Sambodhi 2002 Vol 25

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 67

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Prof. D. G. VEDIA
The word 'Pṛthvi is derived from the root Prath to expand. The planetary world of the space is the result of expansion of the force of gravity from the gacial boiler, where it was centralized. Diversification is called churning.
SAMBODHI
Thus, 'Pṛthvi itself denotes the expanding nature of the planetary world. The weakest position of it i. e. force of gravity will bring again vacuum and the centralization will take place. So the word Pṛthvi denotes the planetary world expanded directly and not the earth, as we believe in the sense of Bhuni. The milching of the earth cow by various classes also denote the proper placement and order at all levels in the planetary world.
Pṛthu, the mythical king in the Puranic Story is associated with kingship, who establishes inhabitants, developes regional divisions such as village, city etc., regularize the way of life of the subjects and makes the earth smooth by removing hilly areas to make advancement in the agriculture. He becomes the first king, elected by the tribal kings. He earns the epithets Ādirāja and Rājarāja. These all Pṛthu's adventures are important from the cultural point of view. Here I discuss Pṛthu Vainya from the astronomical point of view. So I take the word 'Pṛthvi' formed from the root Prath to expand.
This earth is the result of gacial form turned into solid form, through liquid one. This gradual change is reflected in the Varaha theory of the Puranas. All five varahas are the stages of such gradual development. Pṛthvi is the result. Space is the place for change. Ap, Tej and Vayu all three elements have played vital role in the transferance of the gacial form into solid one. Earth is formed by contraction and not expansion. So the word Pṛthvi for Bhūmi neither suits to its conotation of expansion nor to its scientific development. Astronomically the word Pṛthvi denotes the expansion of the whole planetary world.
Thus the whole, Pṛthu Vainya episode seems very important from the astronomical point of view, the root ven is meant for constant contraction and expansion or motion at initial stage. The brightness and shining of this element of it made Sun, Soma, Indra and Venus. Seven seers, Dhruva-Niṣāda etc. are the astronomical points of the present astronomical world. On the other side there is black and shining element. In future this whole expansion will result in great vacuum by contraction at the loss of gravity-force caused from over expansion.