Down To Earth

Hindu Philosophy Personifies Earth as The Goddess Pritivi Also Kown as Bhumi or Bhumadevi

- Susan Philip

In a nutshell

The Earth is respected and revered as a Mother, the sustainer of life, the giver of bounty. She is thanked and honoured for her generosity. When her gifts have to be exploited for unavoidable reasons, her pardon is sought, and efforts taken to restore status quo as much as possible.

Meaning and Deeper Meaning

Hindu philosophy personifies Earth as the Goddess Prithvi, also known as Bhumi, Bhumadevi, Bhoodevi or simply, Devi. At the basic, mythological level, she is depicted as the wife of Varaha, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, as also one of the two consorts of Lord Vishnu himself. On a higher plane, this is an acceptance of the inter-connectedness of all facets of nature, and the fact that on the one hand the Earth is our caregiver, and on the other it deserves our care. Many everyday rituals pertaining to Earth encourage Man to behave as a responsible steward of Nature, and respect its synergy.

Every action that involves man making a mark on Earth, from the simplest one of treading on the ground to more damaging activities like laying the foundations for buildings and excavating for minerals and water, is ideally done after duly worshipping Mother Earth.

For instance, there’s a profound Sanskrit prayer that can be said before placing one’s feet on the floor preparatory to getting up first thing in the morning:

Samudra Vasane Devi,

Parvata Stana Mandale. 

Vishnupatni Namastubhyam, 

Pada Sparsham Kshamasva Me

O Mother Earth! Draped by the oceans, adorned with mountains and jungles 

The consort of Lord Vishnu, I bow to you Forgive me for stepping upon you with my feet