Prithvi is considered as one of the ancient elements, which occupy nearly the same place in all the Puranas. It is categorized in the following order Akas (air), Vayu (fire), Tejas (water) and Prithvi (earth). The Puranas describe Prithivi as having been raised from the lowest regions on the ample tusks of the Varkha (boar) avatar.

There are legends, which relate the subjugation of Prithivi by the mighty Prithu, when he was invested with universal dominion. Prithu leveled or uprooted mountains; defined boundaries on the irregular surface of the Earth; introduced cultivation, pasture, highways, commerce, in a word, civilization. The Vishnu purana states Prithvi as the mother, the nurse, the receptacle, and nourisher of all existent things. Prithvi was produced from the sole of the foot of Vishnu. And thus was born the mighty Prithu, the heroic son of Vena, who was the lord of the Earth, and who, from conciliating the affections of the people, was the first ruler to whom the title of Raja was ascribed.

Five chapters in the Vishnu Purana are devoted to a description of the Earth; its people and countries.

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