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Surya, Regent of the Sun
Moor describes this figure as follows: "The cast is nine
inches in height, representing the glorious god of day holding
the attributes of VISHNU, seated on a seven-headed serpent;
his car drawn by a seven-headed horse, driven by the legless
ARUN, a personification of the dawn, or AURORA." |
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The
First Incarnation, or Matsya Avatar, of Vishnu
From Picart’s Religious
Ceremonials
The fish has often been associated with the
World Saviors. Vishnu, the Hindu Redeemer, who takes upon
himself ten forms for the redemption of the universe, was
expelled from the mouth of a fish in his first incarnation.
Isis, while nursing the infant Horus, is often shown with a
fish on her headdress. Oannes, the Chaldean savior (borrowed
from the Brahmins), is depicted with the head and body of a
fish, from which his human form protrudes at various points.
Jesus was often symbolized by a fish. He told His disciples
that they should become "fishers of men." The sign of the fish
was also the first monogram of the Christians. The mysterious
Greek name of Jesus, ICq¡S, means "a fish." The fish was
accepted as a symbol of the Christ by a number of early
canonized church fathers. St. Augustine likened the Christ to
a fish that had been broiled, and it was also pointed out that
the flesh of that Fish was the food of righteous and holy men.
MPH |