Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 9
Brahmacārin-Dharma: Guru-Sevā, Daily Vedic Study, Gāyatrī-Japa, and Anadhyāya Regulations
नास्य निर्माल्यशयनं पादुकोपानहावपि / आक्रमेदासनं चास्य छायादीन् वा कदाचन
nāsya nirmālyaśayanaṃ pādukopānahāvapi / ākramedāsanaṃ cāsya chāyādīn vā kadācana
One should never step upon the revered teacher’s bed, even if it bears discarded garlands; nor upon his sandals or footwear; nor upon his seat—nor should one ever transgress even his shadow and the like.
Narratorial dharma-instruction (general injunction within the Kurma Purana’s conduct teachings)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
Indirectly: it teaches humility and restraint—ethical purification that supports knowledge of the Self; reverence toward the guru is treated as a practical aid for Atma-vidyā.
It emphasizes yama-like discipline (respect, non-transgression, careful conduct). Such ethical training is presented as a foundation for higher practices, including Shaiva–Vaishnava devotional contemplation and Pashupata-oriented discipline found elsewhere in the Kurma Purana.
It does not explicitly discuss Shiva–Vishnu unity; instead it provides shared dharmic etiquette that underlies both Shaiva and Vaishnava paths—reverence for the guru and sacred presence.