Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 136
Devī-tattva, Śakti–Śaktimān doctrine, Kāla–Māyā cosmology, and Māheśvara Yoga instruction
चन्द्रहस्ता विचित्राङ्गी स्त्रग्विणी पद्मधारिणी / परावरविधानज्ञा महापुरुषपूर्वजा
candrahastā vicitrāṅgī stragviṇī padmadhāriṇī / parāvaravidhānajñā mahāpuruṣapūrvajā
তাঁৰ হাতে চন্দ্ৰচিহ্ন, দেহৰূপ বিচিত্ৰ; তেওঁ মাল্যভূষিতা আৰু পদ্মধাৰিণী। পৰ আৰু অপৰ—দুয়ো লোকৰ বিধানজ্ঞা, মহাপুৰুষৰো পূৰ্বৱৰ্তী আদ্য শক্তি তেওঁ।
Lord Kūrma (Viṣṇu) instructing the sages/Indradyumna within the Ishvara Gita framework (Upari-bhaga 1–11).
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By describing a primordial principle that knows both the transcendent (para) and immanent (apara) orders, the verse points to a reality that comprehends and governs both levels—suggesting an all-encompassing, pre-manifest ground that supports the Supreme Person’s manifestation.
While not prescribing a technique directly, the verse supports Ishvara-Gita style contemplation: meditate on the Divine as simultaneously transcendent and immanent (para–apara), a key orientation behind Pāśupata-informed devotion and inner absorption (dhyāna) in the Kurma Purana.
By presenting a single primordial Power (Śakti) tied to cosmic order and the Supreme Person, the verse aligns with the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis: Śiva–Viṣṇu are understood through a unified divine principle expressed in different theological registers.