Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 24
Ayuta–Lakṣa–Koṭi Fire-offerings (अयुतलक्षकोटिहोमाः) — Graha-yajña Vidhi
विष्णुस्त्वं मत्स्यरूपेण यस्मादमृतसम्भवः चन्द्रार्कवाहनो नित्यमतः शान्तिं प्रयच्छ मे
viṣṇustvaṃ matsyarūpeṇa yasmādamṛtasambhavaḥ candrārkavāhano nityamataḥ śāntiṃ prayaccha me
Du bist Viṣṇu in der Gestalt des Fisches (Matsya), von dem das Hervorkommen des amṛta, der Unsterblichkeit, bewirkt wird. Du, der du stets von Mond und Sonne getragen wirst—gewähre mir Frieden.
Lord Agni (narrating a stotra/peace-invocation within the Agni Purana’s discourse to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Stotra","practical_application":"Matsya-avatāra smaraṇa within śānti-prārthanā: remembrance of Viṣṇu’s saving/cosmic role to avert calamity and secure protection.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Matsya-avatāra as cause of amṛta and cosmic support","lookup_keywords":["Matsya avatāra","amṛta","Viṣṇu śānti","candra-arka","avatāra smaraṇa"],"quick_summary":"Praises Viṣṇu as Matsya connected with the emergence of amṛta and as ever associated with lunar-solar symbolism. Used as a protective remembrance formula for peace."}
Alamkara Type: Rūpaka (identity: ‘you are Viṣṇu as Matsya’) and guṇa-kīrtana
Concept: Smaraṇa of avatāra as a practical means of śānti—aligning the mind with Viṣṇu’s preserving power.
Application: Recite during fear, travel, or ritual transitions; use as a protective recollection (smṛti) alongside offerings to Viṣṇu.
Khanda Section: Stotra / Shanti-prarthana (Vishnu-Avatara Smarana)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Shanta
Type: Cosmic Ocean
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Viṣṇu as Matsya emerging from cosmic waters, linked to the nectar of immortality; sun and moon motifs attend or form a radiant halo as the devotee prays for peace.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Matsya-avatāra rising from stylized waves, large expressive eyes, ornate jewelry, sun and moon discs flanking the halo, devotees in añjali at shore, rich reds/greens/ochres.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Matsya-avatāra central with gold-foiled halo, shimmering ocean rendered with decorative patterns, sun and moon medallions in gold, small amṛta-kalaśa motif, heavy ornamentation.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: elegant Matsya form with subtle shading, clear depiction of amṛta pot and celestial discs, balanced composition suitable for didactic illustration of avatāra-smaraṇa.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed seascape with Matsya-avatāra, attendants holding sun and moon emblems, fine linework, muted palette with gold accents, prayerful figure in foreground."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विष्णुस्त्वं = विष्णुः + त्वम्; यस्मादमृतसम्भवः = यस्मात् + अमृत-सम्भवः; नित्यमतः = नित्यम् + अतः.
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa avatāra-nirūpaṇa sections (Daśāvatāra descriptions); Agni Purāṇa śānti-mantra collections
FAQs
It functions as a śānti-prārthanā (pacificatory invocation): remembering Viṣṇu as Matsyāvatāra and as the cosmic bearer associated with Sun–Moon is used as a recitation-point to invoke inner and outer peace.
Alongside law, polity, medicine, and arts, the Agni Purana also preserves stotras and practical devotional recitations; this verse exemplifies its coverage of avatāra-theology and ritualized prayer for śānti.
Meditative remembrance of Viṣṇu’s avatāra and cosmic sovereignty is presented as a means of śamana (pacification), promoting mental tranquility and auspiciousness, traditionally understood to reduce obstacles and unrest.