Dharti Maataa, the Hindu goddess known as Mother Earth, is also known as Prithvi Maataa or Bhoomi Maataa. All names signify her giving nature as the Supreme Mother with ‘dharti’ being Sanskrit for ‘that which upholds’. Dharti Maataa is the sustainer and protector of mankind, her children. Dharti Maataa is the bestower of fertility and is greatly revered by all, with farmers as her most ardent believers. Dharti Maataa is respected in many ways by Hindus. Hindus show respect by praying in the morning, including earth in rituals and sanskaars, and respecting nature as well as all species that depend on her.
Firstly, Hindus show respect for the earth at all times, from the first thing in the morning. They check from which nostril they are breathing and, after they bow and pray to the earth, they take the first step with the foot corresponding to the nostril through which they are breathing. This act of pranaam shows respect to and asks forgiveness of Dharti Maataa and Sita Maataa for walking on her. Mother Sita, the daughter of Dharti Maataa, was found by King Janaka in a furrow whilst ploughing. Sita Maa is associated with agricultural fertility; as mentioned in the Rig Veda she is a Goddess who blesses the land with good crops. Sita Maataa is said to have been swallowed by the earth once her children were accepted by Rama. Hence, we pray to Dharti Maataa before we place our feet on the ground we walk on.
Secondly, Hindus include the earth in many rituals and ceremonies, some of them include pooja and sanskaars such as weddings. Dirt is used in all sanskaar rituals to ask for Dharti Maataa to bless the devotees. One common practice is for the party of ladies from the dulaha and dulahin to carry a tray and collect dirt by the river on the evening of the Hardi Ki Raat. Dharti, as the Supreme Mother, is included in all 16 sanskaars. Hence, Dharti Maataa, being Mother Earth, is essential in many rituals.
Additionally, respecting nature and other living things that depend on mother earth is praying to Dharti Maataa herself. Hindus show reverence to their rivers, mountains and forests by reciting mantras and keeping their environment pure and clean. Some water sources and forests are protected and considered sacred by villagers in more rural areas. Hindus also practice a vegetarian diet, for religious reasons, so as to not kill animals for consumption by humans. Dharti Maataa is also worshipped before digging the foundation for a new building so as to apologise for violating her. In earlier times you weren’t allowed to cut down a tree without planting one back. Therefore, Dharti Maataa is shown respect through respecting nature and the environment.
Dharti Maataa is the earth; she is the supreme mother. When worshipping Dharti Maataa you are worshipping nature. But today we don’t see earth as Dharti Maataa; we see it as something to use and abuse. We take minerals and oils without thinking, polluting waters and cutting down forests. In today’s society the earth is a ‘thing’ because if it was considered as Mother Earth we would not perform such heinous acts. By respecting Dharti Maataa we are saving our home and conserving the resources we are given. In conclusion, Dharti Maataa should be respected by all.
Jai Dharti Maataa!
By Varuna Kistow
Form 2
Swaha Hindu College
