Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 13
Prayāga–Gaṅgā Tīrtha-māhātmya and Rules of Pilgrimage
Yātrā-vidhi
न मातृवचनात् तात न लोकवचनादपि / मतिरुत्क्रमणीया ते प्रयागगामनं प्रति
na mātṛvacanāt tāta na lokavacanādapi / matirutkramaṇīyā te prayāgagāmanaṃ prati
Dear son, let not your resolve turn back—neither by your mother’s words nor by the talk of people—when your purpose is to set out for Prayāga.
An elder adviser/guardian addressing a young man (tāta); narrative voice within the Kurma Purana tirtha-yatra context
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By insisting on unwavering resolve, the verse points to the yogic principle of steadiness (dṛḍha-saṅkalpa): the seeker should not be diverted by external voices, aligning the mind toward the highest aim that ultimately culminates in Self-knowledge.
It emphasizes mental discipline—non-distraction and firmness of intention—an essential prerequisite for Yoga (citta-sthairya). In Kurma Purana’s spiritual frame, outer pilgrimage supports inner purification when the mind remains fixed on dharma.
Indirectly: the teaching prioritizes dharma and inner steadiness over social persuasion, a shared Purāṇic ethic across Shaiva and Vaishnava streams—supporting the Kurma Purana’s integrative approach where sincere practice and purity are central.