Hindu mythology, Vedic and Purānic . a matter of much surprise, when weremember how frequently it is declared that all thevarious gods are but forms of one Supreme Being. It should be noticed that the Manu here referredto is regarded as a progenitor of the human race, andis represented as conciliating the Supreme Being byhis piety in an age of universal depravity. Here isthe passage.* There lived in ancient time a holy manCalled Mann, who, by penances and prayers,Had won the favour of the lord of day they brought him water for ablution ;Then, as he washed his hands, a little fishApp
Hindu mythology, Vedic and Purānic . a matter of much surprise, when weremember how frequently it is declared that all thevarious gods are but forms of one Supreme Being. It should be noticed that the Manu here referredto is regarded as a progenitor of the human race, andis represented as conciliating the Supreme Being byhis piety in an age of universal depravity. Here isthe passage.* There lived in ancient time a holy manCalled Mann, who, by penances and prayers,Had won the favour of the lord of day they brought him water for ablution ;Then, as he washed his hands, a little fishAppeared, and spoke in human accents thus : Take care of me, and I will be thy saviour. From what wilt thou preserve me ? Manu asked. * Indian Wisdom, p. i36 THE PURAN1C DEITIES. The fish replied, A flood will sweep awayAll creatures ; I will rescue thee from that. But how shall I preserve thee ? Manu fish rejoined, So long as we are small,We are in constant danger of destruction,For fish^eat fish ; so keep me in a THE MATSYA AVATARA. When I outgrow the jar, then dig a trench, And place me there ; when I outgrow the trench Then take me to the ocean—I shall then Be out of reach of danger. Having thus Instructed Manu, straightway rapidly The fish grew larger ; then he spake again : THE MATSYA OR FISH AVATAR A. 137 In such and such a year the flood will come ;Therefore construct a ship, and pay me the flood rises, enter thou the ship,And I will rescue thee. So Manu didAs he was ordered, and preserved the fish,Then carried it in safety to the ocean ;And in the very year the fish enjoinedHe built a ship, and paid the fish respect,And there took refuge when the flood near him swam the fish, and to its hornManu made fast the cable of his drawn along the waters, Manu passedBeyond the northern mountain. Then the fish,Addressing Manu, said, I have preserved thee,Quickly attach the ship to yonder tree ;But, lest the waters sink from
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