A long, long time ago there lived a wise and holy man named Manu. He had lived to a great old age, devoting his life to religious disciplines in his hermitage in the forest.
One day as he sat praying by a river that flowed close to his dwelling a small fish called to him from the waters.
“Manu, help me. I am but a poor, helpless fish who finds himself at the mercy of the larger fish and creatures who would make me their prey. Protect me and your reward will be great indeed.”
