Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 20
Matsya-avatāra: The Lord as Fish Saves the Vedas and Guides Satyavrata
न म एतदलं राजन् सुखं वस्तुमुदञ्चनम् । पृथु देहि पदं मह्यं यत् त्वाहं शरणं गता ॥ २० ॥
na ma etad alaṁ rājan sukhaṁ vastum udañcanam pṛthu dehi padaṁ mahyaṁ yat tvāhaṁ śaraṇaṁ gatā
Le poisson dit : « Ô roi, ce réservoir d’eau n’est pas digne de Ma demeure paisible. Donne-Moi une étendue d’eau plus vaste, car Je me suis réfugié en toi. »
FAQs
This verse expresses the mood of seeking refuge—approaching a capable protector and requesting proper shelter—foreshadowing the Bhagavatam’s broader teaching that sincere surrender invites divine protection.
In the narrative, the fish—actually the Lord’s arrangement—asks for a safer, larger shelter, drawing the king into a relationship of protection and service that leads toward the Matsya-avatara’s revelation and the coming flood episode.
Recognize when limited supports are “not sufficient,” and consciously seek a steadier refuge—through prayer, disciplined spiritual practice, and taking guidance from genuine dharmic sources—rather than relying only on temporary comforts.