there was a great flood story in many, many civilizations
Posted on: July 10, 2025 at 06:14:39 CT
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including your ancestors.
In Indian mythology, the great flood is primarily associated with the Matsya Avatar of Vishnu and the figure of Manu, the first man and progenitor of humanity. This myth, similar to the Noah's Ark story, tells of a devastating flood sent to destroy the world and the divine intervention that saves a chosen few. Matsya, the fish avatar of Vishnu, warns Manu of the impending deluge and instructs him to build a large boat to preserve life.
Here's a more detailed look:
Matsya and Manu's Ark:
The story begins with Manu, a pious man, encountering a small fish that grows into a giant, revealing himself as Matsya, a form of Vishnu.
Divine Warning:
Matsya warns Manu about a great flood that will engulf the world and instructs him to build a ship to survive.
Building the Ark:
Manu, following the divine instructions, builds a massive ark and gathers seeds and pairs of all living creatures to preserve them from the flood.
The Deluge:
As the floodwaters rise, Manu ties his boat to the horn of the giant fish (Matsya), who then guides the ark to safety.
Rebirth of Humanity:
After the flood subsides, Manu's ark comes to rest on a mountaintop, and he repopulates the earth with his descendants.
Cyclical Time:
The flood myth in Hinduism is also connected to the concept of cyclical time (yugas), where the world undergoes destruction and recreation.
Variations:
The story appears in various Hindu scriptures, including the Satapatha Brahmana and the Puranas, with slight variations in details, such as the specific creatures preserved and the role of sages.