Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 40
Brahmā’s Lotus-Birth, the Sealing of the Cosmic Womb, and the Epiphany of Parameśvara
Hari–Hara Samanvaya
नावाभ्यां विद्यते ह्यन्यो लोकानां परमेश्वरः / एका मूर्तिर्द्विधा भिन्ना नारायणपितामहौ
nāvābhyāṃ vidyate hyanyo lokānāṃ parameśvaraḥ / ekā mūrtirdvidhā bhinnā nārāyaṇapitāmahau
इन दोनों के अतिरिक्त लोकों का कोई अन्य परमेश्वर नहीं है। एक ही दिव्य तत्त्व दो रूपों में विभक्त प्रतीत होता है—नारायण और पितामह (ब्रह्मा)।
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) speaking in Purana-style instruction
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It presents a single supreme reality (Parameśvara) that appears as distinct divine persons for cosmic functions, implying unity behind apparent multiplicity.
The verse supports contemplative non-dual meditation (ekatva-bhāvanā): focusing on one Supreme principle that manifests in diverse forms—an idea later aligned with Kurma Purana’s Yoga-shastra and Pāśupata-oriented devotion.
Though naming Nārāyaṇa and Brahmā explicitly, it advances the Kurma Purana’s broader synthesis: one Parameśvara underlies all deities, a framework often used to harmonize Shaiva and Vaishnava theologies.