Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 21
Śrāddha-Kāla-Nirṇaya: Proper Times, Nakṣatra Fruits, Tīrtha Merit, and Offerings for Ancestral Rites
द्वादश्यां जातरूपं च रजतं कुप्यमेव च / ज्ञातिश्रैष्ठ्यं त्रयोदश्यां चतुर्दश्यां तु क्रुप्रजाः / पञ्चदश्यां सर्वकामानाप्नोति श्राद्धदः सदा
dvādaśyāṃ jātarūpaṃ ca rajataṃ kupyameva ca / jñātiśraiṣṭhyaṃ trayodaśyāṃ caturdaśyāṃ tu kruprajāḥ / pañcadaśyāṃ sarvakāmānāpnoti śrāddhadaḥ sadā
On the twelfth lunar day one gains gold, silver, and also wealth in base metals. On the thirteenth, one attains pre-eminence among one’s kinsmen; on the fourteenth, compassionate offspring. On the fifteenth, the giver of Śrāddha ever obtains all desired aims.
Sūta (narrating the Kurma Purana’s teaching on Śrāddha, ultimately rooted in Lord Kūrma’s instruction)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
This verse does not directly define Ātman; it teaches dharma through Śrāddha, implying that ordered ritual duty (karma in a dhārmic framework) supports purification and well-being, which in the Purāṇic synthesis is a preparatory ground for higher knowledge.
No explicit yoga technique is given; the practice emphasized is Śrāddha performed on specific tithis. In Kurma Purana’s broader discipline-oriented outlook, such niyama-like observances cultivate steadiness, gratitude to ancestors, and sattva—supportive conditions for later yogic and contemplative pursuits.
This verse is primarily ritual-phala (results of Śrāddha) and does not explicitly address Śiva–Viṣṇu unity; however, it fits the Kurma Purana’s integrative dharma framework where orthodox rites are upheld alongside later teachings that harmonize Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava paths.