Brahma deputed Manu to proceed to the earth and to create living beings thereon.Devi, the Feminine Principle eluded him and took the earth into the nether regions. Brahma then had to seek help from Vishnu (Hari) and He assumed the Form of a Boar and brought the Earth, from the nether regions, and placed it among the waters. Later, the Earth was so incensed at the atrocities of Emperor Venu, she kept all the seeds sown, within herself and did not allow them to sprout. So, all beings were afflicted with the agony of hunger.

(Prithu appears from Venu s corpse)

The earth became a medley of hills and valleys with nothing green on it. Then, the Lord assumed the Form of Prithu, who levelled the surface and added fertility to the soil and induced the growth of agriculture and promoted the welfare of mankind. He fostered the Earth like his own child and so, the Earth is called Prithivi. He is said to have built the first cities upon the earth. (Bhag Vahini, pp. 221-222)

When the downward falling wicked Vena was cursed and destroyed by the sages, and when his body was churned, the first sovereign ruler of the world emerged. Because the Lord took that Form, he was Prithu, the first Ishvara (Lord) of Prithvi (the Earth). By his austerity and good conduct, Prithu saved his father from hell. He restored prosperity and morality in the entire world. He built villages, towns and cities on the earth and ordered that men dwell peacefully therein, each performing in loving co-operation with the rest, the duties assigned to him. (Bhag Vahini, p. 264)

Archanam was the method adopted by the emperor Prithu to worship the Lord. By offering sixteen kinds of service to the image of the Lord every day with deep devotion, he earned the

grace of the Lord. In this form of worship, Prithu demonstrated the unique significance of Anga Archana, using every sense organ in worshipping the Lord. "Netra kamalam samarpayami" (I offer my lotus eyes to the Lord). "Srotra kamalam samarpayami" (I offer the lotus ears to the Lord). "Hridaya kamalam samarpayami" (I offer the lotus of my heart to the Lord). In this manner Prithu regarded every organ as the lotus to be offered to the Lord in worship.

Today, unfortunately, when this type of worship is performed, there is no genuine feeling of

dedication of the organs to the Lord. When the mantra "Netra kamalam samarpayami" is uttered, the real meaning is that the eyes are dedicated entirely to having visions of the Lord and nothing lse. Likewise, when the devotee says, "Srotra pushpam samarpayami" he should realise that he is dedicating his ears solely to the Lord and will not listen to anything bad or evil. The ears should be used only for listening to stories about the Divine and spiritual teachings. This should be the feeling with which the offering is made. This was the spirit in which emperor Prithu performed Anga Puja and attained God-realisation. He demonstrated thereby the efficacy of this form of worship. (SSS Vol.22, pp. 98-99)