Matsya and King Manu: The Fish that Saved the World from the Flood

King Manu, a just and pious ruler, was approached by a small fish asking for protection. The king, ever merciful, placed the fish in a jar. But to Manu’s astonishment, the fish quickly outgrew the jar, prompting him to move it to a larger vessel, and eventually to a lake.

But the fish continued to grow larger and larger, eventually needing the entire ocean. At last, the fish revealed its true identity as Lord Vishnu and informed Manu of an impending flood. Manu was instructed to build a great boat to save himself, his family, the sages, and all living beings.

Matsya, the giant fish, towed the boat to safety when the flood came, ensuring the preservation of life on Earth.

Moral: The story illustrates that even the smallest of beings may possess great potential and that faith in the divine will lead to salvation.