Essay name: Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas
Author:
Kum. Geeta P. Kurandwad
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
The essay studies the Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas by exploring the significance of the ten principal incarnations of Lord Vishnu as depicted in various ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. The research also investigates the social, political, philosophical, and religious impact.
Chapter 4 - Significance of Vaishnava Myths
15 (of 234)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Being curious to know the very purpose of Matsya incarnation,
king Parīkṣita asks to Suta thus:
"What was the purpose for which the Supreme personality of
Godhead accepted the abominable form of a Matsya, exactly as an
ordinary living beings accepts different forms under the laws of
Karma? The Matsya is certainly condemned and full of terrible
pain.
Then He replies in the following manner :
"For the sake of protecting the cows, brāhmaṇas, demigods,
devotees, the vedic literature, religious principles, and principles to
fulfil the purpose of life, the Lord Viṣṇu accepts the forms of
incarnation.
At the end of the previous kalpa (covering a day of Brahma or
a thousand revolutions of the four Yugas) there came about an occasional
dissolution of the universe consequent of Brahma's requiring to bed
(at the end of the day's work). At that time, three worlds including
earth were washed away by the ocean, O! protector of men; 41 "The
powerful demon Hayagriva so called because of his having the head
of a horse, who was near by, stole away by dint of Yoga or concentration
of mind the vedas which, while being unconsciously repeated by him
had atomatically escaped as usual from the mouths of Brahmā, the
creator, who was inclined to go to bed, overcome, as he was asleep
41. आसीद्तीतकल्पान्ते ब्राह्मो नैमित्तिको लय� �
समुद्रोपप्लुतस्तत्� लोका भूरादय� नृ� || [āsīdtītakalpānte brāhmo naimittiko laya� |
samudropaplutastatra lokā bhūrādayo nṛpa || ] Ibid., VIII.24.7
