Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 13
Bhojana-vidhi and Nitya-karman: Directions for Eating, Prāṇa-Oblations, Sandhyā, and Conduct Leading to Apavarga
सर्वेषामेव यागानामात्मयागः परः स्मृतः / यो ऽनेन विधिना कुर्यात् स याति ब्रह्मणः क्षयम्
sarveṣāmeva yāgānāmātmayāgaḥ paraḥ smṛtaḥ / yo 'nena vidhinā kuryāt sa yāti brahmaṇaḥ kṣayam
সমস্ত যজ্ঞের মধ্যে আত্ম-যজ্ঞ (অন্তর্যাগ) সর্বোচ্চ বলে স্মৃত। যে এই বিধি অনুসারে তা করে, সে ব্রহ্মের অক্ষয় পদ লাভ করে।
Lord Kūrma (Vishnu) instructing King Indradyumna (contextual teaching on dharma and yoga-like inner worship)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It ranks inner self-offering (ātma-yāga) above external rites, implying that realization of the Self/Brahman—rather than mere ritual performance—is the direct means to the imperishable goal.
The verse points to an inward discipline: offering the ego and sense of doership into the Ātman through prescribed method (vidhi), aligning with yogic self-surrender and contemplative absorption rather than outward sacrifice alone.
By emphasizing Brahman-attainment through inner worship, it reflects the Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis: liberation is grounded in the same supreme Reality honored across Shaiva and Vaishnava paths.