Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 111
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
तस्माद् वै वेदबाह्यानां रक्षणार्थाय पापिनाम् / विमोहनाय शास्त्राणि करिष्यामो वृषध्वज
tasmād vai vedabāhyānāṃ rakṣaṇārthāya pāpinām / vimohanāya śāstrāṇi kariṣyāmo vṛṣadhvaja
Darum werden wir, zum Schutz derer, die außerhalb der Veden stehen—obgleich sündhaft—und um sie zu verwirren und vom vedischen Pfad abzulenken, Lehrschriften verfassen, o Herr mit dem Stierbanner (Śiva).
Unspecified divine interlocutor addressing Shiva (vṛṣadhvaja) within the narrative frame of the Kurma Purana
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
Indirectly: it contrasts Veda-aligned dharma with delusive teachings meant to mislead; the implied aim is to steer beings back toward right knowledge that culminates in realization of the Self.
No specific practice is taught in this verse; it sets a doctrinal context about śāstra and delusion, against which the Kurma Purana later frames disciplined paths such as Pāśupata-oriented sādhanā and Veda-grounded yoga.
By addressing Śiva respectfully as Vṛṣadhvaja within a shared divine counsel, it reflects the Purana’s integrative stance—Śiva and Viṣṇu function cooperatively in preserving cosmic order (dharma), even when discussing strategies involving moha.