Adhyāya 188: Mārkaṇḍeya’s Account of Yuga-Decline and the Restoration Motif
Kali-yuga to Kalki
मनुर्मनुजशार्दूल तस्मिन् शृद्गे न्यवेशयत् | संयतस्तेन पाशेन मत्स्य: परपुरंजय
manur manujaśārdūla tasmin śṛṅge nyaveśayat | saṁyatastena pāśena matsyaḥ parapuraṁjaya ||
قال ماركانديّا: «يا نمرَ الرجال! وضع مانو ذلك القَيْد على ذلك القَرْن. فبذلك اللِّجام أُوثِقَت السمكةُ وثاقاً شديداً—وهي قاهرُ مدائن الأعداء—فاستُمسِكَ بها على ثبات.»
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Even overwhelming forces can be managed through disciplined, lawful action: Manu acts with foresight and restraint, securing the powerful fish properly, reflecting responsible leadership and adherence to right method (dharma) in a crisis.
In Mārkaṇḍeya’s account of the flood episode, Manu fastens the fish with a rope and sets it onto a horn-like support, ensuring it is held securely—preparing for the larger task of survival and guidance through impending danger.