Matsya Avatar

The Matsya Avatar is the first of the ten principal incarnations (Dashavatara) of the Hindu god Vishnu, where he appears in the form of a fish. The story of Matsya Avatar is recounted in several sacred texts like the Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, and Vishnu Purana.

The legend begins with the presence of a great flood, a cosmic deluge that threatens to destroy all life on Earth. At the time, a righteous king named Manu (not to be confused with the first human progenitor in Hindu mythology) is performing his daily ablutions near a river. He discovers a small fish in the water, which asks to be protected. The fish (who is actually Lord Vishnu in disguise) grows rapidly and tells Manu to build a large boat, as a great flood will soon destroy the Earth.

Manu follows the instructions of the fish. When the floodwaters arrive, the boat is ready. Matsya, in his divine fish form, pulls the boat, which contains Manu, his family, and seeds of all plant life,  the knowledge books (Vedas), as well as the Saptarishi (the seven great sages), to safety, preserving them from the devastating flood.

Once the floodwaters recede, life begins anew, and Manu is credited with the responsibility of repopulating the Earth. The story symbolizes the protection of righteousness and the preservation of life during cosmic cycles.

This painting captures the essence of this mythological tale in beautiful vivid colors

Watercolor on cotton paper 15x15 in.

Pricing and availability on request