Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 49
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
संचिन्त्य मनसा देवः सर्वज्ञानमयो ऽमलः / नरस्यार्धतनुं कृत्वा सिंहस्यार्धतनुं तथा
saṃcintya manasā devaḥ sarvajñānamayo 'malaḥ / narasyārdhatanuṃ kṛtvā siṃhasyārdhatanuṃ tathā
Having contemplated within his mind, the stainless Deity—whose very nature is omniscience—fashioned one half of his body as a man, and likewise the other half as a lion.
Purāṇic narrator (Sūta/compilers’ narrative voice) describing the Lord’s manifestation
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It presents the Supreme as amala (undefiled) and sarvajñānamaya (omniscient by nature), indicating a transcendent consciousness that can assume forms without being tainted by them.
The key term saṃcintya (“having contemplated”) points to inward resolve (saṅkalpa) and mastery of mind—an archetype for yogic concentration where manifestation follows from perfected inner awareness.
By emphasizing a single stainless, omniscient Deity who freely manifests for protection, the verse supports the Purana’s synthetic theology: the one Supreme (revered as Vishnu or Shiva in different frames) operates with the same transcendence and power.