Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 28
Matsya-avatāra: The Lord as Fish Saves the Vedas and Guides Satyavrata
नमस्ते पुरुषश्रेष्ठ स्थित्युत्पत्त्यप्ययेश्वर । भक्तानां न: प्रपन्नानां मुख्यो ह्यात्मगतिर्विभो ॥ २८ ॥
namas te puruṣa-śreṣṭha sthity-utpatty-apyayeśvara bhaktānāṁ naḥ prapannānāṁ mukhyo hy ātma-gatir vibho
至上の御方よ、創造・維持・滅尽を司る主よ、あなたに敬礼いたします。遍満なるヴィシュヌよ、帰依した我ら奉仕者の導き手にして究極の到達処は、まさにあなたです。
FAQs
This verse declares that for surrendered devotees (prapannānām), the Lord Himself is the highest refuge and ultimate destination (mukhyo hy ātma-gatiḥ).
In his prayer to Lord Matsya, Satyavrata acknowledges the Lord’s supreme lordship over all cosmic functions—creation, preservation, and annihilation—showing that the avatāra is the same Supreme Controller.
It teaches devotional priority: instead of seeking ultimate security in temporary supports, one can practice surrender through prayer, remembrance, and aligning decisions with devotion, seeing God as the final shelter.