In ancient Vedic teachings, Prithivi was the goddess of fertility, wife of Dyaus and mother of many gods such an Indra, Agni and Ushasu. During this time she was at the center of the creation myth and a very important god, but in later Hinduism she was reduced to the lesser role of mother of all Earthly creatures and sustainer of natural provisions. As such, she was associated with Vishnu as either his wife or a close ally.