The Cosmic Earth in Prithvi Sukta: An Eco-Spiritual Perspective on Environmental Stewardship

Abstract

As an emerging academic discipline, Religion and Ecology addresses the unifying ways in which religions across the world propound the sacredness of Mother Earth and the responsibility of humans towards it. This study is concerned with one of the most eco-centric excerpts in Hindu ethos, i.e., the Prithvi Sukta of Atharva Veda. It aims to consider this text as a stimulus for ecological revitalization. The analysis focuses on prioritising the intrinsic, rather than the instrumental lens for understanding Earth. Emphasis is placed on instances that place Earth as mother-figure, a manifestation of divine, sustainer, and a space for transformation, proving that revisiting ancient textsʼ eco-philosophy can significantly contribute towards recognition and interpretation of the predicaments. The study is foregrounded on the eco-prophetic and eco-spiritual approach of the entire text. The examination seeks to emphasize the significance of apologetic approach for ecological revitalization, as propounded in John Haughtʼs study, also highlighting how ideal comprehension of spiritual and sacramental approach can instigate responsibility towards nature, besides focusing on the prominent emotions eco-spirituality tends to possess. Overall, the work will put forth the anthropocosmic perspective to understand the reciprocal relationship between humankind and the cosmos, which Prithvi Sukta places before its readers.