Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 48
Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
योगिनो योगतत्त्वज्ञा वियोगाभिमुखानिशम् / योगं ध्यायन्ति देव्यासौ स योगी दृश्यते किल
yogino yogatattvajñā viyogābhimukhāniśam / yogaṃ dhyāyanti devyāsau sa yogī dṛśyate kila
Those yogins who truly know the principle of Yoga, ever turned away—day and night—from separation from the Divine, continually meditate upon Yoga itself. Such a one, O Goddess, is indeed seen to be a real yogin.
A Śaiva-Yogic teacher voice within the Purāṇic dialogue (addressing Devī)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
By defining the yogin as one who is always oriented away from “separation,” the verse implies that realization is intimacy with the Divine/Self—Yoga as abiding non-disunion rather than merely external practice.
It highlights uninterrupted contemplation (dhyāna) of Yoga-tattva itself—steady remembrance and inner absorption, maintained “day and night,” which aligns with Purāṇic Pāśupata-style emphasis on constant Godward orientation.
While not naming Śiva or Viṣṇu explicitly, it reflects the Kurma Purana’s integrative approach: true Yoga is defined by union with the Divine principle beyond sectarian separation, supporting Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis in practice.