Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 56
Adhyāya 25 — Liṅga-māhātmya (The Chapter on the Liṅga): Hari’s Śiva-Worship and the Fiery Pillar Theophany
न मे विप्रास्ति कर्तव्यं नानवाप्तं कथञ्चन / पूजयामि तथापीशं जानन्नैतत् परं शिवम्
na me viprāsti kartavyaṃ nānavāptaṃ kathañcana / pūjayāmi tathāpīśaṃ jānannaitat paraṃ śivam
يا أيها البرهمن، ليس لي عملٌ باقٍ يجب أن أفعله، ولا شيءٌ قطّ لم أكن قد نلته؛ ومع ذلك أعبد الربّ، عالماً أنّه هو شيفا الأعلى.
A realized devotee/teacher addressing a brāhmaṇa (vipra) within the Kurma Purana’s Shaiva-Vaishnava synthesis context
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It implies a state of completeness—nothing remains to be achieved—yet worship continues, indicating realization that the Supreme (Śiva/Īśa) is the ultimate reality beyond personal lack or gain.
The verse stresses niṣkāma-bhakti (desireless devotion) aligned with Yoga-śāstra: even after inner fulfillment, one maintains disciplined worship (pūjā) as steady absorption in Īśvara rather than as a means to worldly attainment.
By presenting Īśa as “paraṃ śivam” in a Purāṇic setting known for synthesis, it supports a non-sectarian reading where the Supreme Lord is one—Śiva as the highest principle, harmonized with broader Kurma Purana unity theology.