1. Yaksha Prashna: Q & A between Yudhishthira and a Yaksha | 2. Why is earth called Prithvi and why did King Prithu pursue the earth goddess?

This Mythology story talks about the dialogue between Yudhishthira and Yaksha on morals.

The twelve years of Pandavas’ exile were nearing their end. One day, while resting beneath a tree, they felt an intense thirst. Yudhistra instructed Nakula, “Brother, climb that tree and check if there’s a pool or river nearby.”

From atop the tree, Nakula spotted water plants and cranes a short distance away. Hoping to find water, he decided to fetch some for his brothers to drink.

Gladly, Nakula discovered a pool. Feeling thirsty himself, he thought to quench his own thirst before retrieving water for his brothers. However, as soon as he dipped his hand into the water, he heard a voice:

“Do not be hasty. This pool is mine. O son of Madri, answer my question before drinking.” Ignoring the warning, Nakula drank from the water and immediately collapsed, seemingly lifeless.

Concerned by Nakula’s prolonged absence, Yudhishtra sent Sahadeva to find him. Sahadeva arrived at the pool and found his brother unconscious on the ground. Despite hearing the mysterious voice and its warning, he too drank from the water and fell unconscious.

Puzzled and anxious, Yudhishtra then sent Arjuna to investigate. Shocked by the sight, Arjuna was filled with grief and a desire for revenge. Despite shooting arrows in the direction of the voice, he too succumbed after drinking from the pool.

When Arjuna failed to return, Yudhishtra sent Bhima, consumed by grief and rage, to find his brothers. Determined to confront the Yakshas responsible, Bhima also drank from the water despite the warning and met the same fate as his brothers.

Desperate, Yudhishtra set out to search for his brothers himself. Upon finding them all dead, he wondered who could have been powerful enough to kill them. He suspected foul play by Duryodhana, who might have poisoned the water.

As he descended into the pool, Yudhishtra heard the voice again. Realizing it was the work of a bodiless Yaksha, he answered the Yaksha’s questions:

“What rescues a man in danger?”

“Courage,” Yudhishtra replied.

“By which science does man become wise?”

“In the company of the wise,” he answered.

“What sustains more nobly than the earth?”

“The mother who raises her children.”

“What is swifter than wind?”

“The mind.”

“Who accompanies a man after death?”

“Dharma.”

“What is happiness?”

“The result of good conduct.”

“Who is rich?”

“One who controls desires.”

“What makes one a true Brahmin?”

“Good conduct alone, not birth or learning.”

“What is the greatest wonder in the world?”

“Men witness creatures departing to Yama’s abode daily, yet those who remain seek to live forever. This is the greatest wonder.”

The Yaksha asked Yudhishtra a series of philosophical questions, testing his wisdom and understanding of righteousness. Yudhishtra answered each question thoughtfully and wisely.

Impressed by Yudhishtra’s answers, the Yaksha offered to revive one of his brothers. Yudhishtra chose Nakula, explaining that he wanted to ensure both his mothers, Kunti and Madri, had one son alive each. The Yaksha, who was actually Yama, the Lord of Death, was satisfied with Yudhishtra’s response.

Yama then revived all the Pandavas, revealing that he had been testing Yudhishtra’s wisdom and commitment to justice. With their lives restored, the Pandavas continued their journey, wiser and more united than ever before.

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Why is earth called Prithvi and why did King Prithu pursue the earth goddess?

These Mythology stories teach morals and values.

Note: Prithvi is the name of the Earth, before learning more about it. The story of “King Vena and the Birth of Prithu” must be known to us.

King Vena ( The father of Prithu):

 The sixth Manu ruler of men according to ancient Hindu texts, was married to Sunitha, the daughter of Mrithyu, the god of Death. Their son, Vena, was known for his arrogance and disrespect towards both gods and men. Upon ascending the throne, he neglected the welfare of his subjects, displaying utter disregard for their well-being. Despite attempts by sages like Mareecha to advise him, Vena remained obstinate and refused to heed their counsel.

In his pride, Vena boasted, “I have the power to unleash floods or even engulf the Earth in flames.”

His actions as king were contrary to dharma, and he showed no reverence for Vedic rituals. As a consequence, the Rishis decided to put an end to his reign by slaying him. With no children to succeed him, Vena left the kingdom in a state of famine and despair.

To restore prosperity to the kingdom and humanity at large, the sages took hold of Vena’s arms in anger and began to knead his palms vigorously. Through their divine intervention, two men emerged from his arms as Vena himself perished.

From Vena’s left arm emerged a dark, short man who appeared bewildered. He came to be known as Nisheeda and founded a tribe of hunters bearing the same name.

On the other hand, from Vena’s right arm emerged a fair, fully-armed man named Prithu. Endowed with the ability to care for his subjects and bring joy to their lives, he earned the title of “Raja,” meaning the one who pleases. Prithu went on to become a powerful and benevolent king, ensuring the well-being of his people.

Why is Earth called Prithvi:

The Earth, now in the form of a cow, continued to address King Prithu.

I am aware that you care about your subjects’ well-being as a decent king. You wish to give your people a means of employment. I’ll support you. Please put your fiery arrow away. 

Prithu complied, demonstrating his strength by using the tip of his bow to clear rocks and level the ground, creating fertile plains. He oversaw the cultivation of crops and the establishment of various occupations such as agriculture, trade, and commerce for his subjects. Villages and towns flourished under his leadership.

Prithu also conducted Yajna rituals, but due to a mix-up in offerings to different deities, two mixed-caste tribes emerged: the Suta and the Magadha. These tribes engaged in activities such as horse and elephant training, chariot driving, healing, and wandering minstrelsy.

People started naming the Earth after Prithu. She changed into Prithvi or Prithivi. The world had been made by Brahma. However, food production, dairy farming, animal husbandry, transportation, and other services really began to become regular activities during the reign of King Prithu.