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EARTH OF MOTHERLAND

One of the most enduring and vital features of the Hindu tradition is the concept of the earth as motherland. Hinduism is very firmly rooted in the Indian soil, and, unlike the other great religions, has tended to be confined to the region of its origin. The geography of the great myths and legends is the actual geography of India, and almost every hill and river has some association that is a constant reminder of the great deeds of the gods. The importance of this "sacred geography" in maintaining the tradition, and of continually renewing its meaning to the people, can scarcely be overestimated. The magnificent Hymn to Earth (Prithivi) is one of the clearest expressions of the conviction that the Earth is a fitting symbol for the deepest of religious impulses.

Truth, high and potent Law, the Consecrating Rite, Fervour, Brahma, and Sacrifice uphold the Earth.

May she, the Queen of all that is and is to be, may Earth make ample space and room for us.

Not over-crowded by the crowd of Manu's sons, she who hath many heights and floods and level plains;

She who bears plants endowed with many varied powers, may Earth for us spread wide and favour us.

In whom the sea, and the great river, and the waters, in whom our food and corn-lands had their being,

In whom this all that breathes and moves is active, this Earth assign us foremost rank and station!

She who is Lady of the earth's four regions, in whom our food and corn-lands had their being,

Nurse in each place of breathing, moving creatures, this Earth vouchsafe us kine with milk that fails not!

On whom men of old before us battled, on whom the Gods attacked the hostile demons,

The varied home of bird, and kine and horses, this Earth vouchsafe us luck and splendour!.....

O Earth, auspicious be thy woodlands, auspicious be thy hills and snow-clad mountains.

Unslain, unwounded, unsubdued, I have set foot upon the Earth,

On earth, brown, black, ruddy and every-colored, on the firm earth that Indra guards from danger.

O Earth, thy centre and thy navel, all forces that have issued from thy body -

Set us amid those forces; breathe upon us. I am the son of Earth, Earth is my Mother. The Rain God is my Sire; may he promote me.

Earth on whose surface they enclose the altar, and all-performers spin the thread of worship;

In whom the stakes of sacrifice, resplendent, are fixed and raised on high before the oblation, may she, this Earth, prospering, make us prosper.

The man who hates us, Earth! who fights against us, who threatens us with thought or deadly weapon, make him our thrall as thou hast done aforetime.

(from Atharva Veda, XII: 1)