The Unchanging Nature of the Lord
The Supreme Lord is known as Sambhav because He takes various forms, such as Matsya (the Fish) and other avatars, to protect the righteous and uphold dharma. This eternal truth is echoed in the Bhagavad Gita (4.8), where Lord Krishna declares, “To protect the sadhus, destroy the evildoers, and establish dharma, I manifest in every yug (age).” In support of this divine promise, Shri Baldev Vidyabhushan recounts the lila (divine play) of Matsya and other avatars, showcasing the Lord’s unchanging nature of protecting His devotees.
The Story of Vaivaswat Manu and the Divine Fish
Once, Vaivaswat Manu, the progenitor of mankind, was performing the ritual of tarpan (offering water to ancestors) in the Kritmala River. As he cupped his hands to scoop water, a small, delicate fish swam into his palms. Out of compassion, Manu gently released the fish back into the river. However, to his surprise, the fish began to speak.
The fish, in a sweet and endearing voice, pleaded, “O kind soul! I am tiny and weak. The larger fish want to devour me, and I am helpless. Only you can save me. Please help!” Moved by the fish’s plea, Manu’s heart swelled with compassion. He decided to protect the fish and placed it in his kamandalu (water pot), carrying it home.
But to Manu’s amazement, the very next day, the fish had grown so large that it no longer fit in the kamandalu. The fish then said, “It is painful for me to remain in this kamandalu now. I need deeper water to breathe. It’s your responsibility to protect me, so please take me somewhere safe!”
Recognizing the fish’s distress, Manu hurriedly transferred it to a small pond. Yet, within days, the fish outgrew the pond as well. When Manu checked on the fish, it lamented, “O kind soul! Why am I still suffering under your care? The sun is scorching my scales, and birds of prey are circling overhead. It is torture! Please keep me somewhere more appropriate.”
Manu, driven by his compassion, moved the fish to a large lake. However, the fish continued to grow rapidly, soon becoming too large even for the lake. Finally, Manu decided to place the fish in the ocean, thinking it would have enough space to live freely. But once again, the fish protested, “The ocean is full of huge, terrible creatures who will eat me. How can you put me in the ocean?”
The Revelation of the Divine
Despite the fish’s growing size and the increasing challenges, Manu was captivated by the sweetness of its voice and the divine presence it emanated. He felt an unexplainable attachment to the fish, wanting only to hear it speak and remain in its presence.
Realizing the fish was no ordinary creature, Manu finally surrendered and said, “O divine fish! Please do not hide yourself from me anymore. I know you are Bhagwan Himself. I have recognized you! You alone are the protector of all beings and my protector.”
Manu then understood the folly of his ego, thinking he could protect the Supreme Being who is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. In his humility, he acknowledged that it was not he who was protecting the fish, but rather the Lord who was teaching him the deeper truths of compassion, surrender, and recognition of the divine presence in all beings.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Divine Compassion: The story teaches us the importance of compassion and how the Lord uses it as a means to reveal His divine presence to us.
- Surrender to the Divine Will: Manu’s realization shows that true surrender involves recognizing the divine hand in all situations and understanding that the Lord is the ultimate protector.
- Overcoming Ego: Manu’s journey from trying to protect the fish to realizing his own limitations illustrates the need to overcome ego in the path of devotion.
- Recognition of the Divine: The lila highlights the importance of recognizing the divine in every being and every situation, as the Lord manifests in various forms to guide and protect His devotees.
Prayer
O Lord, who manifests in countless forms to protect the righteous,
Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your divine presence in all beings.
May we always act with compassion and humility,
And surrender our ego at Your lotus feet,
Knowing that You are the ultimate protector and guide in our lives.
Quote from Shastra
“paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya saṁbhavāmi yuge yuge”
Translation:
“To protect the righteous, annihilate the wicked, and re-establish the principles of dharma, I appear millennium after millennium.”
— Bhagavad Gita 4.8
This verse affirms the Lord’s eternal commitment to manifest in various forms to uphold dharma and protect His devotees, as demonstrated in the lila of Matsya Avatar.