Suta and Magadha, renowned for their skill and melodious voices, composed a hymn in honor of Prithu, the son of Vena. Their song extolled the virtues and future deeds of this noble king: Prithu was truthful, generous, steadfast in his promises, modest, friendly, patient, courageous, and unwavering in punishing the wicked. He was knowledgeable in righteousness, grateful, compassionate, gentle in speech, respectful to the honorable, devoted to sacrifices, reverent towards Brahmins, and esteemed by the virtuous. Prithu listened attentively as the charioteer and the Magadha spoke of his virtues, holding their words close to his heart and acting accordingly. Impartial in governance, treating friend and foe alike, he protected the world and performed great sacrifices, bestowing abundant gifts upon all. In those times, the people suffered from hunger, for the plants had perished and the earth lacked a king. Bowing before Prithu, they explained their plight: “O best of kings, O earth, all the plants have been consumed, and the people are perishing. You have been appointed by the Creator as our protector and giver of livelihood; grant us, who are afflicted by hunger, the life-giving plants.” Moved by their suffering, Prithu, enraged, took up his divine bow and arrows and pursued the earth. Terrified, the earth transformed herself into a cow and fled swiftly through all the worlds, even reaching Brahma’s realm. Wherever she went, she saw Vainya—Prithu—with his weapon raised, relentless in his pursuit. Trembling and seeking protection, the earth finally spoke to Prithu: “O king, killing a woman is a great sin; do you not see this? Why do you strive so hard to slay me?” Prithu replied, “When a wicked one is slain, the welfare of many is secured; such an act brings merit.” The earth responded, “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 his foot, Prithu cast aside hundreds of thousands of mountains, causing them to grow. In the previous creation, there had been no division of lands or villages on the earth’s uneven surface. There were no crops, no tending of cattle, no agriculture, nor any trade routes; all these arose, beginning with Prithu. Wherever the earth was leveled, the people chose to dwell. At that time, their food was only fruits and roots, and even those were scarce when the herbs had perished. Prithu appointed Manu, the lord Svāyambhuva, as the calf, and milked the earth with his own hand, drawing forth all kinds of crops for the welfare of the people. By that food, people continue to live even now. Prithu became the giver of life, the father of the earth; thus, the earth, all-supporting, obtained the name ‘Pṛthivī.’ Then, the gods, sages, demons, Rākṣasas, mountains, Gandharvas, serpents, Yakṣas, ancestors, and trees—each took their own vessel and milked from the earth their own kind of milk, with their own calves and milkers. She became the nourisher, supporter, sustainer, and provider; sprung from the sole of Viṣṇu’s foot, the earth is the source of all. Such was the power of Prithu, the valiant son of Vainya; he was the first king, born for the delight of the people. Whoever recounts the birth of Prithu, son of Vainya, is protected from the consequences of evil deeds. Hearing this excellent account of Prithu’s birth and greatness always brings relief from bad dreams. Radiant in form and blazing like fire, Prithu entered the sky as the primordial Ajagava and from there took up his bow. He performed deeds fitting his station and ruled the earth as its protector. With a long sacrifice, he worshipped Hari, the lord of all gods and sacrifices, ensuring well-being for all—his portion was shared among them. From Prithu were born two sons, Śikhaṇḍinī and Havirddhāna, both mighty and preservers of prosperity, appearing from Antarddhāna. From Havirddhāna and Dhiṣaṇā, the daughter of Agni, six sons were born: Prācīnabarhis, Śukra, Gaya, Kṛṣṇa, Vraja, and Ajina. Thus, the story of Prithu, the first king, the sustainer of the earth and its people, unfolds—a tale of virtue, courage, and divine intervention, forever cherished and recounted for its blessings.