Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 122
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
प्रस्थिते ऽथ महादेवे विष्णुर्विश्वतनुः स्वयम् / स्त्रीरूपधारी नियतं सेवते स्म महेश्वरीम्
prasthite 'tha mahādeve viṣṇurviśvatanuḥ svayam / strīrūpadhārī niyataṃ sevate sma maheśvarīm
Als darauf Mahādeva fortgezogen war, nahm Viṣṇu—dessen Leib das ganze All ist—aus eigenem Willen eine Frauenform an und diente Mahēśvarī, der Großen Göttin, unablässig und standhaft.
Purana narrator (Vyasa/Suta-style narration; contextual narrator voice)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By calling Viṣṇu “viśva-tanuḥ” (cosmic-bodied), the verse points to the Supreme as immanent in the universe—able to manifest forms without losing transcendence, a hallmark of Purāṇic non-dual theism.
The emphasis is on niyatam sevā—disciplined, steady service—presented as a devotional discipline (bhakti-yoga/karma-yoga flavor) consistent with Purāṇic sādhanā where regulated conduct becomes a means to inner purification.
It depicts reverential continuity rather than rivalry: after Śiva’s departure, Viṣṇu remains devotedly engaged with Mahēśvarī, underscoring the Kurma Purāṇa’s synthesis where Vaiṣṇava and Śaiva spheres mutually honor the same supreme reality.