Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 167
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
ततो नारायणं देवं गणेशा मातरो ऽपि च / न पश्यन्ति जगत्सूतिं तद्भुतमिवाभवत्
tato nārāyaṇaṃ devaṃ gaṇeśā mātaro 'pi ca / na paśyanti jagatsūtiṃ tadbhutamivābhavat
तब देव नारायण, गणेश-गण तथा मातृकाएँ भी जगत्सूति (जगत्-जननी) को न देख सके; यह अत्यन्त अद्भुत-सा प्रतीत हुआ।
Purāṇic narrator (Vyāsa/Sūta framework), describing events
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By showing that even exalted deities fail to perceive the cosmic source (Jagatsūti), the verse points to a transcendent principle that surpasses ordinary perception—suggesting the ultimate reality is subtler than even divine senses.
While no technique is named, the implication aligns with yogic teaching: true knowledge requires inward realization (dhyāna/jñāna) beyond sensory or celestial vision—an idea later systematized in Kurma Purana’s Shaiva-Vaishnava spiritual instruction and Pāśupata-oriented discipline.
By placing Nārāyaṇa alongside gaṇa-lords and the Mātṛkās as equally unable to see the cosmic source, the verse levels sectarian hierarchy and supports the Purāṇa’s synthesis: the highest principle transcends distinct divine forms associated with both Vaiṣṇava and Śaiva traditions.