[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.181 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.181 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.181 - **Language:** English ### [c5.181](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.181) \*Fish Incarnation.\*—The earliest mention of the fish Avatāra occurs in the Satapatha Brāhmaṇa, in connection with the Hindu legend of the deluge. Manu found, in the water which was brought to him for his ablutions, a small fish, which spoke to him and said, “I will save thee” from a flood which shall sweep away all creatures. This fish grew to a large size, and had to be consigned to the ocean, when he directed Manu to construct a ship and to resort to him when the flood should rise. The deluge came, and Manu embarked in the ship. The fish then swam to Manu, who fastened the vessel to the fish’s horn, and was conducted to safety. The Mahā-bhārata repeats this story with some variations. - [Previous: c5.180](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.180) - [Next: c5.182](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.182) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) ## Cites (2) - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit - [Śatapathabrāhmaṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.brahmana.satapatha) — Yājñavalkya & Śāṇḍilya (Vedic teacher), Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.181](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.181) · Pramāṇa