Prithu was the son of King Vena. His wife was Arci. Armed with scimitars, bows and arrows, and well-versed in the science of weapons, he was fully acquainted with the Vedas and their branches. It is said that Sukra became his priest, Garga his astrologer, Valakhilyas his counsellors and the Saraswats his companions. Prithu made the land leveled making roads. He cultivated 17 kinds of crops for producing food. He gave to the Sutas and the Magadhas land and made them kings. Prithu made Plans for villages and cities.
King Prithu in Srimad Bhagavatham - Milking Mother Earth
King Prithu is regarded as having the aspects of Lord Vishnu. Once during the reign of King Prithu, there was a scarcity of food grains. The citizens came to the King and informed him about the situation. Having arrived at the conclusion that Mother Earth is responsible for the same, he took his bow and arrow and aimed at the Earth. The Earth became very much afraid and took the form of a cow. King Prithu chased the Earth wherever she went. Helpless the Earth turned back and addresses the King. Please save me and why are you anxious to kill a woman. King replied “My dear Earth you have defied my orders and rulings. You have accepted the offerings from the Yagnas but have not produced sufficient grains. For this I must kill you.”
The Earth replied, “ Due to the seeds being stocked within me for a long time, they have deteriorated. You should take the standard procedures for taking these seeds out. If you desire to relieve the subjects of their hunger, please use the milk. Arrange for a calf and a milkman.” Then everyone milked the Mother Earth to get what they needed. Sages made Brihaspati a calf and milked the knowledge of Vedas, Gods made Indra a calf and milked the necter called Soma. The Asuras, Ditis, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Pitris, people of Siddaloka, Vidyadharaloka, Kimpurushaloka, Yakshas, Rakshashas, all milked the cow. The Mother Earth provided all with what they needed.
King Prithu in Srimad Bhagavatham - The Sacrifice
Once King Prithu performed one hundred horse sacrifices. Every God came to see the Yagna. Indra saw that this King was performing good deeds and hence could become a potential threat to him. He therefore disguised himself and stole the last horse that had to be given as a sacrifice. Indra while returning in space was met by Sage Atri. The Sage seeing Indra dressed as a liberated soul, understood the whole situation. Prithu saw Indra dressed as a regious person and did not kill him. Sage Atri nevertheless asked Prithu to kill Indra since he had committed a sin. Then Prithu chased Indra. Indra then disappeared leaving the horse. Prithu returned with the horse and completed his sacrifice.
