Why Earth is Called Prithvi

King Prithu ruled the earth well. Due to his righteous rule, the earth prospered. Cows gave milk. The happy sages performed a great sacrifice. At the end of the sacrifice, two groups called 'Sutas' and 'Magadhas' emerged. The sages instructed them to sing the praises of Prithu. But they asked, 'Prithu is very young. He has just started ruling. He has not yet done any great deeds. How can we praise him?'

The sages granted them the power to see the future. Immediately, the Sutas and Magadhas sang the future glories of Prithu. These songs spread in all directions. Meanwhile, some people came to Prithu from a distant land. They said, 'O King! Your fame is spreading everywhere. But we are suffering. Nothing grows on earth. Due to lack of fertility, cows do not give milk. What should we do?'

Hearing this, Prithu became very angry. He took his bow and set out to split the earth. The earth, frightened, took the form of a cow and ran. She roamed everywhere but found no place to hide. Finally, she stood before Prithu and pleaded, 'O King! Killing me, a female, will bring you no benefit. Only sin will remain. Instead, make the earth even. Push the mountains aside. Agriculture on flat land will bring you the needed wealth.'

Prithu listened to her. He pushed the mountains aside and made the land flat. Agriculture flourished. The earth prospered. The name 'Prithvi' for the earth comes from King Prithu, who made the land suitable for living beings.

Learnings -

• Just Rulers: A fair ruler ensures prosperity and happiness for all.
• Future Vision: True leaders are known for both present actions and future potential.
• Determined Action: Determined efforts, like Prithu's, overcome tough challenges.
• Compassion Over Violence: Understanding and wisdom lead to better outcomes than violence.
• Respect for Nature: The earth is a living entity, deserving respect and protection.
• Importance of Agriculture: Agriculture is the foundation of prosperity, sustaining all life.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi