In the ancient times, before the era known as the Cākṣuṣa Manvantara, the world existed in a different state. Wherever the earth lay level and even, the people of those days sustained themselves on what nature freely offered—roots and fruits gathered from the wild. But from the time of Vainya, also known as King Pṛthu, everything began to change. It was Pṛthu who, with his own hands, drew forth crops from the earth, transforming her bounty to nourish humanity in new ways. The wise seers recount that the earth was milked again and again, each time by different beings, each drawing from her a unique sustenance. The gods, led by Purandara—another name for Indra—once gathered to milk the earth. For them, Maghavan served as the calf, and the mighty Savitṛ acted as the milker. Their vessel was the sacred meter, the Gāyatrī and other Vedic meters, through which they received their share. The ancestors too are said to have milked the earth. Among them, Vaivasvata Yama, powerful and just, became the calf. The Asuras, masters of illusion, also took their turn. Virocana was their calf, and the renowned Prahrada was among them. Using their magical arts, all the Asuras drew forth their own sustenance from the earth. The Nagas, serpentine beings, milked the earth as well, choosing Takshaka as their calf. Vasuki, the mighty son of Kadru, acted as their milker. From this act, the fierce, massive-bodied, poison-filled Nagas came to be sustained. Again, the beloved of hidden wealth milked the earth into a raw vessel. The one with a silver navel, father of Manidhara, served as the milker, and by his efforts, his kin were supported. Brahma himself milked the earth for the Brahmins, with Kubera, the lord of wealth, as their calf. The Rakshasas, fierce beings, used a skull as their vessel and drew out hidden wealth from the earth. The Gandharvas and Apsaras, celestial musicians and dancers, milked the earth in a lotus vessel. For them, Vasuruci, the auspicious son of a sage, was the milker. Even the mountains took their turn: Himavat became the calf, and Meru, the great golden mountain, was the milker. The trees and plants too milked the earth. The blossoming shala tree served as their wish-fulfilling cow, and the illustrious plaksha tree was their calf. Thus, the earth is known by many names: Dhātrī, Vidhātrī, Dhāraṇī, and Vasundharā. She is the foundation and womb of the world, supporting all that moves and does not move. Because she bears wealth, she is called Vasudhā. The learned also call her Medinī, and, having become as a daughter, she is called Pṛthivī. In time, the earth was adorned with cities and towns, especially those belonging to King Ākaravat. Among these rulers shone King Vainya, radiant and illustrious. Noble Brāhmaṇas, accomplished in the Vedas, sought him out. Illustrious kings, desiring fame, came to him as well, as did warriors seeking victory in battle. It was said that any warrior who praised King Pṛthu before going to war would find success. Even the Vaiśyas, engaged in trade and commerce, approached this royal sage. Thus, the earth, in her many forms and through the deeds of great beings, provided for all, and King Pṛthu’s reign became a turning point in the story of the world.