Matsya Stotram

Matsya Stotram
[Prayer to the Fish]
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

[Here is a rare prayer praising the Mathsya avatara of Lord Vishnu.]

Noonam thwam Bhagawan sakshath harir narayano avyaya,
Anugrahaya bhoothanam dhathse roopam jalokasam. 1

Hey Lord Vishnu who does not have death,
You, who is the real Lord Vishnu,
Even took the form of living being in water,
For showering your blessings on all beings.

Namasthe purusha sreshta, sthithyuthpathivyayayeswara,
Bhakthanam na prapannanam mukhyo athma gathir vibho. 2

Salutations to the greatest among males,
Who is responsible for creation, upkeep and destruction,
And for us devotees who are seeking your protection,
You are the only means leading to their salvation.

Sarva leelavtharasthe bhoothanam bhoothi hethava,
Gnathumichamyadho roopam yadartham bhavatha drutham. 3

Hey god all your incarnations are for the well being of the world,
And I would like to know, what is the necessity of your real form.

Na they aravindaksha, padhopasarpanam,
Mrusha bhaveth sarva suhruth priyathmana,
Yadatharesham pradagathmanam satha,
Madheedruso yadwapraadhbhutham na. 4

Is it not a fact, lotus eyed Lord,
Who is the friend and relation of all,
That total surrender to your feet is never useless,
For you showed your wonderful form,
To the great sages as well as humble devotees like us.