Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 12
Cosmic Realms Above Dhruva, the Pātālas Below, and the Foundation of Pralaya
Ananta–Kāla
देव्या सह महादेवश्चिन्त्यमानो मनीषिभिः / योगिभिः शतसाहस्त्रैर्भूतै रुद्रैश्च संवृतः
devyā saha mahādevaścintyamāno manīṣibhiḥ / yogibhiḥ śatasāhastrairbhūtai rudraiśca saṃvṛtaḥ
Mahādeva, avec la Déesse, était contemplé par les sages ; il était entouré de centaines de milliers de yogin, ainsi que de cohortes d’êtres et de Rudra.
Purāṇic narrator (Vyāsa/Śaunaka-style narrative voice describing the scene)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By presenting Mahādeva as the constant object of contemplation for sages and yogins, the verse implies a supreme, inwardly realizable principle—known through dhyāna rather than mere ritual—consistent with the Purāṇic teaching that the highest reality is approached via direct inner awareness.
The key practice is cintana/dhyāna—sustained contemplation of Īśvara (here, Śiva with Devī). The presence of vast numbers of yogins underscores disciplined yogic absorption and devotion-oriented meditation aligned with Pāśupata-leaning Śaiva praxis while remaining compatible with broader Purāṇic yoga.
Though Śiva is the explicit focus, the Kurma Purana’s broader synthesis treats contemplation of Śiva (with Devī) as a valid approach to the same supreme Īśvara honored across traditions—supporting a non-sectarian, integrative vision often used to harmonize Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava devotion.