Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 92
Invocation, Purāṇa Lakṣaṇas, Kurma at the Samudra-manthana, and Indradyumna’s Liberation Teaching
Iśvara-Gītā Prelude
परात्परतरं तत्त्वं परं ब्रह्मैकमव्ययम् / नित्यानन्दं स्वयञ्ज्योतिरक्षरं तमसः परम्
parātparataraṃ tattvaṃ paraṃ brahmaikamavyayam / nityānandaṃ svayañjyotirakṣaraṃ tamasaḥ param
تلك الحقيقة التي هي وراء ما وراء—براهمان الأسمى الواحد غير الفاني—هي نعيمٌ أبدي، نورٌ قائمٌ بذاته، غيرُ بَالٍ، ومتسامٍ على ظلمة الجهل.
Lord Kūrma (Viṣṇu) teaching the Īśvara-gītā in a Śaiva–Vaiṣṇava synthesis
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It defines the Supreme as the one imperishable Brahman—self-revealing (svayaṁ-jyotis), immutable (akṣara), and experienced as eternal bliss—beyond all limiting categories and beyond tamas (ignorance).
The verse supports Pāśupata-oriented contemplation: meditate on the Supreme as self-luminous consciousness beyond tamas, using viveka (discernment) and inner absorption (dhyāna/samādhi) to transcend ignorance and abide in the akṣara Brahman.
By presenting the highest truth as one non-dual Brahman, it aligns with the Kurma Purana’s synthesis where sectarian forms (Śiva/Viṣṇu) converge in the same supreme, self-luminous Reality taught in the Īśvara-gītā.