Shloka 47
Yuga-Dharma: The Four Ages, Decline of Dharma, and the Rise of Social Order
मर्यादायाः प्रतिष्ठार्थं ज्ञात्वैतद् भगवानजः / ससर्ज क्षत्रियान् ब्रह्मा ब्राह्मणानां हिताय च
maryādāyāḥ pratiṣṭhārthaṃ jñātvaitad bhagavānajaḥ / sasarja kṣatriyān brahmā brāhmaṇānāṃ hitāya ca
Mengetahui hal itu, Tuhan Yang Terlahir Sendiri, Brahmā (Aja), mencipta golongan Kṣatriya untuk menegakkan batas-batas dharma (tatanan sosial dan moral), serta demi kebajikan dan perlindungan para Brāhmaṇa.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator, within the Kurma Purana’s discourse on varṇāśrama-dharma)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
This verse is primarily dharma-oriented rather than metaphysical: it frames cosmic creation as purposeful governance—social order (maryādā) is established through divinely instituted roles. In Kurma Purana’s broader synthesis, such order supports inner discipline that later culminates in Self-knowledge (ātma-jñāna), but the verse itself emphasizes dharma’s infrastructure.
No direct yogic technique is stated. Indirectly, the verse underlines that stable dharmic boundaries and protection of spiritual custodians (Brāhmaṇas) create the conditions for śāstra-study, vrata, and contemplative practice—foundational supports for the Kurma Purana’s later yoga teachings (including Pāśupata-leaning discipline and devotion).
The verse does not explicitly mention Śiva or Viṣṇu; it highlights Brahmā’s role in instituting dharma. In the Kurma Purana’s inclusive theological frame, such creation is ultimately aligned with the one dharmic order upheld by the Supreme (often voiced by Lord Kūrma/Viṣṇu elsewhere) and harmonized with Śaiva ideals of discipline and protection of sacred knowledge.