Cave No. 17
Identification: Foucher (1921, narrative no. 4).—
In a lotus pond, there lived a big matsya (fish), the leader of the shoals. During a particularly hot summer, the pond started drying up and shrinking in size. As a result, the fish became easy prey for crows and other birds. In utter distress, the big fish beseeched God Indra for help. Because of his truth spell, rain came pouring and filled the pond despite the dry season. The fish were saved. Then the big fish begged again to the rain god not to stop, fearing a fresh dry spell.—The fish was none other than the Buddha in a former existence.
—Source: Singh 2019, 31-33; Schlingloff 2013, I, 77
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