MACHHA (MATSYA)(fish incarnation) Machh (Matsya or flsh incarnation), and Kachh (Kurama or tortoise incarnation)incarnated under the Will of the Lord. (Maru M. 5, p. 1082) A tora (Machh)…..was redeemed in the company of the saint (Guru). (Malar M. 5, p. 1269) It is said that the object of this incarnation wasi to save Vaivaswata, the seventh Manu from destructionj by a deluge. In another legend it is stated that the demon Hayagriva carried off the Veda issued from the; mouth of Brahma to the nether regions in the sea where from the Veda was saved by Vishnu as a fish| (Machh, Matsya) by killing the demon. Das Avatars (fish incarnation).
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
In Hindu mythology, Matsya (Sanskrit for “fish”) is the first of the ten primary avatars of Lord Vishnu, collectively known as the Dashavatara. This avatar is deeply symbolic and plays a pivotal role in the preservation of cosmic balance during a time of great turmoil.
The Story of Matsya Avatar
The tale of Matsya is primarily associated with the great deluge, a catastrophic flood that threatened to destroy all life on Earth. The story unfolds as follows:
- Manu and the Fish:
Manu, the progenitor of mankind, was performing his daily ablutions by the river when he encountered a small fish. The fish pleaded for protection, fearing it would be devoured by larger fish. Moved by compassion, Manu placed the fish in a pot of water. Over time, the fish grew larger, requiring Manu to transfer it to increasingly bigger containers, eventually releasing it into the ocean. - The Warning:
The fish revealed itself to be Lord Vishnu in disguise and warned Manu of an impending flood that would engulf the world. Vishnu instructed Manu to build a large boat and gather seeds of all living beings to preserve life. - The Rescue:
When the flood arrived, Matsya appeared as a giant fish with a horn. Manu tied the boat to Matsya’s horn, and the avatar guided the boat safely through the deluge, ensuring the continuity of life on Earth. - Retrieval of the Vedas:
In some versions of the story, Matsya also retrieves the Vedas, sacred texts stolen by the demon Hayagriva, and restores them to their rightful place. Symbolism
The Matsya avatar carries profound symbolic meanings:
- Preservation of Life: Matsya’s role in saving Manu and the seeds of life underscores Vishnu’s function as the preserver of the universe.
- Triumph of Dharma: The retrieval of the Vedas symbolizes the restoration of knowledge and righteousness (dharma) in the face of chaos.
- Cycle of Creation: The flood represents the cyclical nature of creation and destruction in Hindu cosmology. Depictions
Matsya is often depicted as a fish with a human torso, combining the aquatic form with Vishnu’s divine attributes. He is shown holding weapons like the Sudarshana Chakra and Kaumodaki, emphasizing his protective role. Legacy
The story of Matsya is narrated in various Hindu texts, including the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata. It serves as a reminder of Vishnu’s compassion and the importance of adhering to dharma.
