Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 33
वर्षेष्वेतेषु तान् पुत्रानभिषिच्य नराधिपः / संसारकष्टतां ज्ञात्वा तपस्तेपे वनं गतः
varṣeṣveteṣu tān putrānabhiṣicya narādhipaḥ / saṃsārakaṣṭatāṃ jñātvā tapastepe vanaṃ gataḥ
Pasados aquellos años, el señor de los hombres ungió a esos hijos y los estableció en el reino; y, al comprender la penosa aflicción del saṃsāra, se internó en el bosque y practicó austeridades (tapas).
Suta (narrator) recounting the episode within the Kurma Purana’s narrative frame
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
Indirectly, it points toward Atman-realization by emphasizing that saṃsāra is intrinsically burdensome; recognizing this prompts renunciation and tapas, the classical prerequisites for turning inward to the Self beyond changing worldly roles.
The verse highlights tapas—disciplined austerity—as a foundational yogic method. Going to the forest signifies withdrawal from sense-centered life and social entanglements, aligning with the Kurma Purana’s broader soteriology where restraint, contemplation, and sustained practice prepare one for liberating knowledge and devotion.
This verse does not explicitly name Shiva or Vishnu; it supports the Purana’s synthesizing approach by presenting a shared dharmic pathway—renunciation and tapas—honored across Shaiva (including Pashupata) and Vaishnava traditions as means toward moksha.