Prthu and Mother Earth

Chapter 17, 18

After Prthu was enthroned there was a scarcity of food grains and the starving citizens pleaded for help. When Prthu discovered that Mother Earth was not producing sufficient grains, he angrily set out to chastise her. Mother Earth took the form of a cow and fled, begging Prthu to spare her and offering a variety of arguments to convince him.

Prthu angrily countered her arguments, explaining that since she had disobeyed his orders, death was the fitting punishment. Mother Earth then surrendered herself and submitted an appeal. She explained that the insufficient supply of grains was caused by the consumption of non-devotees and the fact that nobody was maintaining her.

At her request, Prthu transformed Svayambhuva Manu into a calf, after whom many great personalities also became calves. They all received gifts from Mother Earth, and Prthu then decided to flatten the earth. He expertly structured the cities and villages, demonstrating great care and concern for his dependents.