Vamana Purana — Harihara Non-Duality, Shloka 28

Harihara Non-Duality and the Revelation of Sadasiva to the Ganas

Devanagari script

नावयोर्वै विशेषो ऽस्ति एका मूर्तिर्द्विधा स्थिता तदमीभिर्नरव्याघ्रैर्भक्तिभावयुतैर्गणैः

Transliteration

nāvayorvai viśeṣo 'sti ekā mūrtirdvidhā sthitā tadamībhirnaravyāghrairbhaktibhāvayutairgaṇaiḥ

Translation

Indeed, there is no distinction between us. One form (one divine embodiment) stands in two ways. This is to be understood by these tiger-like men—these gaṇas endowed with the disposition of devotion.

Speakers

• Rudra (Śiva) to devoted gaṇas/assembly (addressed honorifically as nara-vyāghra)

Primary Deities

• Rudra/Śiva
• Viṣṇu

Key Themes

• Unity of the divine despite dual manifestation
• Devotional qualification to grasp theology
• Reconciliation of sectarian identities
• Instruction to Śiva’s gaṇas/devotees

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "shanta", "secondaryRasa": "adbhuta", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

What does “one mūrti existing in two ways” imply?

It asserts a single supreme reality manifesting as two recognizable divine persons (Śiva and Viṣṇu) for cosmic functions and devotional accessibility, without essential difference (viśeṣa).

Why are the listeners called “nara-vyāghra” and “gaṇa”?

“Nara-vyāghra” honors their spiritual/heroic capacity, while “gaṇa” situates them as an organized devotional host—apt recipients of Rudra’s corrective teaching on unity.

Does this teaching erase distinct worship traditions?

It does not deny distinct forms or rituals; it reframes them within a higher unity, discouraging rivalry and nindā while allowing devotion to proceed through either form.