Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 11
Incarnations of Mahādeva in Kali-yuga (Vaivasvata Manvantara) and the Nakulīśa Horizon
तत्र देवादिदेवस्य चत्वारः सुतपोधनाः / शिष्या बभूवुश्चान्येषां प्रत्येकं मुनिपुङ्गवाः
tatra devādidevasya catvāraḥ sutapodhanāḥ / śiṣyā babhūvuścānyeṣāṃ pratyekaṃ munipuṅgavāḥ
هناك، لدى إلهِ الآلهة، صار أربعةُ نُسّاكٍ أغنياءَ بالزهد والتقشّف تلاميذَ له؛ وكذلك كان لكلّ واحدٍ من الآخرين على حدةٍ حكماءُ من المونِيّين، هم الأوائل بين أهل البصيرة والرؤية.
Sūta (narrator) recounting the Purāṇic lineage/disciplic succession in the Kurma Purana
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
By calling the source “Devādideva,” the verse points to a single supreme principle revered above all gods; the emphasis is not on sectarian difference but on the highest reality from which authoritative teaching-lines proceed.
The verse highlights tapas (austerity and disciplined practice) as the qualification for discipleship—implying the Yogic ideal that self-restraint and sustained sādhanā are prerequisites for receiving and transmitting higher instruction.
Through the title “Devādideva,” the Kurma Purana keeps the focus on one supreme lordship that can be praised in both Shaiva and Vaishnava idioms, supporting its characteristic synthesis while grounding teachings in realized sages and their lineages.