Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 39
Madhu–Kaiṭabha, Nārāyaṇa’s Yoga-Nidrā, Rudra’s Manifestation, and the Aṣṭamūrti–Trimūrti Teaching
ज्ञानं वैराग्यमैश्वर्यं तपः सत्यं क्षमा धृतिः / स्त्रष्टृत्वमात्मसंबोधो ह्यधिष्ठातृत्वमेव च
jñānaṃ vairāgyamaiśvaryaṃ tapaḥ satyaṃ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ / straṣṭṛtvamātmasaṃbodho hyadhiṣṭhātṛtvameva ca
Connaissance, détachement, souveraineté divine, austérité, véracité, pardon, constance, puissance de création, éveil du Soi et, certes, la fonction de gouvernement suprême — telles sont les qualités qui définissent le Seigneur.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing King Indradyumna within the Ishvara Gita teaching-frame
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It characterizes the Supreme as self-luminous and fully awakened (ātma-sambodha), possessing perfect knowledge and mastery, while also being the cosmic creator and governor—linking inner Self-realization with universal lordship.
The verse points to a Yoga of purification and realization: jñāna (discernment), vairāgya (detachment), and tapaḥ (austerity) supported by satya, kṣamā, and dhṛti—core virtues that stabilize Pashupata-oriented sādhanā toward Ishvara-realization.
By defining the one Ishvara through universal functions (creation and governance) and inner self-awakening, it supports the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis where the supreme lordly principle can be understood through both Shaiva and Vaishnava theological language.