The Matsya Avataar is the first of the ten primary avataars (Dashaavataar) of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu incarnates in various forms to restore cosmic order and protect ‘dharma’ (righteousness). The Matsya Avataar, depicted as a giant fish, symbolizes the beginning of this divine intervention.

According to various texts in Hindu mythology, the story begins with King Satyavrata, a pious and devoted king, who was performing his daily rituals by the river. As he scooped water up to offer to the gods, he noticed a talking fish in his palms.

The fish requested protection from the larger creatures in the pond. The compassionate ruler placed the fish in a small pot of water. The fish grew rapidly, outgrowing the pot. Satyavrata then transferred the fish to a larger container, but it continued to grow. The king moved it to a lake, and finally, to the ocean, where the fish assumed a gigantic form.

The fish then revealed itself to be Lord Vishnu himself. King Satyavrata was filled with awe. Lord Vishnu warned King Satyavrata about a flood that would destroy all life on Earth. He instructed the ruler to build a large boat and gather the seven great sages, seeds of all plants, and one of each species of animals to accompany him on his journey.

When the flood waters rose, Lord Vishnu reappeared in the form of the enormous fish. The boat was tied to the fish’s horn, using the great serpent Vasuki as a rope. The fish, known as Matsya, guided the boat through the waters for many days and nights.

When the flood finally subsided, Matsya led the boat to a safe place atop the mountains. King Satyavrata and the great sages then repopulated the world, using the seeds and the animals they had rescued, which ensured the continuation of life on Earth.