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
Kemudian ada yang sekadar memakai jubah oker; yang digelar ‘nirgrantha’ (bebas ikatan); dan para pertapa kāpālika yang membawa tengkorak. Yang lain pula memperdagangkan Weda, dan ada yang menjual ziarah tīrtha—menjadikan dharma suci sebagai perniagaan.
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.