Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 49
Naimittika-pralaya and the Theology of Kāla: Seven Suns, Saṃvartaka Fire, Flood, and Varāha Kalpa
सात्त्विकेष्वथ कल्पेषु माहात्म्यमधिकं हरेः / तामसेषु हरस्योक्तं राजसेषु प्रजापतेः
sāttvikeṣvatha kalpeṣu māhātmyamadhikaṃ hareḥ / tāmaseṣu harasyoktaṃ rājaseṣu prajāpateḥ
In Sāttvika Kalpas, the greater glory is that of Hari (Viṣṇu). In Tāmasa Kalpas, it is declared to be that of Hara (Śiva). And in Rājasa Kalpas, it is that of Prajāpati (Brahmā).
Sūta (narrator) describing Purāṇic doctrinal classification of kalpas by guṇa
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It implies a single supreme reality expressed through different divine functions: preservation (Hari), dissolution/transformative power (Hara), and creation (Prajāpati), whose prominence varies with the guṇa-character of a kalpa.
No specific practice is taught directly; the verse provides a doctrinal frame used in Kurma Purana’s yoga-theology—guiding devotees to contemplate Īśvara’s one power appearing as different deities according to cosmic conditions (guṇa and kalpa).
It presents a synthesis: Hari and Hara are not rivals but alternate emphases within different guṇa-dominated cosmic cycles, supporting the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian Shaiva–Vaishnava unity.