The legend is that at a very remote period when the gods felt their powers weakened and were desirous of obtaining amrita the beverage of immortality, Vishnu directed them to churn, together with the demons, the ocean of milk. For this purpose they took the mountain Mandara as the churning stick. But they could succeed only when Vishnu himself consented to support the mountain on his back; after having assumed the shape of a gigantic tortoise.
Here the Matsya Avatar can be seen holding both the gods and demons in his arms, much like a father would hold up his children....
This painting was created in the holy city of Puri (Orissa), a prominent Vaishnav town. The artist is Shri Rabi Behera.
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