Editing Prithvi (section)

==Significance and Influence==
=== ''Prakṛti'' ===
The concept of Prithvi also intersects with the philosophical idea of the [[Prakriti]]-[[Purusha]] duality, which is fundamental to the [[Samkhya]] system of thought and later [[Hindu philosophy]]. David Leeming, Christopher Fee and other scholars note that Prithvi can be seen as a manifestation of Prakriti—the material, feminine principle that is the source of creation and the foundation of the manifest universe. Prakriti is often paired with Purusha, the male principle representing consciousness or spirit. Wangu points out that this pairing can be understood as a development of the earlier Dyaus-Prithvi duality from Vedic literature, where Dyaus (sky) and Prithvi (earth) were the universal parents. In this later philosophical context, Prithvi, as Prakriti, represents the material energy that brings Purusha’s consciousness into manifestation.<ref name=":4" />

Thus, Prithvi’s role in the Prakriti-Purusha concept positions her as more than just a nurturing earth mother. She becomes a central figure in the metaphysical understanding of the universe, symbolizing the dynamic, creative force that makes the world tangible. This philosophical idea reverberates through Hindu cosmology, linking the goddess to the very processes of creation, preservation, and dissolution in the universe.<ref name=":4" />
===National Imagery===
{{Multiple images
| image1            = Bharat Mata by Abanindranath Tagore.jpg
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| image2            = Statue of Goddess or Queen at Monas.JPG
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| footer            = Significance of Prithvi extends beyond her role in Vedic cosmology and creation narratives, playing a pivotal role in later Hindu thought, particularly in the evolving concept of national imagery.<ref name=":0" /> '''Left:''' [[Bharat Mata (painting)|Painting]] of [[Bharat Mata]], the national personification of India, by [[Abanindranath Tagore]]. '''Right:''' Indonesian depiction of Prithvi in ancient regal attire as [[Ibu Pertiwi]] at the [[National Monument (Indonesia)|Indonesian National Monument]]
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| total_width       = 400
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In his analysis, David Kinsley discusses how the concept of Prithvi Mata transforms in later traditions, particularly in the context of [[Bharat Mata]] (Mother India), which became a powerful symbol in [[Indian nationalist movement|India’s nationalist movement]]. Kinsley highlights that the reverence for the land as sacred extends from early Vedic hymns to the modern conceptualization of India itself as a divine mother figure. The image of Prithvi, or [[Bhudevi]], as the Earth Goddess who nurtures and supports life, easily transitioned into a national personification during the Indian independence movement. This modern depiction draws on the ancient idea that the earth is not merely a physical entity but a living, nurturing force. Kinsley connects this with the imagery of [[Anandamath]], [[Bankim Chandra Chatterjee]]'s novel, where the goddess appears as a symbol of the motherland, and devotees are called upon to protect her at any cost. This reflects the continuity of Prithvi's role as the protective, nurturing mother figure—this time, embodying the Indian subcontinent itself.<ref name=":0" />

Owing to strong historical Hindu influence, the name Prithvi is also used for [[national personification]] of [[Indonesia]], where she is referred to as [[Ibu Pertiwi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-09-16 |title=Yayasan Kemanusiaan Ibu Pertiwi (YKIP) |url=http://www.ykip.org/index.asp |access-date=2024-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916070718/http://www.ykip.org/index.asp |archive-date=16 September 2009 }}</ref>