Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 12
Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
अन्वीक्ष्य देवं ब्रह्माणं यज्ञात्मानं च संस्थितम् / प्रोचुः संविग्नहृदया याथात्म्यं परमेष्ठिनः
anvīkṣya devaṃ brahmāṇaṃ yajñātmānaṃ ca saṃsthitam / procuḥ saṃvignahṛdayā yāthātmyaṃ parameṣṭhinaḥ
Habiendo observado atentamente al divino Brahmā—firme, establecido como el mismo Sí del sacrificio (Yajña)—ellos, con el corazón conmovido por una reverencia temerosa, proclamaron la verdad acerca de Parameṣṭhin, el Supremo Ordenador.
Sages (ṛṣis) addressing/declaring before Brahmā (Parameṣṭhin)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It frames the divine principle through the symbol of Yajña: Brahmā is seen as “yajñātmā,” indicating that cosmic order and sacred action are rooted in a single abiding spiritual essence.
The verse emphasizes anvīkṣā—disciplined inquiry and attentive contemplation. This aligns with Purāṇic yogic method: steady observation, reverent focus, and truthful articulation of realized understanding.
By presenting divinity as the inner Self of Yajña rather than a sectarian form, it supports the Kurma Purana’s integrative stance where supreme reality can be approached through multiple divine expressions within one dharmic order.