Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 8
Nine Creations (Sarga), Guṇa-Streams of Beings, and Brahmā’s Progeny in Cyclic Time
ते सुखप्रतिबहुला बहिरन्तश्च नावृताः / प्रकाशा बहिरन्तश्च स्वभावाद् देवसंज्ञिताः
te sukhapratibahulā bahirantaśca nāvṛtāḥ / prakāśā bahirantaśca svabhāvād devasaṃjñitāḥ
Ils abondent en félicité ; ils ne sont entravés ni au-dehors ni au-dedans. Lumineux au dehors comme au dedans par leur propre nature, c’est pourquoi on les appelle Devas.
Narrator (Purāṇic discourse; traditionally Sūta relating the teaching of the sages)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By describing the Devas as “uncovered” and “luminous within and without,” the verse points to a key yogic-vedāntic idea: consciousness shines when obscuration (āvaraṇa) is minimal. It indirectly teaches that luminosity is intrinsic (svabhāva) and becomes evident as coverings are removed.
The verse emphasizes removal of inner and outer ‘coverings’ (nāvṛtāḥ) and the arising of prakāśa (inner light). In Kurma Purana’s spiritual frame, this aligns with sattva-śuddhi (purification), sense-restraint, and meditative stabilization through which awareness becomes clear and radiant.
While Shiva and Vishnu are not named here, the verse uses a shared purāṇic-yogic vocabulary—prakāśa (luminosity) and svabhāva (intrinsic nature)—common to both Shaiva and Vaishnava contemplative traditions. This supports the Kurma Purana’s broader non-sectarian synthesis: divine radiance is one principle expressed through multiple theistic forms.