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{{short description|Hindu mythological king}}
{{Hdeity infobox <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Hindu mythology-->
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
| Image = Prithu - Crop.jpg
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2016}}
| Caption = Prithu chasing [[Prithvi]], who is in the form of a cow
{{Infobox deity<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Hindu mythology-->
| Name = Prithu
| type = Hindu
| Devanagari = पृथु
| image = Prithu - Crop.jpg
| Sanskrit_Transliteration =
| caption = Prithu chasing [[Prithvi]], who is in the form of a cow
| Affiliation = [[Avatar]] of [[Vishnu]], [[Chakravarti]] sovereign
| name = Prithu
| God_of =
| Devanagari = पृथु
| Abode =
| affiliation = [[Vaishnavism]], [[Chakravarti (Sanskrit term)|Chakravarti]] sovereign
| Mantra =
| Weapon = Bow and arrow
| weapon = Bow and arrow
| Consort = Archi, [[Prithvi]]
| consort = [[Archi (Hindu goddess)|Archi]]
| children = Vijitsatva
| Mount =
| parents = [[Vena (Hindu King)|Vena]] (father) }}
}}


According to [[Hinduism|Hindu]] [[Hindu mythology|mythology]], '''Prithu''' ([[Sanskrit]]: पृथु, Pṛthu, lit. "large, great, important, abundant")<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/cgi-bin/serveimg.pl?file=/scans/MWScan/MWScanjpg/mw0646-pRthakparNI.jpg Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (2008 revision)]</ref> is a sovereign ([[chakravartin]]), named in the [[Vedic]] scriptures and considered an [[avatar]] (incarnation) of the preserver god—[[Vishnu]]. He is also called '''Pruthu''', '''Prithi''' and '''Prithu Vainya''', literally, Prithu &madash; the son of Vena. Prithu is "celebrated as the first consecrated king, from whom the earth received her ([[Sanskrit]]) name [[Prithvi]]."<ref>Singh p.1712</ref> He is mainly associated with the legend of his chasing the earth goddess, Prithvi, who fled in the form of a cow and eventually agreed to yield her milk as the world's grain and vegetation. The epic [[Mahabharata]] and text [[Vishnu Purana]] describes him as a part [[avatar]] (incarnation) of [[Vishnu]].<ref>Singh p.1713</ref>
'''Prithu''' ([[Sanskrit]]: पृथु, {{IAST3|Pṛthu}}, lit. "large, great, important, abundant"),<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/cgi-bin/serveimg.pl?file=/scans/MWScan/MWScanjpg/mw0646-pRthakparNI.jpg Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (2008 revision)]</ref> also called '''Pruthu''', '''Prithi''' and '''Prithu Vainya''' ("Prithu &mdash; the son of [[Vena (Hindu King)|Vena]]"), is a sovereign (''[[Chakravarti (Sanskrit term)|chakravarti]]'') in [[Hinduism]]. He is an [[avatar]] of the god [[Vishnu]].
Prithu is "celebrated as the first consecrated king, from whom the earth received her ([[Sanskrit]]) name, [[Prithvi]]."<ref>Singh p.1712</ref> He is mainly associated with the legend of his chasing the earth goddess, Prithvi, who fled in the form of a cow and eventually agreed to yield her milk as the world's grain and vegetation. The epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'' describe him as a part-avatar of Vishnu.<ref name="Singh p.1713">Singh p.1713</ref>


== Legends ==
== Legends ==
The birth of Prithu is without female intervention. Thus being a ''ayonija'' ("born without (the participation) of the [[yoni]]"), Prithu is untouched by desire and ego and can thus control his senses to rule dutifully upholding [[Dharma]].<ref>
{{cite book |title= The Man Who Was a Woman and Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore|last= Pattnaik |first= Devdutt |year= 2001 |publisher= Haworth Press|isbn= 1560231815, 9781560231813 |pages= p.55|url= http://books.google.com/books?id=Odsk9xfOp6oC&pg=PA55&dq=prithu&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U0Ap287ofJPj0H_iZAqoPxWDC4S6A#PPA55,M1}}</ref>


The birth of Prithu is without female reproduction. Thus being a ''ayonija'' ("born without (the participation) of the [[yoni]]"), Prithu is untouched by desire and ego and can thus control his senses to rule with [[dharma]].<ref>
The [[Bhagavata Purana]] and [[Vishnu Purana]] tells the story of Prithu: King [[Vena]], from the lineage of the pious [[Dhruva]], was an evil king, who neglected Vedic rituals. Thus the [[rishi]]s (sages) killed him, leaving the kingdom without an heir and in famine due to the anarchy of Vena. So, the sages churned Vena's body, out of which first appeared a dark dwarf hunter, a symbol of Vena's evil. Since the sins of Vena had gone away as the dwarf, the body was now pure. On further churning, Prithu emerged from right arm of the corpse. To end the famine by slaying the earth and getting her fruits, Prithu chased the earth ([[Prithvi]]) who fled as a cow. Finally, she cornered by Prithu, the earth states that killing her would mean the end of his subjects too. So Prithu lowered his weapons and reasoned with the earth and promised her to be her guardian. Finally, Prithu milked her using [[Manu]] as a calf, and received all vegetation and grain as her milk, in his hands for welfare of humanity. Before Prithu's reign, there was "no cultivation, no pasture, no agriculture, no highway for merchants", all civilization emerged in Prithu's rule. By granting life to the earth and being her protector, Prithu became the earth's father and she accepted the [[patronymic]] name "Prithvi".<ref>For Bhagavata Purana, see
{{cite book |title= The Man Who Was a Woman and Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore|last= Pattnaik |first= Devdutt |year= 2001 |publisher= Haworth Press|isbn=978-1-56023-181-3|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Odsk9xfOp6oC&dq=prithu&pg=PA55 |page= 55}}</ref>

The legend of Prithu is found in the epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and most [[Puranas]]; the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'', ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' and the ''[[Padma Purana]]'' are the most detailed.<ref>Wilson p. 191</ref><ref name="bp">For Bhagavata Purana, see
* Tagare pp. 510-
* O'Flaherty pp. 90, 184
* O'Flaherty pp. 90, 184
* {{cite book |title= The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine|last= Pattnaik |first= Devdutt |year= 2000 |publisher= Inner Traditions / Bear & Company|isbn= 0892818077, 9780892818075|pages= p.43|url= http://books.google.com/books?id=rjL3ogbdJNkC&pg=PA43&dq=prithu&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U0TP8qoaVmA_ipfJX4GfWgp2TTKew}}</ref><ref>For Vishnu Purna {{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=84pTrICjfRcC&pg=PA12&dq=prithu&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U2Evecn_vY9uB1cD6UWnsFZO-Embg#PPA11,M1 |title=Hindu mythology, vedic and puranic |author=W. J. Wilkins |pages=pp.11–3}}</ref> However, the [[Manu Smriti]] considers Prithvi as Prithu's wife and not his daughter,<ref>Singh p.1716</ref> and thus suggests the name "Prithvi" is named after her husband, Prithu.<ref name="asiatic">{{cite book |title= The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine|last= Pattnaik |first= Devdutt |year= 1807 |publisher= Asiatic Society of Bengal (Original from Oxford University)|location = India|isbn= 0892818077, 9780892818075|pages= pp.253-5|url= http://books.google.com/books?id=hSYJAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA254&dq=prithu&lr=&as_brr=3#PPA254,M1}}</ref>
* {{cite book|title=The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine |last=Pattnaik |first=Devdutt |date=2000 |publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Company |isbn=978-0-89281-807-5 |page=43 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rjL3ogbdJNkC&dq=prithu&pg=PA43}}</ref>


The ''Vishnu Purana'', the ''[[Matsya Purana]]'', the ''[[Brahma Purana]]'', the ''Bhagavata Purana'' and the ''[[Harivamsha]]'' state that King [[Vena (Hindu King)|Vena]] was the son of King Anga, from the lineage of the pious [[Dhruva]], though the scriptures differ in the number and names of the generations between Dhruva and Anga. The ''Padma Purana'' however states that Anga descends from the sage [[Atri]].<ref>Wilson pp. 178-9</ref>
The [[Vayu Purana]] records that when born, Prithu stood with a bow, arrows and an armour, ready to destroy the earth, which was devoid of [[Vedic]] rituals. Terrified, the earth fled in form of a cow and finally submitted to Prithu's demands, earning him the title ''[[chakravartin]]'' (sovereign). Prithu is the first king, recorded to earn the title.<ref>Singh p.1713</ref> The creator-god [[Brahma]] is described to have recognized Prithu as an avatar of Vishnu, as one of Prithu's birthmark was Vishnu's [[chakram]] (discus) on his hand and thus Prithu was "numbered amongst the human gods". According to Oldham, the title ''Chakravarti'' may be derived from this birthmark, and may not be indicative of universal dominion. Prithu was worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu in his lifetime and now is considered a [[Nāga]] demi-god.<ref>
{{cite book |title= The Sun and the Serpent: A Contribution to the History of Serpent-worship|last= Oldham |first= C.F. |year= 1988 |publisher= Asian Educational Services|isbn= 8120604164, 9788120604162|pages= p. 74|url= http://books.google.com/books?id=pmXS7puep4cC&pg=PA74&dq=prithu&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U3A4aJOuazQ-b4iHzVACwgD2Nm4WQ#PPA74,M1}}</ref> [[Shatapatha Brahmana]] (Verse 3.5.4.) calls him the first anointed king and Vayu Purana calls him ''adiraja'' ("first king").<ref>Singh p.1713</ref>


The ''Vishnu Purana'' states that Vena's mother was Sunitha, the daughter of [[Mrityu]]. Vena was an evil king, who neglected Vedic rituals. Thus the [[rishi]]s (sages) killed him, leaving the kingdom without an heir and in famine due to the anarchy of Vena. So to create a son, the sages rubbed Vena's thigh, out of which first appeared a dark dwarf hunter, a symbol of Vena's evil. The dwarf was known as [[Nishadas|Nishada]], the originator of his namesake race. Since the sins of Vena had gone away as the dwarf, the body was now pure. On further churning, Prithu emerged from right arm of the corpse.<ref>Wilson pp. 179-83</ref> The ''Bhagavata Purana'' adds that when the sage churned the arms of Prithu, a couple emerges: Prithu and Archi, who will be his wife.<ref name="tagare56">Tarage p. 516</ref>
The epic [[Mahabharata]] states that Vishnu crowned Prithu as the sovereign and entered the latter's body so that everyone bows to the king as to god Vishnu. Now, the king was "endowed with Vishnu's greatness on earth". Further, [[Dharma]] (righteousness), [[Shri]] (goddess of wealth, beauty and good fortune) and [[Artha]] (purpose, material prosperity) established themselves in Prithu.<ref>{{cite book |title= Aspects of Early Visnuism|last= Gonda |first= Jan |year= 1993|publisher= Motilal Banarsidass Publ|isbn= 8120810872, 9788120810877|pages= p. 164|url= http://books.google.com/books?id=b8urRsuUJ9oC&pg=PA164&dq=prthu&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U21Oy_15B4d_VVJuHl6ovyC1dsd4A#PPA164,M1 }}</ref>


The ''Vishnu Purana'' continues: Prithu had the sign of Vishnu's [[chakra]] (discus) on his right hand. The creator-god [[Brahma]] recognized Prithu as an avatar of Vishnu, owing to this. His power is said to superior to the gods.<ref name = "Oldham"/> The text states the ''chakra'' is the sign of an universal emperor (''[[Chakravarti (Sanskrit term)|chakravarti]]'', lit. "in whom the chakra abides").<ref name="Wilson183"/> However according to Oldham, the title ''chakravarti'' may be derived from the birthmark, and may not be indicative of universal dominion.<ref name = "Oldham">
The [[Atharvaveda]] credits him of the inventation of [[ploughing]] and thus, [[agriculture]]. He is also described as one who flattened the earth's rocky surface, thus encouraging [[agriculture]], [[cattle]]-breeding, commerence and development of new cities on earth.<ref>Singh p.1713</ref> In a hymn in [[Rigveda]], Prithu is described as a [[rishi]] (seer). D. R. Patil suggests that the Rigvedic Prithu was a vegetarian deity, associated with Greek god [[Dionysus]] and another Vedic god [[Soma]].<ref>Singh p.1714</ref>
{{cite book |title= The Sun and the Serpent: A Contribution to the History of Serpent-worship|last= Oldham |first= C.F. |year= 1988 |publisher= Asian Educational Services|isbn=978-81-206-0416-2|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=pmXS7puep4cC&dq=prithu&pg=PA74|page= 74}}</ref> In the ''Bhagavata Purana'' specifics that the ''chakra'' mark is on Prithu's right palm and a lotus mark on the soles of his feet.<ref name="tagare56"/>


In the ''Vishnu Purana'', a celestial bow called Ajagava and arrows etc. were gifted by the heavens to Prithu.<ref name="Wilson183">Wilson pp. 183</ref> The ''Bhagavata Purana'' describes several gifts like throne, ornaments, royal umbrella, crown, sceptre, sword, shield, bow and arrows, horses, cows and other royal signina as gifts from various deities.<ref>Tarage p. 517</ref>
Bhagavata Purana further states that Prithu performed ninety-nine [[ashwamedha]] [[yagna]]s (horse-sacrifices), but [[Indra]], kings of the demi-gods, disturbed Prithu's hundredth one. The yagya was abandoned, Vishnu gave Prithu his blessings and Prithu forgave Indra for the latter's theft of the ritual-horse. It also states that the [[Sanatkumara]]s, the four sage-incarnations of Vishnu, preached Prithu about devotion to Vishnu. After governing his kingdom for a long time, Prithu left with his wife Archi, to perform penance in the forest in his last days. He died in the forest, and Archi went [[Sati]] on his funeral pyre.<ref name = "crest">

{{cite book |title= The Crest Jewel: srimadbhagwata Mahapuran with Mahabharata|author = Srikrishna Prapnnachari|publisher= Srikrishna Prapnnachari|isbn= 8175258551, 9788175258556|pages= pp.94-100|url= http://books.google.co.in/books?id=TT7AGZ3cBaUC&pg=PA98&lpg=PA98&dq=Prithu+Indra&source=web&ots=gr3dcOWOmc&sig=jMouUwguKjQ5XRW_bENDxdFyi9A&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result#PPA94,M1 }}</ref>
The birth of Prithu is treated as a ''[[yajna]]'' (sacrifice) by Brahma. Prithu was coronated as the king (''[[raja]]''). ''[[Sūta|Suta]]''s and ''magadha''s, royal heralds and bards, were produced from the sacrifice, sang the king's glories. Implored by his subjects to end the famine by slaying the earth and getting her vegetation, Prithu chased the earth ([[Prithvi]]) who fled as a cow. Finally cornered by Prithu, the earth pleads Prithu to spare her life and in turn she will grant her vegetation. So Prithu lowered his weapons and reasoned with the earth and promised her to be her guardian. Before Prithu's reign, there was "no cultivation, no pasture, no agriculture, no highway for merchants", all civilization emerged in Prithu's rule. Prithu levelled the mountains and established villages, which were settled by his subjects. Prithu milked her using [[Swayambhuva Manu]] (the first man) as the calf, and received all vegetation and grain as her milk, in his hands for welfare of humanity. By granting life to the earth and being her protector, Prithu became the earth's father and she accepted the [[patronymic]] name "Prithvi".<ref>Wilson pp. 184-8</ref>

Various beings emulate Prithu by milking the earth-cow with a distinct calf, using various vessels and acquires different gifts as milk from the earth. While the ''Vishnu Purana'' does not provide the details, the ''Matsya Purana'' states as follows:<ref>Wilson pp. 188-90</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Beings
!Milker
!Calf
!Milk
!Vessel
|-
|Rishis (sages)
|[[Brihaspati]]
|[[Chandra]] (Soma), the moon
|Devotion
|[[Vedas]]
|-
|[[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] (gods)
|[[Indra]], the king of gods
|[[Surya]] ([[Mitra]]), the Sun
|"superhuman" Power
|Gold
|-
|[[Pitrs|Pitris]] (ancestors)
|Antaka (death)
|[[Yama]], the god of death
|[[Svadha]] (the food or oblations offered to Pitrs)
|silver
|-
|[[Nāga|Nagas]] (serpent)
|[[Takshaka]], a snake
|Dhritarashtra, a snake
|poison
|Gourd
|-
|[[Asura|Asuras]] (demons)
|[[Virochana]], the king of asuras
|Dwimurdhan
|[[Maya (religion)|Maya]] (illusion)
|iron
|-
|[[Yakshas]]
|[[Kubera]], the king of yakshas
|
|ability to disappear
|unbaked
|-
|[[Rakshasa|Rakshasas]]
|[[Sumali]]
|Raupyanabha
|blood
|
|-
|[[Gandharvas]] and [[Apsaras]]
|Vasuruchi
|Chitraratha
|Perfumes
|of lotus-leaves
|-
|Mountains
|[[Mount Meru|Meru]] (Sumeru)
|[[Himavat]] ([[Himalaya]])
|herbs and jewels
|crystal
|-
|Trees
|Plaksha ([[white fig]])
|Sala (''[[Shorea robusta]])''
|Sap
|[[Butea monosperma|Palash]]
|}

The ''Bhagavata Purana'', the ''Padma Purana'' and the ''Brahma Purana'' provide the list with some variation.<ref>Wilson p. 189</ref>



The ''[[Manu Smriti]]'' considers Prithvi as Prithu's wife and not his daughter,<ref>Singh p.1716</ref> and thus suggests the name "Prithvi" is named after her husband, Prithu.<ref name="asiatic">{{cite book |title= The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine|last= Pattnaik |first= Devdutt |year= 1807 |publisher= Asiatic Society of Bengal (Original from Oxford University)|location = India|isbn=978-0-89281-807-5|pages= 253–5|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=hSYJAAAAQAAJ&dq=prithu&pg=PA254}}</ref>

The ''[[Vayu Purana]]'' records that when born, Prithu stood with a bow, arrows and an armour, ready to destroy the earth, which was devoid of [[Vedic]] rituals. Terrified, the earth fled in form of a cow and finally submitted to Prithu's demands, earning him the title ''[[chakravartin]]'' (sovereign). Prithu is the first king, recorded to earn the title.<ref name=" Singh p.1713"/> The ''[[Shatapatha Brahmana]]'' (Verse 3.5.4.) calls him the first anointed king and Vayu Purana calls him ''Adiraja'' ("first king").<ref name="Singh p.1713"/>

The epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' states that Vishnu crowned Prithu as the sovereign and entered the latter's body so that everyone bows to the king as to the god Vishnu. Now, the king was "endowed with Vishnu's greatness on earth". Further, [[Dharma]] (righteousness), [[Shri]] (goddess of wealth, beauty and good fortune) and [[Artha]] (purpose, material prosperity) established themselves in Prithu.<ref>{{cite book |title= Aspects of Early Visnuism|last= Gonda |first= Jan |year= 1993|publisher= Motilal Banarsidass Publ|isbn=978-81-208-1087-7|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=b8urRsuUJ9oC&dq=prthu&pg=PA164|page= 164 }}</ref>

The ''[[Atharvaveda]]'' credits Prithu of the invention of [[ploughing]] and thus, [[agriculture]]. He is also described as one who flattened the Earth's rocky surface, thus encouraging agriculture, [[cattle]]-breeding, commerce and development of new cities on earth.<ref name="Singh p.1713"/> In a hymn in the ''[[Rigveda]]'', Prithu is described as a [[rishi]] (seer). D. R. Patil suggests that the Rigvedic Prithu was a vegetarian deity, associated with Greek god [[Dionysus]] and another Vedic god [[Soma (deity)|Soma]].<ref>Singh p.1714</ref>

[[File: Indra seized the Yaga Horse in the sacrifice conducted by Emperor Prathu.jpg|thumb|Indra seized the yajna Horse in the sacrifice conducted by Emperor Prithu]]
The ''Bhagavata Purana'' further states that Prithu performed ninety-nine [[ashwamedha|ashvamedha]] [[yajna]]s (horse-sacrifices), but [[Indra]], kings of the demi-gods, disturbed Prithu's hundredth one. The yajna was abandoned, Vishnu gave Prithu his blessings and Prithu forgave Indra for the latter's theft of the ritual-horse. It also states that the [[Four Kumaras]], the four sage-avatars of Vishnu, preached Prithu about devotion to Vishnu. After governing his kingdom for a long time, Prithu left with his wife [[Archi (Hindu goddess)|Archi]], to perform penance in the forest in his last days. He experienced Samadhi and voluntarily gave up his body in the forest, and Archi went [[Sati (practice)|Sati]] on his funeral pyre.<ref name = "crest">{{cite book |title= The Crest Jewel: srimadbhagwata Mahapuran with Mahabharata|author = Srikrishna Prapnnachari|publisher= Srikrishna Prapnnachari|isbn=978-81-7525-855-6|pages= 94–100|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TT7AGZ3cBaUC&dq=Prithu+Indra&pg=PA98 }}</ref>


===Wives and children===
===Wives and children===
Apart from Prithvi who is sometimes considered the daughter or wife of Prithu, Prithu has a wife called Archi and five sons. Archi, emerged from Vena's body, along with Prithu and is considered as an avatar of goddess [[Lakshmi]], the wife of Vishnu. Prithu's son Vijitswa, became the sovereign and controlled the middle of the kingdom. Prithu's other sons, Haryarksha, Dhumrakesha, Vrika and Dravina ruled the east, south, west and north of kingdom respectively.<ref name = "crest"/><ref name="asiatic"/>
The ''Vishnu Purana'' states that Prithu has two sons: Antardhi (Antardhana) and Palin (Pali). The family of Prithu continues through his eldest son Antardhi. Prithu's great grandsons were the [[Prachetas]].<ref>Wilson pp. 192-5</ref> The ''Vayu Purana'', the ''Brahma Purana'' and the ''Harivamsa'' replicate the list of lineal descendants. However, the ''Bhagavata Purana'' disagrees.<ref>Wilson p. 192</ref> Apart from Prithvi who is sometimes considered the daughter or wife of Prithu, Prithu has a wife called [[Archi (Hindu goddess)|Archi]] and five sons. Archi, emerged from Vena's body, along with Prithu and is considered as an avatar of the goddess [[Lakshmi]], the wife of Vishnu. Prithu's son Vijitsva, became the sovereign and controlled the middle of the kingdom. Prithu's other sons, Haryarksha, Dhumrakesha, Vrika and Dravina ruled the east, south, west and north of the kingdom respectively.<ref name="asiatic"/><ref name = "crest"/><ref>Tagare pp. 516, </ref>


==Symbolism==
==Symbolism==
O'Flaherty interprets the myth of Prithu &ndash; his transformation from a hunter who chased the earth-cow to the herdsman-farmer as a transition in Vedic or Hindu people from eating [[beef]] to having cow's milk and cultivated vegetables and grain instead of beef.<ref>O'Flaherty pp. 89–90</ref> David Shulman compares Prithu with the Vedic deity [[Rudra]]-[[Shiva]]. Prithu, like Rudra, is an ideal king, but with a violent side. Prithu's actions of chasing the earth-cow as a hunter and finally milking her, display this terrifying side of the king. Both, Prithu and Rudra, are closely associated with sacrifice.<ref>O'Flaherty p. 91</ref>
O'Flaherty interprets the myth of Prithu &ndash; his transformation from a hunter who chased the earth-cow to the herdsman-farmer as a transition in Vedic or Hindu people from eating [[beef]] to having cow's milk and cultivated vegetables and grain instead of beef.<ref>O'Flaherty pp. 89–90</ref> David Shulman compares Prithu with the Vedic deity [[Rudra]]-[[Shiva]]. Prithu, like Rudra, is an ideal king, but with a violent side. Prithu's actions of chasing the earth-cow as a hunter and finally milking her, display this terrifying side of the king. Both, Prithu and Rudra, are closely associated with sacrifice.<ref>O'Flaherty p. 91</ref>


==Remembrance==
==Celebration in Indian society==
Chinese scholar [[Hiuentsang]] (c. 640 AD) records the existence of the town [[Pehoa]], named after Prithu, "who is said to be the first person that obtained the title [[Raja]] (king)". Another place associated with Prithu is ''Prithudaka'' (lit. "Prithu's pool"), a town on banks of [[Sarasvati river]], where Prithu is believed to have performed the [[Shraaddha|Shraddha]] of his father. The town is referred as the boundary between Northern and central India and referred to by [[Patanjali]] as the modern [[Pihowa]].<ref>Singh pp.1713–4</ref>
Chinese scholar [[Xuanzang|Hiuen Tsang]] (c. 640 AD) records the existence of the town [[Pehowa]], named after Prithu, "who is said to be the first person that obtained the title [[Raja]] (king)". Another place associated with Prithu is ''Prithudaka'' (lit. "Prithu's pool"), a town on the banks of [[Sarasvati river]], where Prithu is believed to have performed the [[Shraaddha|Shraddha]] of his father. The town is referred to as the boundary between Northern and central India and referred to by [[Patanjali]] as the modern Pehowa.<ref>Singh pp.1713–4</ref>

[[Shriman Narayan]], one of the protagonists of Indian [[Panchayati Raj]] movement, tracing its origin, writes: "It is believed that the system was first introduced by King Prithu while colonizing the Doab between the Ganga and Jamuna."<ref>P. 14 ''Panchayati Raj'' By Pratap Chandra Swain</ref>
<!-- == Reign ==

In Hindu tradition, Prithu became the first true king. While he was crowned emperor of the world, many other sovereigns were appointed by Brahma. As per the [[Harivamsa]], he became a [[Kshatriya]] after he healed the [[Brahmin|Brahmanas]] of their wounds, inflicted by Prithu's tyrannical father, Vena. After acquiring many presents from the gods, Prithu conquered and ruled the earth as well as the [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]], [[Asura]]s, [[Yaksha]]s, [[Rakshasa]]s and [[Nāga|Naga]]s in all glory. It was where the Satya Yuga reached its pinnacle. Prithu liberated his father, Vena, from the hell called Pūt, hence all sons are called Putras. Practicing detachment, Prithu ruled according to the Vedas and the Dandaneeti.

Prithu used his Kshatriya power to make the earth yield its riches. Hence the earth is called Prithvi, daughter of Prithu. Prithu, by the mere fiat of will, created millions of men, elephants, chariots and horses. During his reign, there was no decrepitude, no calamity, no famine, no disease, no agriculture and no mining. Prithu enjoyed popularity amongst his subjects, hence all kings are called Rajas. Cows yielded buckets of rich milk when they were touched. Trees and lotuses always had honey in them. People were healthy and happy and had no fear of thieves or wild animals. There were no deaths of accidents. Kusha grass was golden in colour. Fruits were always sweet and ripe and nobody went hungry. People lived in houses or caves or trees or wherever they liked. For the first time, civilization and commerce came into existence.

Prithu himself shattered many mountains with his arrows and made the earth even. He had divine powers of creating or disappearing any mundane object with his mental power; ability to play musical instruments, sing and act. His chariot could travel over land, water and air with complete ease. Mountains made way for Prithu on his chariot and his flagstaff was never entangled when Prithu travelled through dense forests as the trees made way for him. Prithu practised charity and donated colossal amounts of gold to the Brahmanas.

Prithu appointed [[Shukracharya]], the son of [[Bhrigu]] and [[Garga (sage)|Garga]], the son of [[Angiras (sage)|Angiras]] as his preceptors. The Valakhilyas, a group consisting of 60,000 thumb-sized ascetics and known for their genius, became Prithu's counsellors. -->


== References ==
== References ==

=== Notes ===
=== Notes ===
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


=== Bibliography ===
=== Bibliography ===
* {{cite book |title=Encyclopaedia of Hinduism |author=Nagendra Kumar Singh |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Pnw5ioTJ6QcC&pg=PA1718&vq=Prithu&dq=prithu&as_brr=3&source=gbs_search_s&cad=5&sig=ACfU3U1V0m4AB-b-GID7_EFQm8_aEC8D2A#PPA1715,M1 |year=1997 |publisher=Anmol Publications}}
* {{cite book |title=Encyclopaedia of Hinduism |author=Nagendra Kumar Singh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pnw5ioTJ6QcC&dq=prithu&pg=PA1718 |year=1997 |publisher=Anmol Publications |isbn=978-81-7488-168-7 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{cite book |title=Other Peoples' Myths: The Cave of Echoes |author=Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty |year=1995 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |ISBN=0226618579}}
* {{cite book |title=Other Peoples' Myths: The Cave of Echoes |author=Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty |year=1995 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=0-226-61857-9}}
* {{cite book|title= The Bhāgavata Purāṇa|last1= Shastri|first1=J. L.|last2= Tagare|first2=G. V.|url = https://archive.org/details/BhagavataPuranaMotilalEnglish/mode/2up|year = 1999|origyear= 1950|publisher = Motilal Banarsidas}}
* {{Cite book|series=Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson|title=The Vishnu Purána : a system of Hindu mythology and tradition|volume=VI|last=Wilson|first=H. H. (Horace Hayman)|year=1862|publisher=London : Trübner|others=Princeton Theological Seminary Library|isbn=|location=}}


== External links ==
* [http://www.harekrsna.com/practice/process/arcanam/prthu.htm Srimad-Bhagavatam-text: Publisher ISKCON]


{{VishnuAvatars}}
{{VishnuAvatars}}
{{Rishis of Hindu mythology}}
{{HinduMythology}}
{{HinduMythology}}


{{authority control}}
[[Category:Forms of Vishnu]]
[[Category:Mythological kings]]
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]
[[Category:Vaishnavism]]


[[Category:Avatars of Vishnu]]
[[id:Pertu]]
[[Category:Mythological kings]]
[[Category:Characters in the Bhagavata Purana]]

Latest revision as of 06:29, 19 April 2024

Prithu
Prithu chasing Prithvi, who is in the form of a cow
Devanagariपृथु
AffiliationVaishnavism, Chakravarti sovereign
WeaponBow and arrow
Personal information
ParentsVena (father)
ConsortArchi
ChildrenVijitsatva

Prithu (Sanskrit: पृथु, IAST: Pṛthu, lit. "large, great, important, abundant"),[1] also called Pruthu, Prithi and Prithu Vainya ("Prithu — the son of Vena"), is a sovereign (chakravarti) in Hinduism. He is an avatar of the god Vishnu.

Prithu is "celebrated as the first consecrated king, from whom the earth received her (Sanskrit) name, Prithvi."[2] He is mainly associated with the legend of his chasing the earth goddess, Prithvi, who fled in the form of a cow and eventually agreed to yield her milk as the world's grain and vegetation. The epic Mahabharata and the Vishnu Purana describe him as a part-avatar of Vishnu.[3]

Legends[edit]

The birth of Prithu is without female reproduction. Thus being a ayonija ("born without (the participation) of the yoni"), Prithu is untouched by desire and ego and can thus control his senses to rule with dharma.[4]

The legend of Prithu is found in the epic Mahabharata and most Puranas; the Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana and the Padma Purana are the most detailed.[5][6]

The Vishnu Purana, the Matsya Purana, the Brahma Purana, the Bhagavata Purana and the Harivamsha state that King Vena was the son of King Anga, from the lineage of the pious Dhruva, though the scriptures differ in the number and names of the generations between Dhruva and Anga. The Padma Purana however states that Anga descends from the sage Atri.[7]

The Vishnu Purana states that Vena's mother was Sunitha, the daughter of Mrityu. Vena was an evil king, who neglected Vedic rituals. Thus the rishis (sages) killed him, leaving the kingdom without an heir and in famine due to the anarchy of Vena. So to create a son, the sages rubbed Vena's thigh, out of which first appeared a dark dwarf hunter, a symbol of Vena's evil. The dwarf was known as Nishada, the originator of his namesake race. Since the sins of Vena had gone away as the dwarf, the body was now pure. On further churning, Prithu emerged from right arm of the corpse.[8] The Bhagavata Purana adds that when the sage churned the arms of Prithu, a couple emerges: Prithu and Archi, who will be his wife.[9]

The Vishnu Purana continues: Prithu had the sign of Vishnu's chakra (discus) on his right hand. The creator-god Brahma recognized Prithu as an avatar of Vishnu, owing to this. His power is said to superior to the gods.[10] The text states the chakra is the sign of an universal emperor (chakravarti, lit. "in whom the chakra abides").[11] However according to Oldham, the title chakravarti may be derived from the birthmark, and may not be indicative of universal dominion.[10] In the Bhagavata Purana specifics that the chakra mark is on Prithu's right palm and a lotus mark on the soles of his feet.[9]

In the Vishnu Purana, a celestial bow called Ajagava and arrows etc. were gifted by the heavens to Prithu.[11] The Bhagavata Purana describes several gifts like throne, ornaments, royal umbrella, crown, sceptre, sword, shield, bow and arrows, horses, cows and other royal signina as gifts from various deities.[12]

The birth of Prithu is treated as a yajna (sacrifice) by Brahma. Prithu was coronated as the king (raja). Sutas and magadhas, royal heralds and bards, were produced from the sacrifice, sang the king's glories. Implored by his subjects to end the famine by slaying the earth and getting her vegetation, Prithu chased the earth (Prithvi) who fled as a cow. Finally cornered by Prithu, the earth pleads Prithu to spare her life and in turn she will grant her vegetation. So Prithu lowered his weapons and reasoned with the earth and promised her to be her guardian. Before Prithu's reign, there was "no cultivation, no pasture, no agriculture, no highway for merchants", all civilization emerged in Prithu's rule. Prithu levelled the mountains and established villages, which were settled by his subjects. Prithu milked her using Swayambhuva Manu (the first man) as the calf, and received all vegetation and grain as her milk, in his hands for welfare of humanity. By granting life to the earth and being her protector, Prithu became the earth's father and she accepted the patronymic name "Prithvi".[13]

Various beings emulate Prithu by milking the earth-cow with a distinct calf, using various vessels and acquires different gifts as milk from the earth. While the Vishnu Purana does not provide the details, the Matsya Purana states as follows:[14]

Beings Milker Calf Milk Vessel
Rishis (sages) Brihaspati Chandra (Soma), the moon Devotion Vedas
Devas (gods) Indra, the king of gods Surya (Mitra), the Sun "superhuman" Power Gold
Pitris (ancestors) Antaka (death) Yama, the god of death Svadha (the food or oblations offered to Pitrs) silver
Nagas (serpent) Takshaka, a snake Dhritarashtra, a snake poison Gourd
Asuras (demons) Virochana, the king of asuras Dwimurdhan Maya (illusion) iron
Yakshas Kubera, the king of yakshas ability to disappear unbaked
Rakshasas Sumali Raupyanabha blood
Gandharvas and Apsaras Vasuruchi Chitraratha Perfumes of lotus-leaves
Mountains Meru (Sumeru) Himavat (Himalaya) herbs and jewels crystal
Trees Plaksha (white fig) Sala (Shorea robusta) Sap Palash

The Bhagavata Purana, the Padma Purana and the Brahma Purana provide the list with some variation.[15]


The Manu Smriti considers Prithvi as Prithu's wife and not his daughter,[16] and thus suggests the name "Prithvi" is named after her husband, Prithu.[17]

The Vayu Purana records that when born, Prithu stood with a bow, arrows and an armour, ready to destroy the earth, which was devoid of Vedic rituals. Terrified, the earth fled in form of a cow and finally submitted to Prithu's demands, earning him the title chakravartin (sovereign). Prithu is the first king, recorded to earn the title.[3] The Shatapatha Brahmana (Verse 3.5.4.) calls him the first anointed king and Vayu Purana calls him Adiraja ("first king").[3]

The epic Mahabharata states that Vishnu crowned Prithu as the sovereign and entered the latter's body so that everyone bows to the king as to the god Vishnu. Now, the king was "endowed with Vishnu's greatness on earth". Further, Dharma (righteousness), Shri (goddess of wealth, beauty and good fortune) and Artha (purpose, material prosperity) established themselves in Prithu.[18]

The Atharvaveda credits Prithu of the invention of ploughing and thus, agriculture. He is also described as one who flattened the Earth's rocky surface, thus encouraging agriculture, cattle-breeding, commerce and development of new cities on earth.[3] In a hymn in the Rigveda, Prithu is described as a rishi (seer). D. R. Patil suggests that the Rigvedic Prithu was a vegetarian deity, associated with Greek god Dionysus and another Vedic god Soma.[19]

Indra seized the yajna Horse in the sacrifice conducted by Emperor Prithu

The Bhagavata Purana further states that Prithu performed ninety-nine ashvamedha yajnas (horse-sacrifices), but Indra, kings of the demi-gods, disturbed Prithu's hundredth one. The yajna was abandoned, Vishnu gave Prithu his blessings and Prithu forgave Indra for the latter's theft of the ritual-horse. It also states that the Four Kumaras, the four sage-avatars of Vishnu, preached Prithu about devotion to Vishnu. After governing his kingdom for a long time, Prithu left with his wife Archi, to perform penance in the forest in his last days. He experienced Samadhi and voluntarily gave up his body in the forest, and Archi went Sati on his funeral pyre.[20]

Wives and children[edit]

The Vishnu Purana states that Prithu has two sons: Antardhi (Antardhana) and Palin (Pali). The family of Prithu continues through his eldest son Antardhi. Prithu's great grandsons were the Prachetas.[21] The Vayu Purana, the Brahma Purana and the Harivamsa replicate the list of lineal descendants. However, the Bhagavata Purana disagrees.[22] Apart from Prithvi who is sometimes considered the daughter or wife of Prithu, Prithu has a wife called Archi and five sons. Archi, emerged from Vena's body, along with Prithu and is considered as an avatar of the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu. Prithu's son Vijitsva, became the sovereign and controlled the middle of the kingdom. Prithu's other sons, Haryarksha, Dhumrakesha, Vrika and Dravina ruled the east, south, west and north of the kingdom respectively.[17][20][23]

Symbolism[edit]

O'Flaherty interprets the myth of Prithu – his transformation from a hunter who chased the earth-cow to the herdsman-farmer as a transition in Vedic or Hindu people from eating beef to having cow's milk and cultivated vegetables and grain instead of beef.[24] David Shulman compares Prithu with the Vedic deity Rudra-Shiva. Prithu, like Rudra, is an ideal king, but with a violent side. Prithu's actions of chasing the earth-cow as a hunter and finally milking her, display this terrifying side of the king. Both, Prithu and Rudra, are closely associated with sacrifice.[25]

Remembrance[edit]

Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsang (c. 640 AD) records the existence of the town Pehowa, named after Prithu, "who is said to be the first person that obtained the title Raja (king)". Another place associated with Prithu is Prithudaka (lit. "Prithu's pool"), a town on the banks of Sarasvati river, where Prithu is believed to have performed the Shraddha of his father. The town is referred to as the boundary between Northern and central India and referred to by Patanjali as the modern Pehowa.[26]

Shriman Narayan, one of the protagonists of Indian Panchayati Raj movement, tracing its origin, writes: "It is believed that the system was first introduced by King Prithu while colonizing the Doab between the Ganga and Jamuna."[27]

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (2008 revision)
  2. ^ Singh p.1712
  3. ^ a b c d Singh p.1713
  4. ^ Pattnaik, Devdutt (2001). The Man Who Was a Woman and Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore. Haworth Press. p. 55. ISBN 978-1-56023-181-3.
  5. ^ Wilson p. 191
  6. ^ For Bhagavata Purana, see
  7. ^ Wilson pp. 178-9
  8. ^ Wilson pp. 179-83
  9. ^ a b Tarage p. 516
  10. ^ a b Oldham, C.F. (1988). The Sun and the Serpent: A Contribution to the History of Serpent-worship. Asian Educational Services. p. 74. ISBN 978-81-206-0416-2.
  11. ^ a b Wilson pp. 183
  12. ^ Tarage p. 517
  13. ^ Wilson pp. 184-8
  14. ^ Wilson pp. 188-90
  15. ^ Wilson p. 189
  16. ^ Singh p.1716
  17. ^ a b Pattnaik, Devdutt (1807). The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine. India: Asiatic Society of Bengal (Original from Oxford University). pp. 253–5. ISBN 978-0-89281-807-5.
  18. ^ Gonda, Jan (1993). Aspects of Early Visnuism. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 164. ISBN 978-81-208-1087-7.
  19. ^ Singh p.1714
  20. ^ a b Srikrishna Prapnnachari. The Crest Jewel: srimadbhagwata Mahapuran with Mahabharata. Srikrishna Prapnnachari. pp. 94–100. ISBN 978-81-7525-855-6.
  21. ^ Wilson pp. 192-5
  22. ^ Wilson p. 192
  23. ^ Tagare pp. 516,
  24. ^ O'Flaherty pp. 89–90
  25. ^ O'Flaherty p. 91
  26. ^ Singh pp.1713–4
  27. ^ P. 14 Panchayati Raj By Pratap Chandra Swain

Bibliography[edit]

  • Nagendra Kumar Singh (1997). Encyclopaedia of Hinduism. Anmol Publications. ISBN 978-81-7488-168-7.[permanent dead link]
  • Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty (1995). Other Peoples' Myths: The Cave of Echoes. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0-226-61857-9.
  • Shastri, J. L.; Tagare, G. V. (1999) [1950]. The Bhāgavata Purāṇa. Motilal Banarsidas.
  • Wilson, H. H. (Horace Hayman) (1862). The Vishnu Purána : a system of Hindu mythology and tradition. Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson. Vol. VI. Princeton Theological Seminary Library. London : Trübner.


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