Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 28
Śrāddha-Kāla-Nirṇaya: Proper Times, Nakṣatra Fruits, Tīrtha Merit, and Offerings for Ancestral Rites
संध्यारात्र्योर्न कर्तव्यं राहोरन्यत्र दर्शनात् / देशानां च विशेषेण भवेत् पुण्यमनन्तकम्
saṃdhyārātryorna kartavyaṃ rāhoranyatra darśanāt / deśānāṃ ca viśeṣeṇa bhavet puṇyamanantakam
The twilight rites should not be performed at night, except when Rāhu is seen. And by the distinctive sanctity of particular regions, the merit that arises becomes endless.
Sūta (narrator) conveying the Purāṇic injunction within the Kurma Purana’s dharma-teachings
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It does not directly define Ātman; instead it teaches dharma through correct timing and place—outer discipline that traditionally supports inner steadiness needed for Self-knowledge.
It highlights sandhyā observance as a daily discipline (niyama-like restraint): performing rites at proper times, with an exception during Rāhu’s appearance, reinforcing attentiveness and ritual purity.
The verse is primarily ritual-geographical and does not name Śiva or Viṣṇu; its synthesis is implicit in the Purāṇic framework where disciplined dharma supports devotion and yoga across Śaiva–Vaiṣṇava traditions.