mother or progenitor, either as an embodiment of motherhood and fertility or fulfilling the cosmological role of a creator- and/or destroyer-figure, typically associated the Earth, sky, ...
, and one of the most important goddesses in the
historical Vedic religion
The historical Vedic religion, also called Vedism or Brahmanism, and sometimes ancient Hinduism or Vedic Hinduism, constituted the religious ideas and practices prevalent amongst some of the Indo-Aryan peoples of the northwest Indian subcontin ...
.
She is depicted as a stable, fertile, and benevolent presence in the
Vedas
FIle:Atharva-Veda samhita page 471 illustration.png, upright=1.2, The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism. Above: A page from the ''Atharvaveda''.
The Vedas ( or ; ), sometimes collectively called the Veda, are a large body of relig ...
. 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
The ''Rigveda'' or ''Rig Veda'' (, , from wikt:ऋच्, ऋच्, "praise" and wikt:वेद, वेद, "knowledge") is an ancient Indian Miscellany, collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns (''sūktas''). It is one of the four sacred canoni ...
'' predominantly associates her with
Dyaus
Dyaus (Vedic Sanskrit: द्यौस्, ) or Dyauspitr (Vedic Sanskrit: द्यौष्पितृ, ) is the Rigvedic sky deity. His consort is Prthvi, the earth goddess, and together they are the archetypal parents in the Rigveda.
N ...
('Father Sky'), the ''
Atharvaveda
The Atharvaveda or Atharva Veda (, , from ''wikt:अथर्वन्, अथर्वन्'', "priest" and ''wikt:वेद, वेद'', "knowledge") or is the "knowledge storehouse of ''wikt:अथर्वन्, atharvans'', the proced ...
'' 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
Vishnu (; , , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism, and the god of preservation ( ...
, one of the most important gods in later Hinduism, and his avatars—
Varaha
Varaha (, , "boar") is the avatar of the Hinduism, Hindu god Vishnu, in the form of a wild boar, boar. Varaha is generally listed as third in the Dashavatara, the ten principal avatars of Vishnu.
In legend, when the demon Hiranyaksha steals ...
and
Prithu
Prithu (Sanskrit: पृथु, ''Pṛthu'', lit. "large, great, important, abundant") is a sovereign ( chakravarti), featured in the Puranas. According to Hinduism, he is an avatar (incarnation) of the preserver god—Vishnu. He is also call ...
.
Besides Hinduism, Prithvi holds a significant position in
Buddhism
Buddhism, also known as Buddhadharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and List of philosophies, philosophical tradition based on Pre-sectarian Buddhism, teachings attributed to the Buddha, a wandering teacher who lived in the 6th or ...
, 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
Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha (),*
*
*
was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist legends, he was ...
’s enlightenment, and she is considered the first goddess in the
Buddhist pantheon
Buddhism includes a wide array of Deity, divine beings that are venerated in various ritual and popular contexts. Initially they included mainly Indian figures such as Deva (Buddhism), devas, asuras and yakshas, but later came to include other ...
.
[
]
Etymology and epithets

Prithvi is the most frequent Vedic word for both the earth and the Earth-goddess;
and the poetic formula ''kṣā́m ... pṛthivī́m'' ('broad earth').
The name Pṛthivī (Sanskrit: पृथि्वी) 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."
[West, Martin Litchfield (2007), Indo-European Poetry and Myth, Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-928075-9]
Another connection is found between Prithvi and the mythological figure ''
Prithu
Prithu (Sanskrit: पृथु, ''Pṛthu'', lit. "large, great, important, abundant") is a sovereign ( chakravarti), featured in the Puranas. According to Hinduism, he is an avatar (incarnation) of the preserver god—Vishnu. He is also call ...
'' (
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
: पृथु, ''Pṛthu''), 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
upright=1.2, The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism. Above: A page from the '' Atharvaveda''.
The Vedas ( or ; ), sometimes collectively called the Veda, are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Composed ...
and
Buddhist
Buddhism, also known as Buddhadharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and List of philosophies, philosophical tradition based on Pre-sectarian Buddhism, teachings attributed to the Buddha, a wandering teacher who lived in the 6th or ...
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
Hinduism () is an Hypernymy and hyponymy, umbrella term for a range of Indian religions, Indian List of religions and spiritual traditions#Indian religions, religious and spiritual traditions (Sampradaya, ''sampradaya''s) that are unified ...
* ''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
Three aspects of the term ''Prithvi'' appear in the
Vedic scriptures: she is the physical earth, the universal mother of creation, and manifest matter that is formed during the cosmogonic process.
Rigveda
In the ''
Rigveda
The ''Rigveda'' or ''Rig Veda'' (, , from wikt:ऋच्, ऋच्, "praise" and wikt:वेद, वेद, "knowledge") is an ancient Indian Miscellany, collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns (''sūktas''). It is one of the four sacred canoni ...
'', 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
Dyaus (Vedic Sanskrit: द्यौस्, ) or Dyauspitr (Vedic Sanskrit: द्यौष्पितृ, ) is the Rigvedic sky deity. His consort is Prthvi, the earth goddess, and together they are the archetypal parents in the Rigveda.
N ...
, 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 (Rigveda 1.185.5). Their mutual relationship is one of sanctity, as both deities complement each other (4.56.6). Together, they are considered the universal parents, responsible for the creation of the world (1.159) and the gods (1.185).
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 (6.70). Nonetheless, their connection remains strong, with Dyaus fertilising the earth (Prithvi) through rain, although in some instances, they are both credited with providing this nourishment (4.56). 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 (often alongside Dyaus) is revered for her steadfast support. She is described as firm, upholding all that exists (1.185), encompassing everything (6.70), and as broad and vast (1.185). While she is generally characterized as immovable (1.185), other verses describe her as capable of free movement (5.84). Prithvi and Dyaus are also frequently invoked for wealth, prosperity, and strength (6.70). The rains they produce are praised for their richness, fullness, and fertility (1.22), and they are often called upon for protection from harm, forgiveness of sins (1.185), and to bring joy (10.63). Together, Prithvi and Dyaus represent a vast, stable domain of abundance and safety, a realm governed by the cosmic order (''
ṛta
In the Historical Vedic religion, Vedic religion, ''Ṛta'' (International Phonetic Alphabet, /ɹ̩t̪ɐ/; Sanskrit ' "order, rhythm, rule; truth; logos") is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the un ...
''), which they nurture and sustain (1.159). They are seen as inexhaustible and full of potential life (6.70).
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 (10.18.10-12).
Atharva Veda
Prithvi is celebrated extensively in the ''
Atharva Veda
The Atharvaveda or Atharva Veda (, , from ''wikt:अथर्वन्, अथर्वन्'', "priest" and ''wikt:वेद, वेद'', "knowledge") or is the "knowledge storehouse of ''wikt:अथर्वन्, atharvans'', the proced ...
'', 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
Aditi (Sanskrit: अदिति, lit. 'boundless' or 'limitless' or 'innocence') is an important Vedic goddess in Hinduism.
She is the personification of the sprawling infinite and vast cosmos. She is the goddess of motherhood, consciousne ...
, 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 (e.g.,
Agni
Agni ( ) is the Deva (Hinduism), Hindu god of fire. As the Guardians of the directions#Aṣṭa-Dikpāla ("Guardians of Eight Directions"), guardian deity of the southeast direction, he is typically found in southeast corners of Hindu temples. ...
and
Vayu
Vayu (; ), also known as Vata () and Pavana (), is the Hindu deities, Hindu god of the winds as well as the divine messenger of the gods. In the ''Vedic scriptures'', Vayu is an important deity and is closely associated with Indra, the king o ...
), symbolizing the interconnectedness of nature and divinity.
''Pṛthvī Sūkta''
The most extensive praise of Prithvi in Vedic literature is found in the ''Prithvi Sukta'' (''Atharvaveda'' 12.1). 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
Indra (; ) is the Hindu god of weather, considered the king of the Deva (Hinduism), Devas and Svarga in Hinduism. He is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war. volumes
Indra is the m ...
, who is said to protect her from harm. Other gods such as
Vishnu
Vishnu (; , , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism, and the god of preservation ( ...
,
Parjanya
Parjanya (, ) according to the Vedas is a deity of rain, thunder, lightning, and the one who fertilizes the earth. It is another epithet of Indra, the Vedic deity of the sky and heaven.
Description
It is assumed Parjanya is the udder and lightning ...
,
Prajapati
Prajapati (, ) is a Vedas, Vedic deity of Hinduism. He is later identified with Brahma, the creator god.
Prajapati is a form of the creator-god Brahma, but the name is also the name of many different gods, in many Hindu scriptures, ranging f ...
, and
Vishvakarma also play significant roles in relation to her. Vishnu is said to stride across her vast expanse, while
Agni
Agni ( ) is the Deva (Hinduism), Hindu god of fire. As the Guardians of the directions#Aṣṭa-Dikpāla ("Guardians of Eight Directions"), guardian deity of the southeast direction, he is typically found in southeast corners of Hindu temples. ...
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
The ''Taittirīya Shakha'' (Sanskrit, loosely meaning 'Branch or School of the sage Tittiri'), is a ''shakha'' (i.e. 'branch', 'school', or rescension) of the Krishna (black) Yajurveda. The Taittiriyas are themselves divided into numerous sub-s ...
'' 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 (salila). 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
Varaha (, , "boar") is the avatar of the Hinduism, Hindu god Vishnu, in the form of a wild boar, boar. Varaha is generally listed as third in the Dashavatara, the ten principal avatars of Vishnu.
In legend, when the demon Hiranyaksha steals ...
(boar) avatara, where the earth (Prithvi, now called
Bhumi) is rescued from the depths of the ocean. This myth became a prominent part of later Hindu iconography, where
Vishnu
Vishnu (; , , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism, and the god of preservation ( ...
, 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.
Brahmanas
In the ''
Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa'', Prithvi’s creation is further elaborated.
Prajapati
Prajapati (, ) is a Vedas, Vedic deity of Hinduism. He is later identified with Brahma, the creator god.
Prajapati is a form of the creator-god Brahma, but the name is also the name of many different gods, in many Hindu scriptures, ranging f ...
, the creator deity, compresses the shell of the primordial egg and throws it into the waters, leading to the formation of the earth from materials such as clay, mud, sand, and rocks. The earth is then spread out and becomes the foundation of the world, highlighting Prithvi’s role as the material basis of the universe.
Similar to Rigveda, the ''Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa'' also contains reference to a ritual of the placement of the bones of the deceased in the earth after cremation. According to the Kanda XIII,8,3,3, the text says that "May
Savitri deposit thy bones in the mother's lap
āturupastha' Savitri thus deposits his bones in the lap of the mother
āturupastha this earth
ṛthivyai 'O Earth, be thou propitious unto him!'".
Prithvi’s relationship with other cosmic forces is also evident in the ''
Brahmanas
The Brahmanas (; Sanskrit: , International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration, IAST: ''Brāhmaṇam'') are Vedas, Vedic śruti works attached to the Samhitas (hymns and mantras) of the Rigveda, Rig, Samaveda, Sama, Yajurveda, Yajur, and Athar ...
'', where she is identified with
Aditi
Aditi (Sanskrit: अदिति, lit. 'boundless' or 'limitless' or 'innocence') is an important Vedic goddess in Hinduism.
She is the personification of the sprawling infinite and vast cosmos. She is the goddess of motherhood, consciousne ...
, the mother of the gods. In the ''Brahmanas'', Aditi and Prithvi are often conflated, with both representing the physical manifestation of the cosmos. Aditi retains her identity as the cosmic mother, while Prithvi symbolizes the Earth, the tangible, nurturing ground on which all creatures live. In later ''Brahmanas'', Prithvi is less abstract than the waters but is similarly viewed as a manifestation of the material matrix of creation. She is no longer paired with Dyaus but with Prajapati, who becomes her mate in the cosmogonic process. This change reflects a shift in her identity from the earlier Vedic depictions, where she was closely associated with Dyaus as part of a divine pair, to her later role as the earth goddess who embodies the physical universe.
In Post-Vedic scriptures

In post-Vedic Hindu mythology, the earth goddess Prithvi retains a significant presence, though her role undergoes transformation. In the Vedic period, Prithvi was revered as both the literal earth and a divine being embodying stability, fertility, and the nourishing foundation of all life. As Hindu traditions evolved, Prithvi came to be more commonly known as
Bhumi or Bhudevi, meaning "the goddess who is the earth." Bhudevi plays a central role in
Vaishnavite mythology, where she is often portrayed as a supplicant, oppressed by evil forces, demons, or corrupt rulers. These stories frequently depict her appealing to
Vishnu
Vishnu (; , , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism, and the god of preservation ( ...
for assistance, and in response, Vishnu intervenes to alleviate her distress by taking different
avatars or incarnations, reaffirming the bond between the earth goddess and the cosmic protector. In iconography, Bhumi is often depicted as a beautiful lady clinging to the tusk of her consort
Varaha
Varaha (, , "boar") is the avatar of the Hinduism, Hindu god Vishnu, in the form of a wild boar, boar. Varaha is generally listed as third in the Dashavatara, the ten principal avatars of Vishnu.
In legend, when the demon Hiranyaksha steals ...
, the boar-man incarnation of Vishnu. Alternatively, Vishnu is often shown standing between Bhudevi and Sri-
Lakshmi
Lakshmi (; , , sometimes spelled Laxmi, ), also known as Shri (, , ), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, fertility, sovereignty, and abundance. She along with Parvat ...
, symbolizing his protection of both the earth and prosperity.
While Bhudevi continues to be revered, her role in later mythology shifts from the Vedic portrayal of the earth as the stable, fertile ground supporting all life. In the Rigvedic hymns, Prithvi is exalted for her boundless fertility and capacity to sustain all creatures. However, in medieval texts, these qualities are transferred to other goddesses, such as
Shakambhari, Lakshmi, and
Mahadevi
Mahadevi (, , IPA: / mɐɦɑd̪eʋiː/), also referred to as Adi Parashakti, and Mahamaya, is the supreme goddess in Hinduism. According to the goddess-centric sect Shaktism, all Hindu gods and goddesses are considered to be manifestations of t ...
, while Bhudevi's primary role becomes that of a distressed earth, burdened by the weight of wickedness and seeking divine intervention. This transformation highlights Bhudevi’s evolution from an embodiment of the fertile and life-sustaining earth to a more vulnerable figure who requires divine support in times of crisis.
Significance and Influence
''Prakṛti''
The concept of Prithvi also intersects with the philosophical idea of the
Prakriti
Prakriti ( ) is "the original or natural form or condition of anything, original or primary substance". It is a key concept in Hinduism, formulated by the ''Samkhya'' school, where it does not refer merely to matter or nature, but includes all cog ...
-
Purusha
''Purusha'' (, ʊɾʊʂᵊ ) is a complex concept whose meaning evolved in Vedic and Upanishadic times. Depending on source and historical timeline, it means the cosmic being or self, awareness, and universal principle.Karl Potter, Presupposit ...
duality, which is fundamental to the
Samkhya
Samkhya or Sankhya (; ) is a dualistic orthodox school of Hindu philosophy. It views reality as composed of two independent principles, '' Puruṣa'' ('consciousness' or spirit) and '' Prakṛti'' (nature or matter, including the human mind a ...
system of thought and later
Hindu philosophy
Hindu philosophy or Vedic philosophy is the set of philosophical systems that developed in tandem with the first Hinduism, Hindu religious traditions during the Iron Age in India, iron and Classical India, classical ages of India. In Indian ...
. David Leeming, Christopher Fee and other scholars note that Prithvi can be seen as a manifestation of Prakriti—the material, feminine principle that is the source of creation and the foundation of the manifest universe. Prakriti is often paired with Purusha, the male principle representing consciousness or spirit. Wangu points out that this pairing can be understood as a development of the earlier Dyaus-Prithvi duality from Vedic literature, where Dyaus (sky) and Prithvi (earth) were the universal parents. In this later philosophical context, Prithvi, as Prakriti, represents the material energy that brings Purusha’s consciousness into manifestation.
Thus, Prithvi’s role in the Prakriti-Purusha concept positions her as more than just a nurturing earth mother. She becomes a central figure in the metaphysical understanding of the universe, symbolizing the dynamic, creative force that makes the world tangible. This philosophical idea reverberates through Hindu cosmology, linking the goddess to the very processes of creation, preservation, and dissolution in the universe.
National Imagery
In his analysis, David Kinsley discusses how the concept of Prithvi Mata transforms in later traditions, particularly in the context of
Bharat Mata (Mother India), which became a powerful symbol in
India’s nationalist movement. Kinsley highlights that the reverence for the land as sacred extends from early Vedic hymns to the modern conceptualization of India itself as a divine mother figure. The image of Prithvi, or
Bhudevi
Bhumi (Sanskrit: भूमि, romanized: Bhūmi), also known as Bhudevi, Dharani, and Vasundhara, is a significant goddess in Hinduism, personifying the Earth. Her earliest form is reflected in the Vedic goddess Prithvi, though their roles and de ...
, as the Earth Goddess who nurtures and supports life, easily transitioned into a national personification during the Indian independence movement. This modern depiction draws on the ancient idea that the earth is not merely a physical entity but a living, nurturing force. Kinsley connects this with the imagery of
Anandamath,
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (anglicized as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee; 26 or 27 June 1838 – 8 April 1894) was an Indian Bengali novelist, poet, essayist and journalist.Staff writer"Bankim Chandra: The First Prominent Bengali Novelist" ''The ...
's novel, where the goddess appears as a symbol of the motherland, and devotees are called upon to protect her at any cost. This reflects the continuity of Prithvi's role as the protective, nurturing mother figure—this time, embodying the Indian subcontinent itself.
Owing to strong historical Hindu influence, the name Prithvi is also used for
national personification
A national personification is an anthropomorphic personification of a state or the people(s) it inhabits. It may appear in political cartoons and propaganda. In the first personifications in the Western World, warrior deities or figures symboliz ...
of
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...
, where she is referred to as
Ibu Pertiwi.
In Buddhism
Prithvi was adopted into
Buddhism
Buddhism, also known as Buddhadharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and List of philosophies, philosophical tradition based on Pre-sectarian Buddhism, teachings attributed to the Buddha, a wandering teacher who lived in the 6th or ...
, and plays a vital role in it, regarded as the first goddess appearing in
Early Buddhism in the
Pāli Canon
The Pāḷi Canon is the standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhism, Buddhist tradition, as preserved in the Pāli language. It is the most complete extant Early Buddhist texts, early Buddhist canon. It derives mainly from t ...
. Her essential qualities—nurturing, sustaining, and upholding cosmic order—remained intact, but her role was transformed to fit the Buddhist cosmology.

Prithvi's most notable role in Buddhist tradition is during the moment of
Shakyamuni Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha (),*
*
*
was a śramaṇa, wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist lege ...
’s enlightenment, known as the ''
Maravijaya'' (Victory over Mara). As the
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a person who has attained, or is striving towards, '' bodhi'' ('awakening', 'enlightenment') or Buddhahood. Often, the term specifically refers to a person who forgoes or delays personal nirvana or ''bodhi'' in ...
Siddhartha Gautama meditated under the
Bodhi
The English term ''enlightenment'' is the Western translation of various Buddhist terms, most notably ''bodhi'' and ''vimutti''. The abstract noun ''bodhi'' (; Sanskrit: बोधि; Pali: ''bodhi'') means the knowledge or wisdom, or awakene ...
tree,
Mara
Mara or MARA may refer to:
Arts and entertainment Fictional characters
* Mara (''Doctor Who''), an evil being in two ''Doctor Who'' serials
* Mara (She-Ra), fictional characters from the ''She-Ra and the Princesses of Power'' and ''The New Advent ...
, the king of demons, sought to prevent his enlightenment by questioning his worthiness and sending an army to disrupt him. When Mara challenged Siddhartha to provide evidence of his past virtuous deeds, the Bodhisattva touched the Earth with his right hand, displaying what is known as the "earth-touching gesture" (
bhumisparśa mudra), invoking Prithvi as a witness. Prithvi emerged from the Earth, and dispelled Mara’s forces. This act confirmed that Siddhartha’s journey toward enlightenment was righteous, rooted in the ethical and compassionate life he had lived through many past lifetimes. By calling Prithvi as a witness, Siddhartha demonstrated that enlightenment is not just a spiritual achievement but also deeply connected to one’s actions on Earth. In some versions of the story, such as in the ''
Nidanakatha
The ''Jātaka'' (Sanskrit for "Birth-Related" or "Birth Stories") are a voluminous body of literature native to the Indian subcontinent which mainly concern the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. Jataka stories we ...
'', she verbally testified to the Bodhisattva’s virtues. In other accounts, like the ''
Mahavastu'', her response was more physical, as she caused the Earth to shake, terrifying Mara’s forces. In the ''
Lalitavistara'', Prithvi appears in bodily form, emerging from the Earth with her retinue of goddesses. Her presence and the subsequent quaking of the Earth defeated Mara’s armies and created the peaceful environment necessary for the Buddha to attain enlightenment.
Prithvi’s role extends beyond being a moral witness. She is also intimately tied to the throne of enlightenment, where the Buddha attained liberation. This symbolic location, often referred to as the navel of the Earth or ''
vajrāsana'', is seen as the center of the world, where the spiritual and material realms converge. Prithvi’s association with this spot signifies her importance in the Buddha’s journey, as it was only at this exact location, the most stable and sacred place on Earth, that Shakyamuni Buddha could achieve enlightenment. In this sense, Prithvi provides not only moral support but also the physical foundation for the Buddha’s final realization.
In Buddhist art, Prithvi is often depicted at the base of the Buddha’s throne during the moment of his enlightenment. The
Gandharan reliefs from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE frequently portray her emerging from the Earth with her head and torso visible, symbolizing her connection to nature and her role as a stabilizing force. She is sometimes shown with a vase of plenty, brimming with jewels or lotuses, representing her abundance and nurturing qualities.
Later, in the
Gupta period
The Gupta Empire was an Indian empire during the classical period of the Indian subcontinent which existed from the mid 3rd century to mid 6th century CE. At its zenith, the dynasty ruled over an empire that spanned much of the northern Indian ...
(4th to 6th centuries CE), Prithvi is also depicted holding a vessel, symbolizing the spiritual and material wealth that she nurtures. In some Southeast Asian traditions, she wrings water from her hair which drowns Mara's army, symbolizing the spiritual merit accumulated by the Buddha over many lifetimes.
In
Chinese Buddhism
Chinese Buddhism or Han Buddhism ( zh, s=汉传佛教, t=漢傳佛教, first=t, poj=Hàn-thoân Hu̍t-kàu, j=Hon3 Cyun4 Fat6 Gaau3, p=Hànchuán Fójiào) is a Chinese form of Mahayana Buddhism. The Chinese Buddhist canonJiang Wu, "The Chin ...
, she is considered one of the
Twenty-Four Protective Deities (二十四諸天 Èrshísì zhūtiān) and is usually enshrined in the
Mahavira Hall
A Mahavira Hall, usually simply known as a Main Hall, is the main hall or building in a traditional Chinese culture, Chinese Buddhist temple, enshrining representations of Gautama Buddha and various other buddhas and bodhisattvas. It is encoun ...
of Buddhist temples along with the other devas.
[Lewis Hodous; William Edward Soothill (2004). A dictionary of Chinese Buddhist terms: with Sanskrit and English equivalents and a Sanskrit-Pali index. London: RoutledgeCurzon. ISBN 0-203-64186-8. OCLC 275253538.]
References
External links
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Classical elements
Earth goddesses
Hindu cosmology
Hindu goddesses
Places in Hindu mythology
Mother goddesses
Rigvedic deities