# Prithu

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Prithu
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Prithu.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithu
> Source revision: 1353265980
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

**Prithu** ([Sanskrit](/source/Sanskrit): पृथु, *Pṛthu*, lit. "large, great, important, abundant")[1] is a sovereign ([chakravarti](/source/Chakravarti_(Sanskrit_term))), featured in the [Puranas](/source/Puranas). According to [Hinduism](/source/Hinduism), he is an [avatar](/source/Avatar) (incarnation) of the preserver god—[Vishnu](/source/Vishnu). He is also called **Prithu**, **Prithi** and **Prithvi Vainya**, literally, "Prithu — the son of [Vena](/source/Vena_(Hindu_King))".

Prithu is "celebrated as the first consecrated king, from whom the earth received her ([Sanskrit](/source/Sanskrit)) name, [Prithvi](/source/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.[3] The epic [Mahabharata](/source/Mahabharata), [Vishnu Purana](/source/Vishnu_Purana), and the [Bhagavata Purana](/source/Bhagavata_Purana) describe him as a part-avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu.[4]

## Legends

Prithu was born without female intervention(without a womb), thus being a *ayonija* ("born without (the participation) of the [yoni](/source/Yoni)"), Prithu is untouched by desire and ego and can thus control his senses to rule with [dharma](/source/Dharma).[5]

The legend of Prithu is found in the epic *[Mahabharata](/source/Mahabharata)* and most [Puranas](/source/Puranas); the *[Vishnu Purana](/source/Vishnu_Purana)*, *[Bhagavata Purana](/source/Bhagavata_Purana)* and the *[Padma Purana](/source/Padma_Purana)* are the most detailed.[6][7]

The *Vishnu Purana*, the *[Matsya Purana](/source/Matsya_Purana)*, the *[Brahma Purana](/source/Brahma_Purana)*, the *Bhagavata Purana* and the *[Harivamsha](/source/Harivamsha)* state that King [Vena](/source/Vena_(Hindu_King)) was the son of King Anga, from the lineage of the pious [Dhruva](/source/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](/source/Atri).[8]

The *Vishnu Purana* states that Vena's mother was Sunitha, the daughter of [Mrityu](/source/Mrityu). Vena was an evil king, who neglected Vedic rituals. Thus the [rishis](/source/Rishi) (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](/source/Nishadas), 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.[9] The *Bhagavata Purana* adds that when the sage churned the arms of Prithu, a couple emerges: Prithu and Archi, who will be his wife.[10]

The *Vishnu Purana* continues: Prithu had the sign of Vishnu's [chakra](/source/Chakra) (discus) on his right hand. The creator-god [Brahma](/source/Brahma) recognized Prithu as an avatar of Vishnu, owing to this. His power is said to superior to the gods.[11] The text states the *chakra* is the sign of an universal emperor (*[chakravarti](/source/Chakravarti_(Sanskrit_term))*, lit. "in whom the chakra abides").[12] However according to Oldham, the title *chakravarti* may be derived from the birthmark, and may not be indicative of universal dominion.[11] 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.[10]

In the *Vishnu Purana*, a celestial bow called Ajagava and arrows etc. were gifted by the heavens to Prithu.[12] 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.[13]

The birth of Prithu is treated as a *[yajna](/source/Yajna)* (sacrifice) by Brahma. Prithu was crowned *[Raja](/source/Raja)*. *[Sūtas](/source/S%C5%ABta)* and *magadhas*, royal heralds and bards, were produced from the sacrifice, and 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](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Patronymic) name "Prithvi".[14]

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:[15]

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.[16]

The *[Manu Smriti](/source/Manu_Smriti)* considers Prithvi as Prithu's wife and not his daughter,[17] and thus suggests the name "Prithvi" is named after her husband, Prithu.[18]

The *[Vayu Purana](/source/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](/source/Vedic) rituals. Terrified, the earth fled in form of a cow and finally submitted to Prithu's demands, earning him the title *[chakravartin](/source/Chakravartin)* (sovereign). Prithu is the first king, recorded to earn the title.[4] The *[Shatapatha Brahmana](/source/Shatapatha_Brahmana)* (Verse 3.5.4.) calls him the first anointed king and Vayu Purana calls him *Adiraja* ("first king").[4]

The epic *[Mahabharata](/source/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](/source/Dharma) (righteousness), [Shri](/source/Shri) (goddess of wealth, beauty and good fortune) and [Artha](/source/Artha) (purpose, material prosperity) established themselves in Prithu.[19]

The *[Atharvaveda](/source/Atharvaveda)* credits Prithu of the invention of [ploughing](/source/Ploughing) and thus, [agriculture](/source/Agriculture). He is also described as one who flattened the Earth's rocky surface, thus encouraging agriculture, [cattle](/source/Cattle)-breeding, commerce and development of new cities on earth.[4] In a hymn in the *[Rigveda](/source/Rigveda)*, Prithu is described as a [rishi](/source/Rishi) (seer). D. R. Patil suggests that the Rigvedic Prithu was a vegetarian deity, associated with Greek god [Dionysus](/source/Dionysus) and another Vedic god [Soma](/source/Soma_(deity)).[20]

The *Bhagavata Purana* further states that Prithu performed ninety-nine [ashvamedha](/source/Ashwamedha) [yajnas](/source/Yajna) (horse-sacrifices), but [Indra](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Archi_(Hindu_goddess)), 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](/source/Sati_(practice)) on his funeral pyre.[21]

### Wives and children

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](/source/Prachetas).[22] The *Vayu Purana*, the *Brahma Purana* and the *Harivamsa* replicate the list of lineal descendants. However, the *Bhagavata Purana* disagrees.[23] Apart from Prithvi who is sometimes considered the daughter or wife of Prithu, Prithu has a wife called [Archi](/source/Archi_(Hindu_goddess)) and five sons. Archi, emerged from Vena's body, along with Prithu and is considered as an avatar of the goddess [Lakshmi](/source/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.[18][21][24]

## Symbolism

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](/source/Beef) to having cow's milk and cultivated vegetables and grain instead of beef.[25] David Shulman compares Prithu with the Vedic deity [Rudra](/source/Rudra)-[Shiva](/source/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.[26]

## Remembrance

Chinese scholar [Hiuen Tsang](/source/Xuanzang) (c. 640 AD) records the existence of the town [Pehowa](/source/Pehowa), named after Prithu, "who is said to be the first person that obtained the title [Raja](/source/Raja) (king)". Another place associated with Prithu is *Prithudaka* (lit. "Prithu's pool"), a town on the banks of [Sarasvati river](/source/Sarasvati_river), where Prithu is believed to have performed the [Shraddha](/source/Shraaddha) of his father. The town is referred to as the boundary between Northern and central India and referred to by [Patanjali](/source/Patanjali) as the modern Pehowa.[27]

[Shriman Narayan](/source/Shriman_Narayan), one of the protagonists of Indian [Panchayati Raj](/source/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."[28]

## References

### Notes

1. [Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (2008 revision)](http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/cgi-bin/serveimg.pl?file=/scans/MWScan/MWScanjpg/mw0646-pRthakparNI.jpg)

1. Singh p.1712

1. The [Vedas](/source/Vedas) use the [Sanskrit](/source/Sanskrit) word *annam* meaning generic "food-stuffs". ["Annam"](http://vedabase.net/a/annam). Bhaktivedanta VedaBase Network. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100624072524/http://vedabase.net/a/annam) 24 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Singh p.1713

1. Pattnaik, Devdutt (2001). [*The Man Who Was a Woman and Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Odsk9xfOp6oC&dq=prithu&pg=PA55). Haworth Press. p. 55. ISBN 978-1-56023-181-3.

1. Wilson p. 191

1. For Bhagavata Purana, see * Tagare pp. 510- * O'Flaherty pp. 90, 184 * Pattnaik, Devdutt (2000). [*The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine*](https://books.google.com/books?id=rjL3ogbdJNkC&dq=prithu&pg=PA43). Inner Traditions / Bear & Company. p. 43. ISBN 978-0-89281-807-5.

1. Wilson pp. 178-9

1. Wilson pp. 179-83

1. Tarage p. 516

1. Oldham, C.F. (1988). [*The Sun and the Serpent: A Contribution to the History of Serpent-worship*](https://books.google.com/books?id=pmXS7puep4cC&dq=prithu&pg=PA74). Asian Educational Services. p. 74. ISBN 978-81-206-0416-2.

1. Wilson pp. 183

1. Tarage p. 517

1. Wilson pp. 184-8

1. Wilson pp. 188-90

1. Wilson p. 189

1. Singh p.1716

1. Pattnaik, Devdutt (1807). [*The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine*](https://books.google.com/books?id=hSYJAAAAQAAJ&dq=prithu&pg=PA254). India: Asiatic Society of Bengal (Original from Oxford University). pp. 253–5. ISBN 978-0-89281-807-5.

1. Gonda, Jan (1993). [*Aspects of Early Visnuism*](https://books.google.com/books?id=b8urRsuUJ9oC&dq=prthu&pg=PA164). Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 164. ISBN 978-81-208-1087-7.

1. Singh p.1714

1. Srikrishna Prapnnachari. [*The Crest Jewel: srimadbhagwata Mahapuran with Mahabharata*](https://books.google.com/books?id=TT7AGZ3cBaUC&dq=Prithu+Indra&pg=PA98). Srikrishna Prapnnachari. pp. 94–100. ISBN 978-81-7525-855-6.

1. Wilson pp. 192-5

1. Wilson p. 192

1. Tagare pp. 516,

1. O'Flaherty pp. 89–90

1. O'Flaherty p. 91

1. Singh pp.1713–4

1. P. 14 *Panchayati Raj* By Pratap Chandra Swain

### Bibliography

- Nagendra Kumar Singh (1997). [*Encyclopaedia of Hinduism*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Pnw5ioTJ6QcC&dq=prithu&pg=PA1718). Anmol Publications. ISBN 978-81-7488-168-7.[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*](https://archive.org/details/BhagavataPuranaMotilalEnglish/mode/2up). Motilal Banarsidas.
- Wilson, H. H. (Horace Hayman) (1862). *The Vishnu Purána : a system of Hindu mythology and tradition*. Vol. VI. Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson. London : Trübner.

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Prithu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithu) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithu?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.