Matsya Avatar Katha – Chapter 1: Curse, Deluge, and Manu

Curses, Deluge, and Manu

The previous chapter was about the cycle of creation, about the infinite duration of time and the immense duration of a day of Brahma. Now, just as night follows every day, after the end of Brahma's day begins the deluge, a deluge that will engulf everything. Today, we begin the story of the Matsya Avatar – the form of Lord Vishnu who saved Manu from this great deluge and sowed the seed of creation anew.

Brahma's Night and the Beginning of the Deluge

One Kalpa of Brahma ended. With his vast breath, creation began to recede. The fire of the sun intensified, the oceans began to overflow, and terrible roars spread across the sky. Chaos ensued everywhere. The earth trembled violently. Mountains broke and scattered. Forests burned to ashes. Even the gods were terrified, for this form of deluge was extremely fearsome. It seemed as if the entire universe had transformed into a giant sacrificial fire pit. All beings were crying out in distress. This was the beginning of the end.

Deva Rishi Narada was worried. "O Lord! What kind of end is this for your creation? Is there no ray of hope in it? Seeing this dance of destruction, the heart trembles." Narada Muni, distressed, began chanting Narayan Narayan. He knew that only Lord Vishnu could save anyone from this deluge.

King Satyavrata's Penance

At that very time, on the banks of the Kritamala River, King Satyavrata, who was engrossed in penance, was offering Arghya to the Sun God. King Satyavrata was righteous and always ready for the welfare of his subjects. He had dedicated his life to the service of God. He was performing severe penance so that he could increase his knowledge and strength, and serve his subjects better.

As soon as he released water from his cupped hands, a small fish fell into his palms. The fish appeared frightened and trembling. "O King," said the fish in a trembling voice, "save my life. I am small and big fish will eat me." King Satyavrata's heart was filled with compassion. He thought, "How can I protect this helpless creature?"

The Wonderful Growth of the Fish

Out of compassion, King Satyavrata placed the small fish in his water pot (Kamandalu). The next day, the fish had grown so large that the Kamandalu became too small for it. Then the king put it in a large pot. In a short time, the fish became larger than the pot. Now the king was worried, as he had no vessel large enough to contain the fish. He finally released the fish into the river. As soon as it was released into the river, the fish took on a monstrous form and merged into the ocean.

The fish said to the king, "O King, you have rightly done by taking me to the ocean. Now listen, from today, after seven days, the earth will be submerged in water and the deluge will begin. Then, build a large boat and place in it the Saptarishis, all kinds of seeds, and pairs of creatures. I will tie that boat to my horn and carry you across this deluge. At that time, you will know my true form." Saying this, Matsya Bhagavan disappeared. King Satyavrata understood that this was no ordinary fish, but a form of Lord Vishnu himself.