Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 35
Rules of Food, Acceptance, and Purity for the Twice-Born
Dvija-Śauca and Anna-Doṣa
गोधा कूर्मः शशः श्वाविच्छल्यकश्चेति सत्तमाः / भक्ष्याः पञ्चनखा नित्यं मनुराह प्रिजापतिः
godhā kūrmaḥ śaśaḥ śvāvicchalyakaśceti sattamāḥ / bhakṣyāḥ pañcanakhā nityaṃ manurāha prijāpatiḥ
O best of the virtuous, the lizard (godhā), the tortoise (kūrma), the hare (śaśa), the porcupine (śvāvit), and the animal called chalyaka—these five clawed creatures are declared as always fit to be eaten; so said Manu, Prajāpati, Lord of progeny.
Narrator/Compiler voice citing Manu (Dharma authority) within the Kurma Purana’s dharma section
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
It does not directly define Ātman; it supports dharma through discipline of āhāra (diet), which in the Purāṇic framework is a preparatory purity aiding steadiness of mind for higher knowledge.
No specific yoga technique is taught here; the verse contributes to yogic preparedness by regulating food choices (śauca and sāttvika restraint), a common prerequisite for sustained japa, dhyāna, and vrata observances in the Kurma Purana.
It does not explicitly discuss Shiva–Vishnu unity; it reflects the shared dharma foundation used by both Shaiva and Vaishnava paths in the Kurma Purana—ethical discipline as the ground for devotion and realization.