Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 6
Varṣa-devatā Worship in Jambūdvīpa: Hayagrīva/Hayaśīrṣa, Nṛsiṁha, Kāmadeva (Pradyumna), Matsya, Kūrma, and Varāha
वेदान् युगान्ते तमसा तिरस्कृतान्रसातलाद्यो नृतुरङ्गविग्रह: । प्रत्याददे वै कवयेऽभियाचतेतस्मै नमस्तेऽवितथेहिताय इति ॥ ६ ॥
vedān yugānte tamasā tiraskṛtān rasātalād yo nṛ-turaṅga-vigrahaḥ pratyādade vai kavaye ’bhiyācate tasmai namas te ’vitathehitāya iti
在劫末之时，无明化作魔形，盗走一切吠陀，沉入罗萨塔拉。然至上主以海耶格利瓦（马首，Nṛturanga）之身取回吠陀，并在梵天恳求时归还于他。我顶礼于至上主，其誓愿从不落空。
Although Vedic knowledge is imperishable, within this material world it is sometimes manifest and sometimes not. When the people of this material world become too absorbed in ignorance, the Vedic knowledge disappears. Lord Hayagrīva or Lord Matsya, however, always protects the Vedic knowledge, and in due course of time it is again distributed through the medium of Lord Brahmā. Brahmā is the trustworthy representative of the Supreme Lord. Therefore when he again asked for the treasure of Vedic knowledge, the Lord fulfilled his desire.
FAQs
This verse recalls that when the Vedas were obscured and cast into Rasātala at the end of an age, Lord Viṣṇu as Hayagrīva restored them to the sage who prayed for them, showing the Lord’s role as protector of sacred revelation.
Because the Lord’s compassion is practical and unfailing—He responds to sincere petition and safeguards dharma by preserving and restoring the Vedic knowledge that guides all beings.
When spiritual understanding feels “covered by darkness,” this verse advises turning to sincere prayer and devotion, trusting that divine guidance and authentic scripture-centered learning can be restored through earnest seeking.