Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 20
Matsya-avatāra: The Lord as Fish Saves the Vedas and Guides Satyavrata
न म एतदलं राजन् सुखं वस्तुमुदञ्चनम् । पृथु देहि पदं मह्यं यत् त्वाहं शरणं गता ॥ २० ॥
na ma etad alaṁ rājan sukhaṁ vastum udañcanam pṛthu dehi padaṁ mahyaṁ yat tvāhaṁ śaraṇaṁ gatā
Con cá nói: “Tâu Đại vương, hồ nước này không thích hợp cho Ta an trú an lạc. Xin ban cho Ta một nơi nước rộng hơn, vì Ta đã nương tựa nơi ngài.”
FAQs
This verse expresses the mood of seeking refuge—approaching a capable protector and requesting proper shelter—foreshadowing the Bhagavatam’s broader teaching that sincere surrender invites divine protection.
In the narrative, the fish—actually the Lord’s arrangement—asks for a safer, larger shelter, drawing the king into a relationship of protection and service that leads toward the Matsya-avatara’s revelation and the coming flood episode.
Recognize when limited supports are “not sufficient,” and consciously seek a steadier refuge—through prayer, disciplined spiritual practice, and taking guidance from genuine dharmic sources—rather than relying only on temporary comforts.