Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 187
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
संस्थापितो ऽथशूलाग्रे सो ऽन्धको दग्धकिल्बिषः / उत्पन्नाखिलविज्ञानस्तुष्टाव परमेश्वरम्
saṃsthāpito 'thaśūlāgre so 'ndhako dagdhakilbiṣaḥ / utpannākhilavijñānastuṣṭāva parameśvaram
Alors Andhaka, placé à la pointe du trident, vit ses fautes consumées; et, la connaissance totale s’éveillant en lui, il loua Parameśvara, le Seigneur suprême.
Sūta (narrator) describing the event to the sages (Naimiṣāraṇya frame)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It implies that true inner knowledge (akhila-vijñāna) arises when impurity (kilbiṣa) is destroyed; the awakened insight naturally turns toward Parameśvara, indicating the Self’s clarity is revealed through purification and divine grace.
The verse emphasizes Pāśupata-style purification: removal of pāpa/kleśa leading to the rise of vijñāna. While not detailing a technique, it reflects the yogic principle that jñāna dawns when impurities are burned away through intense tapas, surrender, and contact with the Lord’s power.
By presenting Parameśvara as the supreme bestower of purification and knowledge, it supports the Kurma Purana’s synthetic theology where supreme divinity is honored through Śiva-language while remaining compatible with Vaiṣṇava devotion and the Purana’s broader unity-of-Iśvara stance.