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.
रम्यके वर्षे वैवस्वतमनु-शासिते, भगवतः प्रियतमं मात्स्यमवताररूपं पूर्वं चाक्षुष-मन्वन्तरान्ते तद्वर्षपुरुषाय मनवे प्राक्प्रदर्शितम्। स मनुरिदानीमपि महता भक्तियोगेन तं मत्स्यं भगवन्तमाराधयन् इदं मन्त्रं चोदाहरति।
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.