Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 14
मत्स्यावतारवर्णनम्
The Description of the Matsya Incarnation
इत्युक्त्वान्तर्दधे मत्स्यो मनुः कालप्रतीक्षकः स्थितः समुद्र उद्वेले नावमारुरुहे तदा
ityuktvāntardadhe matsyo manuḥ kālapratīkṣakaḥ sthitaḥ samudra udvele nāvamāruruhe tadā
Nói xong, Cá (Matsya) liền ẩn mất. Manu, chờ đúng thời khắc đã định, vẫn ở đó; rồi khi biển dâng tràn, ông lên thuyền.
Lord Agni (narrating the Purāṇic account to a sage, in the Agni Purana’s dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Cosmology","practical_application":"Narrative sequencing for teaching pralaya timing: waiting for kāla (appointed time) and acting decisively when signs manifest (ocean flood).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Matsya disappears; Manu waits for time and boards the boat at the flood","lookup_keywords":["antardhāna","kāla-pratīkṣā","udvela-samudra","nau-ārohaṇa","pralaya"],"quick_summary":"After giving instructions, Matsya vanishes; Manu practices disciplined waiting until the destined moment, then boards the boat as the ocean rises—marking the transition into pralaya action."}
Alamkara Type: Kāla-krama (temporal progression) in itihāsa narration
Concept: Kāla-jñāna and dhairya: disciplined patience until the right time, then prompt right action.
Application: In vows/projects, wait for proper conditions (kāla) rather than impulsivity; act immediately when the dharmic moment arrives.
Khanda Section: Avataras & Pralaya Narrative (Matsya-avatara, Manvantara accounts)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Bhaya
Type: Ocean
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Matsya vanishes beneath the waters; Manu stands vigilant, then climbs into the boat as the ocean surges and floods the world.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic dark-blue ocean rising, Manu in ascetic attire stepping into a boat, distant hint of Matsya disappearing into waves, swirling cloud bands, strong contour lines and traditional facial profiles","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, boat with ornate detailing, Manu boarding, stylized flood waves with gold highlights, divine absence suggested by a fading fish-form aura, rich reds and greens with gold embossing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear narrative panels: (1) Matsya antardhāna, (2) Manu waiting, (3) ocean swelling, (4) Manu boarding; delicate shading and precise gestures","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, panoramic flood scene with fine wave patterns, Manu stepping onto boat with attendants/sages implied off-frame, atmospheric perspective, subtle depiction of fish disappearing"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्युक्त्वान्तर्दधे = इति + उक्त्वा + अन्तर्दधे; नावमारुरुहे = नावम् + आरुरुहे
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa 2.13 (instruction); Agni Purāṇa 2.15 (Matsya form and fastening)
FAQs
This verse conveys time-discipline (kāla-pratīkṣā)—acting precisely at the ordained moment—and the practical instruction of taking refuge in the prepared boat at the onset of pralaya (cataclysmic flood).
It situates the text’s ritual and dharma teachings within a broader Purāṇic framework of avatāras and cosmic cycles, integrating theology (Matsya), cosmology (pralaya), and ethical governance of action (right timing and obedience to divine counsel).
It emphasizes śraddhā (trust) and dharma-alignment: Manu’s patient adherence to divine instruction and timely action becomes the karmically protective cause for preservation amid dissolution.