Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 36
Prayāga–Gaṅgā Tīrtha-māhātmya and Rules of Pilgrimage
Yātrā-vidhi
कृते युगे तु तीर्थानि त्रेतायां पुष्करं परम् / द्वापरे तु कुरुक्षेत्रं कलौ गङ्गां विशिष्यते
kṛte yuge tu tīrthāni tretāyāṃ puṣkaraṃ param / dvāpare tu kurukṣetraṃ kalau gaṅgāṃ viśiṣyate
Dalam Kṛta Yuga, tīrtha-tīrtha secara umum adalah yang utama; dalam Tretā Yuga, Puṣkara yang tertinggi; dalam Dvāpara Yuga, Kurukṣetra yang tertinggi; dan dalam Kali Yuga, Gaṅgā terserlah paling unggul.
Lord Kūrma (Vishnu) teaching tīrtha-māhātmya within a Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis framework
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
Indirectly, by emphasizing purification through yuga-appropriate sacred supports (tīrthas): the verse assumes the Atman is realized through inner purity, for which tīrtha-sevā and dharmic conduct serve as powerful aids, especially in Kali.
The verse highlights tīrtha-based purification as a practical discipline: pilgrimage, sacred bathing, and vow-observance that support steadiness of mind (yoga-sādhana). In Kali Yuga, Gaṅgā-related observances are singled out as especially efficacious supports for spiritual practice.
By treating tīrtha and purification as universally dharmic—shared across Shaiva and Vaishnava streams—this teaching functions within the Kurma Purana’s synthesis: devotion and purity lead toward the same Supreme, whether approached through Shiva-oriented or Vishnu-oriented modes.