As the great sages churned in their profound rituals, a wondrous event occurred: from the midst of their efforts, Pṛthu, son of Vena, arose. He shone with a radiance and power all his own, blazing forth like fire itself. At that very moment, from the heavens descended a primordial bow known as Ājagava, accompanied by divine arrows and resplendent armor—gifts befitting a sovereign. The birth of Pṛthu brought joy to all beings throughout the worlds. Even Vena, his troubled father, was uplifted by this event. Because of his noble and virtuous son, Vena was freed from the torments of the hell named Puṇ and ascended to heaven. In honor of Pṛthu’s birth, the oceans and rivers gathered together, bringing with them their purest waters and most precious jewels for his consecration. The revered Pitamaha, the grandsire Brahmā himself, along with the gods, the descendants of Angiras, and all beings—both moving and unmoving—assembled to anoint Vainya, Pṛthu, as king. As the sacred ceremony unfolded, Pitamaha beheld a divine discus mark in Pṛthu’s right hand. Recognizing this as the sign of Vishnu’s own presence, he was filled with supreme satisfaction. Indeed, it is said that the mark of Vishnu’s discus is found in all universal emperors, whose power is unimpeded even by the gods. Thus, Pṛthu, son of Vena, endowed with tremendous energy and valor, was duly consecrated. He became king, ruling with vast dominion and unwavering righteousness. Unlike his father, who had alienated the people, Pṛthu won their hearts through his noble qualities. From their deep affection for him, he truly became known as ‘king.’ Such was his might and virtue that, as he approached the ocean, the waters stood still before him; mountains made way, and his banners remained unbroken. Under his reign, the earth yielded crops without being plowed, offering food effortlessly. Cows gave all that was desired, and honey filled every vessel. At the auspicious ancestral sacrifice performed at his birth, a wise Suta was born on the day of the Sutyā. At that same great sacrifice, a learned Magadha was also born, both of whom were proclaimed by the eminent sages. The sages instructed them, “Let this king, Pṛthu, son of Vena and full of valor, be praised; your actions are fitting, and you are the proper recipients of praise.” With hands joined in reverence, Suta and Magadha addressed the Brahmins, saying, “The deeds of this newly born king are not yet known to us. His qualities are not yet established, nor is his fame; upon what should we base our praise, and what shall we proclaim?” The sages replied, “This mighty universal emperor will indeed perform great deeds; let him be praised for the virtues he will possess.” Hearing this, King Pṛthu was deeply pleased. He reflected, “One is praised for good qualities; therefore, virtues are praiseworthy to me. Whatever qualities these two will describe in their praise today, I too will strive to embody. If they mention anything that should be avoided, I will avoid it.” Thus, the king resolved in his heart. Then Suta and Magadha, skilled in melodious speech, composed a hymn for Pṛthu, son of Vena, describing his future deeds: “This king speaks the truth, is generous and steadfast in his promises, modest, friendly, patient, courageous, and a punisher of the wicked. He knows righteousness, is grateful, compassionate, speaks kindly, honors the honorable, performs sacrifices, reveres Brahmins, and is esteemed by the virtuous.” The king, impartial toward friend and foe in matters of governance, listened attentively to the virtues spoken by the Suta and Magadha. He held their words in his heart and acted accordingly. Pṛthu, protector of the earth, performed many great sacrifices and bestowed abundant gifts. Yet, a crisis arose: the people, afflicted by hunger, approached the king. The plants had perished in the absence of a worthy ruler, and the people were suffering. Bowing before him, they explained their plight: “In the absence of a king, O best of kings, O earth, all the plants have been consumed, and thus all the people are perishing. You have been appointed by the Creator as the protector and giver of livelihood; grant us, who are afflicted by hunger, the life-giving plants.” Hearing their plea, the prince, filled with righteous anger, took up his divine bow and arrows and pursued the earth herself. In fear, the earth transformed into a cow and fled swiftly through all the worlds, even reaching Brahma’s realm. Yet, wherever she went, she saw Pṛthu, weapon raised, in pursuit. Terrified and trembling, the earth sought protection from the king’s arrows and spoke: “O king, killing a woman is a great sin. Do you not see this? Why do you make such an effort to slay me?” Pṛthu replied, “When a wicked one is slain, the welfare of many is ensured; such an act brings merit.” The earth answered, “If you kill me for the sake of the people, O best of kings, who will support them?” Pṛthu declared, “If you refuse my command, I will sustain these people by the power of my own yoga, even if I must slay you.” The earth, her body trembling with fear, bowed and spoke again: “All endeavors succeed when undertaken with proper means. Therefore, I will tell you a way—if you wish, do it. All the great plants I have digested, O lord of men; if you desire, I will yield them to you, transformed into milk. For the welfare of the people, O upholder of dharma, make a calf by which I may yield my milk. Make the milk equal everywhere, so that it may be distributed evenly; let the seed, the essence of the best plants, be produced everywhere.” Thus, through his righteousness, resolve, and compassion, King Pṛthu brought forth abundance and nourishment for all beings, establishing himself as the true protector and benefactor of the world.