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
Then, when Mahādeva had departed, Viṣṇu—whose very body is the universe—himself, assuming a woman’s form, steadfastly continued to attend upon Mahēśvarī, the great Goddess.
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.