Mumbai: Masha Jayanti, celebrated in conjunction with Gangaur festival, marks the birth of Lord Masha or Masha Avatar, the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who was responsible for averting a global catastrophe. This important festival is celebrated on his third day of Tritiya or Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.
Devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate this occasion with a strict fast starting the night before and till the next day. Held during the auspicious Navratri, the festival sees devotees perform intricate pujas for Lord Vishnu and donate clothes and other necessities to the less fortunate.
Legends surrounding Matsya Avatar
One popular story suggests that Matsya is an incarnation of Brahma rather than Vishnu. According to the Yajurveda, Manu, the first president, received a promise to protect small fish and protect them from impending floods. Over time, the fish expand and move from pots to ditches and finally to the ocean. True to his word, the giant fish, which now has one horn, tells Manu to anchor the ship to its horn. On the day of the impending catastrophe, Manu boards a ship accompanied by seven sages (Saptarishi) and various seeds. When the flood begins, they take refuge in the Himalayas. The fish then appears as Lord Brahma and gives Manu the power of creation.
In another story in the Bhagvata Purana, the Masha Avatar is depicted as Lord Vishnu, and when Lord Vishnu learns of the theft of the Vedas by the demon Hayagriva, he appears as the Masha Avatar in order to retrieve the scriptures, and says, Obtain the title of “Guardian.”
Shubh mahurat (auspicious timing) of Matsya Jayanti 2024
Date and time: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Matsya Jayanti Muhurat: 1:39pm – 4:12pm
Tritiya Tithi ends on April 11, 2024 at 3:03 PM
Matsya puja rituals and festivals
Devotees of Lord Vishnu commemorate this day with special poojas and prayers and visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Offerings such as flowers, sweets, sandalwood paste, fruits, and incense are made to Lord Vishnu. Worshipers chant Vishnu’s yantra, Masha his yantra, Masha. It is considered auspicious to chant Vishnu’s Sahasranamam, or the thousand names of Vishnu, on this day. It is suggested to donate clothes and provide food to the poor. Before ending the fast, devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and distribute prasad to his family members.
