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.
रम्यक-वर्षात, जिथे वैवस्वत मनू राज्य करतो, भगवंतांचा अत्यंत प्रिय मत्स्यावतार-रूप पूर्व युगाच्या शेवटी, म्हणजे चाक्षुष मन्वंतराच्या अंतकाळी, त्या वर्ष-पुरुष मनूस पूर्वी प्रकट झाला होता. तोच वैवस्वत मनू आजही महान भक्तियोगाने भगवान मत्स्याची आराधना करतो आणि पुढील मंत्र उच्चारतो.
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.