Shloka 75
Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
कोटिसूर्यप्रतीकाशैः प्रमथैश्चातिगर्वितैः / भाति कालाग्निनयनो महादेवः समावृतः
koṭisūryapratīkāśaiḥ pramathaiścātigarvitaiḥ / bhāti kālāgninayano mahādevaḥ samāvṛtaḥ
Entouré des Pramathas—rayonnants comme éclairés par des millions de soleils et ivres d’ardeur—Mahādeva, dont les yeux flambent tel le feu du Temps, resplendit d’une splendeur irrésistible.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Śiva’s form and retinue within the Kurma Purana’s discourse framework, traditionally mediated by sages such as Vyāsa/Sūta depending on recension)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
By portraying Śiva as “kālāgni-nayana” (Time-fire-eyed), the verse points to the Supreme as the transcendent power that governs impermanence and dissolution—suggesting an Īśvara who is beyond ordinary time while also ruling it.
The verse itself is a dhyāna-supporting visualization: meditating on Rudra’s tejas (radiance) and kālāgni aspect aligns with Pāśupata-oriented contemplation—steadying the mind on the awe-inspiring Lord as the inner ruler of time, fear, and transformation.
Though explicitly describing Śiva, the Kurma Purana’s broader synthesis treats such theophanies as revelations of the one supreme Īśvara—supporting a non-sectarian reading where Śiva’s cosmic sovereignty complements Viṣṇu/Kūrma’s teaching authority.