Matsya Avatar: Vishnu's Fish Incarnation, the First of the Dashavatara


The Matsya Avatar is the first of Lord Vishnu's ten incarnations (Dashavatara) in Hindu mythology. In this form, Vishnu appears as a fish to save the sacred Vedas and humanity from a great deluge. The narrative describes how a demon named Hayagriva stole the Vedas from Brahma, leading Vishnu to take the Matsya form to retrieve them. He also warns King Satyavrata (Manu) of an impending flood, advising him to build a boat and gather all species to preserve life. When the deluge occurs, Matsya guides the boat by tying it to his horn, ensuring the safety of the Vedas and living beings, and ultimately restoring cosmic order.

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