Shloka 68
Dharma of Non-Injury, Non-Stealing, Purity, and Avoidance of Hypocrisy (Ācāra and Saṅkarya-Nivṛtti)
नाकारणाद् वा निष्ठीवेन्न बाहुभ्यां नदीं तरेत् / न पादक्षालनं कुर्यात् पादेनैव कदाचन
nākāraṇād vā niṣṭhīvenna bāhubhyāṃ nadīṃ taret / na pādakṣālanaṃ kuryāt pādenaiva kadācana
لا ينبغي البصق من غير سبب معتبر. ولا ينبغي عبور النهر سباحةً بالاعتماد على الذراعين. ولا يجوز قط غسل قدمٍ بقدمٍ أخرى.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing on dharma and ritual purity
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
Indirectly: it emphasizes shauca (purity) and disciplined conduct, which in the Kurma Purana function as preparatory supports for inner clarity needed for Atman-realization.
The verse points to foundational niyamas—especially shauca and restraint of impulsive acts—creating steadiness and cleanliness that support mantra-japa, dhyana, and Pashupata-style disciplined living.
By presenting universal dharma (purity and restraint) taught by Lord Kurma, it aligns with the Purana’s Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis: the same ethical discipline undergirds devotion and yoga whether oriented to Vishnu or Shiva.