Prithvi (pṛthvī, also pṛthivī) is the Hindu earth and mother goddess.The name is from PIE plth₂-v-ih₂ "she who is flat/broad" (Ancient Greek platus "flat", Plataia). As prthivi mata "Mother Earth" she contrasts with Dyaus pita "father sky". In the Rigveda, Earth and Sky are frequently addressed in the dual, probably indicating the idea of two complementary half-shells.

Prithvi is also called Dhra, Dharti, Dhrithri, meaning thereby, which holds everything. As Prithvi Devi, she is one of two wives of Lord Vishnu. His other wife is Lakshmi.

Other meanings

Named after Prithvi is the Indian short range ballistic missile, Prithvi missile (compare the Agni intermediate range missile)

Reference

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0500510881) by Anna Dhallapiccola

Further reading

• Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 8120803795) by David Kinsley