Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 23
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
संस्तूयमानः प्रणतैर्मुनीन्द्रैरमरैरपि / क्षीरोदस्योत्तरं कूलं यत्रास्ते हरिरीश्वरः
saṃstūyamānaḥ praṇatairmunīndrairamarairapi / kṣīrodasyottaraṃ kūlaṃ yatrāste harirīśvaraḥ
Là, sur la rive septentrionale de l’Océan de Lait, demeure Hari—le Seigneur suprême, Īśvara—, sans cesse loué par les grands sages et même par les devas, prosternés avec vénération.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the sacred locale; traditionally Sūta or the main reciter conveying Vyāsa’s account)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By calling Hari “Īśvara” and showing that even sages and devas bow to Him, the verse points to a single supreme reality worthy of reverence—an outward marker of the inner Supreme Self as the ultimate Lord.
The verse emphasizes stuti (praise), namaskāra (reverential bowing), and tīrtha-oriented contemplation—devotional disciplines that steady the mind on Īśvara, aligning with Purāṇic yoga through bhakti and focused remembrance.
By presenting Hari explicitly as “Īśvara,” the verse supports the Kurma Purana’s integrative stance where the supreme lordship (īśvaratva) is not sectarian, enabling Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis in devotion and theology.