Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 40
Snātaka and Gṛhastha-Dharma: Conduct, Marriage Norms, Daily Rites, and Liberating Virtues
सीदन्नपि हि धर्मेण न त्वधर्मं समाचरेत् / धर्मो हि भगवान् देवो गतिः सर्वेषु जन्तुषु
sīdannapi hi dharmeṇa na tvadharmaṃ samācaret / dharmo hi bhagavān devo gatiḥ sarveṣu jantuṣu
حتى إذا غاصَ المرءُ في الشدّةِ والضيق، فليعملْ بالدَّرما وحدَها ولا يأتِ الأدهرما؛ لأنَّ الدَّرما نفسَها هي الربُّ المبارك، الملجأُ الإلهيُّ والمآلُ الأخيرُ لجميعِ الكائنات.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing on Dharma as the highest refuge
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
By declaring Dharma as “Bhagavān Deva,” the verse points to a theistic-nondual vision where the highest reality is encountered as the divine order sustaining all beings; aligning one’s inner self with Dharma becomes the practical way to live in harmony with the Supreme.
The verse emphasizes the yama-like foundation of Yoga: steadfast non-compromise with adharma even under pressure. In Kurma Purana’s spiritual framework, ethical steadiness is the prerequisite for higher practices such as mantra, devotion, and Pashupata-oriented discipline.
Rather than naming sectarian forms, it elevates Dharma as Bhagavān—an integrative principle honored by both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions—supporting the Kurma Purana’s synthesis where devotion and right conduct converge on the same Supreme.