There are two versions - Mastya Purana and Bhagavatham narrating the occasion for this emergence of Matsyavatar and the accomplishment of its objective. Though they differ widely in content and characters. they converge at the central point - the purport and intent being the restoration of the Vedas to the rightful owner - Brahma. According to Bhagavatham-in the aeons gone by, there was a formidable demon called Hayagriva. popular as Somaka. In conformity with the asura pravrithi he not only terrorised the innocents and theists by his demonic acts, like creating obstacles to every auspicious act such as yagnayagas and torturing the performers. but managed to steal the Vedas - the repositories of the collective vignana of cosmos and its occupants. and hid himself in the deep sea fearing consequences from Sri Mahavishnu. The loss was reported to that great HIM by Brahma, the custodian. with countenance, piteous; eyes, sorrow laden and tone mournful. Realising that the whole cosmos gets enwrapped with the impenetrable darkness of agnana, Srimannarayana at once assumed the primordial Matsyarupa and dived deep into the dark bowels of sea - the demon's hide-out and killed him there itself in a trice. When the Lord of lords embarks on Viswakalyana, would not Vijaya Lakshmi walking gracefully with face wreathed in smiles and adorn tie winner with the highest trophy. The joy and jubilation of Brahma and Maharshis, the Vignabhaskars defies description at the restoration. Sri Mahavishnu on fulfilling the desire regained his original soumyarupa. This is the first incarnation.

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