Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 5
Prāyaścitta for Mahāpātakas — Brahmahatyā, Association with the Fallen, and Tīrtha-Based Purification
अनाहिताग्नयो विप्रास्त्रयो वेदार्थपारगाः / यद् ब्रूयुर्धर्मकामास्ते तज्ज्ञेयं धर्मसाधनम्
anāhitāgnayo viprāstrayo vedārthapāragāḥ / yad brūyurdharmakāmāste tajjñeyaṃ dharmasādhanam
Three brāhmaṇa sages—though not maintainers of the sacred fires—are masters of the meaning of the three Vedas. Whatever they declare, devoted to dharma and desiring righteousness, should be understood as a true means for accomplishing dharma.
Lord Kūrma (Viṣṇu) instructing in a dharma-śāstra register
Primary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
This verse does not directly define Ātman; it emphasizes a practical epistemology for dharma—relying on realized Vedic purport as conveyed by dharma-intent sages—supporting the Purāṇic view that right knowledge guides right action toward the highest good.
No specific āsana, prāṇāyāma, or dhyāna is taught here; the verse highlights dharma as a discipline (niyama-like) grounded in guidance from Veda-knowing sages, which in the Kurma Purana functions as the ethical foundation that supports higher Yoga and devotion.
It does not explicitly mention Śiva or Viṣṇu unity; indirectly, it aligns with the Kurma Purana’s synthesis by treating dharma as rooted in Vedic purport and saintly instruction—an authority honored across both Śaiva (including Pāśupata) and Vaiṣṇava traditions.