Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 24
Varṣa-devatā Worship in Jambūdvīpa: Hayagrīva/Hayaśīrṣa, Nṛsiṁha, Kāmadeva (Pradyumna), Matsya, Kūrma, and Varāha
रम्यके च भगवत: प्रियतमं मात्स्यमवताररूपं तद्वर्षपुरुषस्य मनो: प्राक्प्रदर्शितं स इदानीमपि महता भक्तियोगेनाराधयतीदं चोदाहरति ॥ २४ ॥
ramyake ca bhagavataḥ priyatamaṁ mātsyam avatāra-rūpaṁ tad-varṣa-puruṣasya manoḥ prāk-pradarśitaṁ sa idānīm api mahatā bhakti-yogenārādhayatīdaṁ codāharati.
In Ramyaka-varṣa, wo Vaivasvata Manu herrscht, erschien die Höchste Persönlichkeit Gottes in der überaus geliebten Gestalt des Matsya-avatāra am Ende des vorigen Zeitalters, nämlich am Abschluss des Cākṣuṣa-manvantara, und zeigte diese Form damals dem Manu, dem Herrscher jenes Landes. Auch heute verehrt Vaivasvata Manu den Herrn Matsya durch erhabenes Bhakti-yoga und spricht das folgende Mantra.
FAQs
This verse states that in Ramyaka-varṣa the Lord’s most beloved form is Matsya, previously revealed to the presiding Manu, who even now worships Him through great bhakti-yoga and offers prayers.
Śukadeva explains that each varṣa has a presiding authority; here, the Manu of Ramyaka-varṣa is highlighted because the Lord’s Matsya form was revealed to him and he continues to worship the Lord devotionally.
Like Manu, one can practice steady devotion by choosing a cherished form of the Lord, worshiping consistently, and reciting prayers that remember the Lord’s mercy and pastimes.