Editing Prithvi (section)

===Atharva Veda===
Prithvi is celebrated extensively in the ''[[Atharvaveda|Atharva Veda]]'', where she is revered as the queen of all creation. She is referred to as the first water in the ocean, tying her to the primordial elements of existence. This description reinforces her fundamental role in the creation of life and the universe, linking her to fertility, abundance, and sustenance. The ''Atharva Veda'' highlights Prithvi as a fragrant, life-giving force, but also acknowledges that inherent dangers such as death and disease accompany this creative power. This dual nature emphasizes that while the Earth supports life, it can also bring destruction and hardship, representing the balance between creation and dissolution in the natural world. To avoid or mitigate these dangers, various rituals such as prayers, sacrifices, and the wearing of amulets were performed. This indicates the recognition of Prithvi's immense power and the need to maintain harmony with her through devotion and ritualistic appeasement.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Wangu |first=Madhu Bazaz |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k8y-vKtqCmIC |title=Images of Indian Goddesses: Myths, Meanings, and Models |date=2003 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-416-5 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" />

One hymn in the ''Atharva Veda'' claims that Prithvi was germinated from the goddess [[Aditi]], who represents boundlessness or infinity. Aditi is often regarded as the mother of the gods in the ''Rig Veda'', which further highlights Prithvi’s role as a life-giving force. This connection aligns Prithvi with the cosmic order and fertility, positioning her within a larger framework of divine motherhood in Vedic thought. Similar to earlier Vedic texts, the ''Atharva'' Veda often presents Prithvi in partnership with Dyaus, the sky god. This pairing symbolizes the unity of heaven and earth, with Dyaus fertilizing Prithvi through rain, allowing life to sprout. Together, they form the universal parents who not only create life on earth but are also responsible for the birth of the gods.<ref name=":1" /> 

Like in the ''Rig Veda'', Prithvi is associated with the cow, called Gauri, which is revered for its milk-giving qualities. The cow is seen as a symbol of nourishment and motherhood, making this connection with Prithvi natural. The earth itself is compared to a cow, with its calves represented by different deities (e.g., [[Agni]] and [[Vayu]]), symbolizing the interconnectedness of nature and divinity.<ref name=":1" />

====''Pṛthvī Sūkta''====
The most extensive praise of Prithvi in Vedic literature is found in the ''Prithvi Sukta'' (''Atharvaveda'' 12.1). Unlike her depictions in the Rigveda, where she is almost always paired with Dyaus, the Prithvi Sukta is dedicated solely to her. In this hymn, Prithvi is seen as an independent and powerful goddess. Her consort is the mighty god [[Indra]], who is said to protect her from harm. Other gods such as [[Vishnu]], [[Parjanya]], [[Prajapati]], and [[Vishvakarma]] also play significant roles in relation to her. Vishnu is said to stride across her vast expanse, while [[Agni]] permeates her being.<ref name=":0" />

Despite her close associations with various male deities, the hymn emphasizes Prithvi’s inherent greatness and fertility. She is hailed as the source of all plant life, particularly crops, and as the nourisher of all living creatures. Prithvi is described as patient and resilient, providing sustenance to both the virtuous and the wicked, gods and demons alike. Her nurturing role is further highlighted as she is repeatedly addressed as the mother of all and is asked to offer her nourishment, much like a mother feeding her child. She is likened to a nurse to all living beings, with her breasts full of life-giving nectar.<ref name=":0" />

In the hymn, Prithvi’s life-sustaining energy extends beyond the physical realm. She is said to manifest in the scent of both men and women, embody the fortune and brilliance in men, and represent the vibrant energy of maidens. The hymn also asks for Prithvi’s blessings to ensure long life, invoking her nurturing qualities as central to both life and prosperity.<ref name=":0" />