A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1145

c5.1145

With the seventh Manu, Vaivaswata, is connected the very curious and interesting legend of the deluge. The first account of this is found in the Satapatha Brāhmana, of which the following is a summary :—One morning, in the water which was brought to Manu for washing his hands, he caught a fish which spake, and said, “ Take care of me and I will preserve thee.” Manu asked, “ From what wilt thou preserve me?” The fish answered, “ A flood will carry away all living beings ; I will save thee from that.” The fish desired Manu to keep him alive in an earthen vessel, to remove him to a dyke as he grew larger, and eventually to the ocean, “ so that he might be beyond the risk of destruction.” The fish grew rapidly, and again addressed Manu, saying, “ After so many years the deluge will take place; then construct a ship and pay me homage, and when the waters rise, go into the ship and I will rescue thee.” Manu did as he was desired, he built the ship, conveyed the fish to the ocean, and did him homage. The flood rose, and Manu fastened the cable of the ship to the fish’s horn. Thus he passed over the northern mountain (the Himālaya, as the commentator explains). The fish then desired Manu to fasten the ship to a tree, and to go down with the subsiding waters. He did so, and found that the flood had swept away all living creatures. He alone was left. Desirous of offspring, he offered sacrifice and engaged in devotion. A woman was produced, who came to Manu and declared herself his daughter. “ With her he lived, worshipping and toiling in arduous religious rites, desirous of offspring. With her he begat the offspring which is the offspring of Manu.”