Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 25
Matsya-avatāra: The Lord as Fish Saves the Vedas and Guides Satyavrata
एवं विमोहितस्तेन वदता वल्गुभारतीम् । तमाह को भवानस्मान् मत्स्यरूपेण मोहयन् ॥ २५ ॥
evaṁ vimohitas tena vadatā valgu-bhāratīm tam āha ko bhavān asmān matsya-rūpeṇa mohayan
Nachdem der König diese lieblichen Worte vernommen hatte, fragte er verwirrt: „Wer bist du, o Herr, der du uns in Gestalt eines Fisches so in Staunen und Verwirrung versetzt?“
FAQs
It presents the Lord appearing as a fish to Satyavrata (later Vaivasvata Manu), speaking sweetly and drawing him into divine leela, ultimately to protect the righteous and guide Manu during the coming flood.
Because the fish’s extraordinary behavior and charming speech bewildered him; sensing divinity beyond an ordinary creature, Satyavrata directly inquired about the fish’s true identity.
When life presents puzzling, extraordinary turns, a devotee can respond like Satyavrata—seek the Lord’s purpose with humility and sincere inquiry rather than dismissing the experience as ordinary.