Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 16
Kali-yuga Doṣas, the Supremacy of Rudra as Refuge, and the Closure of the Manvantara Teaching
काषायिणो ऽथ निर्ग्रन्थास्तथा कापालिकाश्च ये / वेदविक्रयिणश्चान्ये तीर्थविक्रयिणः परे
kāṣāyiṇo 'tha nirgranthāstathā kāpālikāśca ye / vedavikrayiṇaścānye tīrthavikrayiṇaḥ pare
Saat itu akan ada mereka yang hanya mengenakan jubah oker, yang menyebut diri ‘nirgrantha’, dan para asket kāpālika pembawa tengkorak. Ada pula yang memperdagangkan Weda, dan yang menjual ziarah—menjadikan dharma sebagai komoditas.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing in a dharma-teaching context
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
Indirectly: it warns that external marks (robes, sect labels) are not proof of realization; true dharma aligns conduct with inner truth rather than commercializing the sacred.
No specific technique is taught in this verse; it establishes a prerequisite for yoga—ethical integrity (yama-like restraint) and non-exploitation of sacred knowledge and tīrthas.
By critiquing sectarian or performative ascetic identities (including kāpālika) without attacking devotion itself, the Purana emphasizes shared dharma across Shaiva and Vaishnava paths: sincerity over mere outward affiliation.