The Legend of Prithu

In the vast tapestry of Hindu mythology, the legend of Prithu emerges as a tale of divine intervention and earthly destiny, chronicled in the epic Mahabharata and numerous Puranic scriptures. Among these texts, the Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Padma Purana stand out for their detailed accounts of Prithu’s saga.

According to ancient lore found in the Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Brahma Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Harivamsha, King Vena descended from the noble lineage of King Anga, who himself hailed from the pious Dhruva. However, variations exist regarding the genealogical links between Dhruva and Anga. The Padma Purana, on the other hand, traces Anga’s lineage back to the sage Atri, presenting a different narrative.

Vena, the son of Anga, was depicted as a malevolent ruler in the Vishnu Purana. Neglecting Vedic rituals and fostering anarchy, Vena incurred the wrath of the rishis, who ultimately ended his reign by slaying him. With the kingdom left without an heir and plunged into famine, the sages undertook a sacred act. By rubbing Vena’s thigh, they brought forth a dark dwarf hunter named Nishada, symbolizing Vena’s evil nature. Following this, the righteous king Prithu emerged from the right arm of Vena’s corpse, signifying purity and renewal. The Bhagavata Purana further elaborates that from the churned arms of Prithu, a couple, Prithu and Archi, emerged destined to be husband and wife.

Prithu’s divine nature was marked by the symbol of Vishnu’s chakra (discus) on his right hand, as described in the Vishnu Purana. Recognized by the creator-god Brahma as an avatar of Vishnu, Prithu possessed unparalleled power, surpassing even the gods themselves. The chakra symbolized his potential as a universal emperor (chakravarti), although interpretations vary regarding its significance. Some scholars suggest that the title chakravarti may derive from Prithu’s birthmark rather than implying universal dominion. In addition to the chakra, the Bhagavata Purana mentions a lotus mark on Prithu’s feet, adding to his divine aura.

Prithu’s divine attributes were further augmented by celestial gifts bestowed upon him. The Vishnu Purana mentions a celestial bow named Ajagava and other heavenly weapons gifted to Prithu, while the Bhagavata Purana details a plethora of royal insignia and divine offerings, including a throne, ornaments, crown, and various weapons, presented by different deities.

The birth of Prithu was regarded as a sacrificial ritual (yajna) conducted by Brahma. Born without female reproduction, Prithu was considered ayonija, untouched by desire and ego, enabling him to rule with righteousness (dharma). Coronated as king, Prithu’s reign was heralded by the emergence of royal heralds and bards, who sang his glories. Faced with famine, Prithu pursued the Earth, who had taken the form of a cow and fled. After a pursuit, Prithu convinced the Earth to yield her vegetation, promising to protect her as her guardian. Under Prithu’s rule, civilization prospered, with villages flourishing and mountains being leveled to establish settlements. By milking the Earth, symbolized by the act of using Swayambhuva Manu as the calf, Prithu ensured the welfare of humanity, earning him the title of Earth’s Father, with the land itself adopting the name “Prithvi.”

Prithu’s legacy inspired various beings to emulate his actions, symbolized by the act of milking the Earth-cow with distinct calves, acquiring different gifts as blessings from the Earth. Thus, Prithu’s tale transcends the realms of myth, embodying timeless lessons of righteousness, stewardship, and divine providence.