महापुराण १६ · Tamasika
Opens with the great flood, in which Vishnu as a fish saves King Manu, the seeds of life and the Vedas. It is also an early source for temple architecture and image making.
महाप्रलय की कथा से आरंभ – मत्स्य अवतार ने राजा मनु, जीवन के बीज और वेदों की रक्षा की। मंदिर और मूर्ति निर्माण का भी प्राचीन स्रोत।
A story from this Purana
A tiny fish begged King Manu for protection. It kept outgrowing every pot, pond and river until Manu knew it was divine. The fish warned him of a flood, and when it came, it towed his boat – carrying the seven sages and the seeds of all life – to safety.