In the earliest days of King Prithu’s reign, the earth flourished in abundance. Without the need for plowing, she yielded crops effortlessly, nourishing all beings. Cows bestowed whatever was desired, and honey filled every vessel, as if prosperity itself walked the land. At the auspicious sacrifice performed to honor his ancestors on the day of Prithu’s birth, a wise Suta was born, and, at that very great sacrifice, a learned Magadha also came into being. The eminent sages proclaimed both Suta and Magadha, declaring them worthy of praise. They were instructed: “Let this king, Prithu, son of Vena and full of valor, be praised; your actions are proper, and you are the right ones to extol his virtues.” With hands joined in reverence, Suta and Magadha addressed the assembled Brahmins: “The deeds of this newly born king are not yet known to us. His qualities remain unknown, and his fame is yet unestablished. Upon what should we base our praise, and what should 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 these words, King Prithu was filled with supreme satisfaction. He reflected, “One is praised for good qualities; therefore, virtues are praiseworthy to me. Whatever qualities Suta and Magadha describe in their praise today, I too will strive to embody. If they mention anything to be avoided, I shall avoid it.” With this resolve, he fixed his mind. Then Suta and Magadha, skilled and melodious, composed a hymn for Prithu, son of Vena, describing the noble deeds he would perform in the future. “This king,” they sang, “speaks the truth, is generous, steadfast in his promises, modest, friendly, patient, courageous, and a punisher of the wicked. He knows righteousness, is grateful and compassionate, speaks kindly, honors the honorable, performs sacrifices, reveres Brahmins, and is esteemed by the virtuous.” Prithu, impartial toward friend and foe in all matters of governance, listened attentively to the virtues spoken by the charioteer and the Magadha. He treasured their words in his heart and resolved to act accordingly. Thus, as the protector of the earth, Prithu performed various great sacrifices, giving abundant gifts to all. Yet, a time came when the people, afflicted by hunger, approached their king. The plants had perished, and in the absence of a true king, all had been consumed. Bowing before Prithu, they explained their plight: “O best of kings, O earth’s guardian, all the plants have been consumed, and the people are perishing. You have been appointed by the Creator as our protector and provider. Grant us, who are afflicted by hunger, the life-giving plants.” Moved by their suffering, Prithu took up his divine bow and arrows, his heart burning with righteous wrath, and pursued the earth herself. Terrified, the earth transformed into a cow and fled through the worlds, even reaching the realm of Brahma. Wherever the goddess, bearer of all beings, went, she saw Prithu, his weapon raised, in relentless pursuit. Trembling and seeking protection from his arrows, the earth addressed Prithu: “O king, killing a woman is a great sin. Do you not see this? Why do you make such an effort to slay me?” Prithu replied, “When a wicked one is slain, the welfare of many is secured; the killing of such brings merit.” The earth reasoned, “If you kill me for the sake of the people, O best of kings, who will be their support?” Prithu answered, “Having slain you with arrows, O earth, who turn away from my command, I will sustain these people by the power of my own yoga.” Overcome with fear, the earth bowed and spoke again: “All endeavors succeed when undertaken with proper means; therefore, I will tell you a way—do it if you wish. All the great plants I have digested, O lord of men; if you desire, I will give them to you transformed into milk. For the welfare of the people, O best of those who uphold dharma, make a calf by which I may yield 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.” Then, with the tip of his bow and with his foot, Prithu cast aside mountains by the hundreds of thousands, shaping the earth’s surface. In earlier times, there had been no division of lands or villages upon the uneven earth. There were no crops, no tending of cattle, no agriculture, nor any trade routes. All these arose, O Maitreya, beginning with Prithu. Wherever the earth was level, the people chose to dwell. At that time, their food was only fruits and roots, and even these were scarce when the herbs had perished. Prithu then appointed Manu, the lord Svayambhuva, as the calf, and with his own hands, milked the earth. From her, he drew forth all kinds of crops for the welfare of the people. By that food, the people continue to live, even to this day. Thus, Prithu became the giver of life and the father of the earth, and for this reason, the all-supporting earth came to be known as Prithivi, after him. Thereafter, the gods, sages, demons, Rakshasas, mountains, Gandharvas, serpents, Yakshas, ancestors, and trees—each took their own vessel and, with their own calves and milkers, drew from the earth their own kind of milk. She became the nourisher, the supporter, the sustainer, and the provider for all. Thus, the earth, sprung from the sole of Vishnu’s foot, is the source of all nourishment and life.