Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 105
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
सर्वे संप्राप्य देवेशं शङ्करं विष्णुमव्ययम् / अस्तुवन् लौकिकैः स्तोत्रैरुच्छिष्टा इव सर्वगौ
sarve saṃprāpya deveśaṃ śaṅkaraṃ viṣṇumavyayam / astuvan laukikaiḥ stotrairucchiṣṭā iva sarvagau
Tous s’approchèrent du Seigneur des dieux—Śaṅkara, qui est Viṣṇu, l’Impérissable—et le louèrent par des hymnes mondains, tels des troupeaux de toute espèce n’offrant que des restes.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the assembly’s action; traditionally Sūta reporting the account to sages)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By identifying the Devesha as both Shankara and Vishnu and calling Him “avyaya” (imperishable), the verse points to a single, changeless Supreme reality beyond sectarian forms—an Atman/Brahman-like permanence expressed through divine names.
The verse emphasizes bhakti as a preparatory discipline: approaching the Lord and praising Him. It also cautions that merely “worldly hymns” are limited, implying the need for more inward, purified devotion and disciplined practice aligned with Kurma Purana’s broader yogic-ethical framework.
It explicitly fuses them—“Shankara who is Vishnu”—presenting a non-sectarian, integrative theology where Shiva and Vishnu are expressions of one imperishable Supreme.