R. Dalal describes the Agni Purana as an 'encyclopedic work, which is classified as a SHAIVITE Purana, through is begins with a section on VISHNU, and has several other topics'. As narrated by Agni to the sage Vasistha (one of the Saptarishis), in this account, as Manu 'was offering waters of libation in the (river) Krtamala, a small fish came in the waters in his folded palms', seeking protection from crocodiles and others. Growing and being transferred first to a vessel, then to a tank, and then the ocean when finally 'in size extending to a lakh of yojanas', Manu identifies the fish as Vishnu, who warns of the impending flood and instructs him to board a ship with seeds, etc. Notably, this includes being told that he will spend the 'night of Brahma' on the ship (i.e. the time of universal dissolution lasting 1000 yugas or 'celestial years' where all creation begins again anew) while 'being encircled by the seven sages', i.e. the Saptarishi.