Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 22
Matsya-avatāra: The Lord as Fish Saves the Vedas and Guides Satyavrata
नैतन्मे स्वस्तये राजन्नुदकं सलिलौकस: । निधेहि रक्षायोगेन ह्रदे मामविदासिनि ॥ २२ ॥
naitan me svastaye rājann udakaṁ salilaukasaḥ nidhehi rakṣā-yogena hrade mām avidāsini
Ikan itu berkata: “Wahai Raja, Aku makhluk air; air ini langsung tidak sesuai untuk kesejahteraan-Ku. Mohon carikan jalan perlindungan dan letakkan Aku di tasik yang airnya tidak pernah surut.”
FAQs
In this verse, the small fish (Matsya) tells King Satyavrata that ordinary water is not suitable for Him and asks to be placed safely in a deep lake—showing the Lord’s līlā of accepting a devotee’s service and care.
Matsya was drawing the king into a relationship of service and protection; by following the fish’s request, Satyavrata’s devotion deepens, preparing him for the coming divine mission connected with the flood narrative.
Offer steady, practical support to sacred responsibilities—protect spiritual practice, scriptures, teachers, and communities with thoughtful care, just as the king carefully protected what he understood to be extraordinary.