Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 72
Brahmā’s Lotus-Birth, the Sealing of the Cosmic Womb, and the Epiphany of Parameśvara
Hari–Hara Samanvaya
मोहितो ऽस्मि महादेव मायया सूक्ष्मया त्वया / न जाने परमं भावं याथातथ्येन ते शिव
mohito 'smi mahādeva māyayā sūkṣmayā tvayā / na jāne paramaṃ bhāvaṃ yāthātathyena te śiva
Wahai Mahādeva, aku terpesona dan keliru oleh māyā-Mu yang halus. Wahai Śiva, aku tidak mengetahui dengan sebenar-benarnya—sebagaimana adanya—keadaan tertinggi-Mu (parama-bhāva).
A devotee/inquirer addressing Lord Shiva (within the Ishvara Gita dialogue frame of the Kurma Purana)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By admitting bewilderment before Śiva’s subtle māyā, the verse implies that the Supreme reality is not grasped by ordinary cognition; it must be known “yāthātathyena”—as it truly is—through inner realization rather than superficial perception.
The verse points to the need for discriminative knowledge (viveka) and contemplative practice that pierces subtle māyā—aligned with Ishvara Gita themes where devotion to Īśvara and inward steadiness support direct insight into the Supreme state.
Within the Kurma Purana’s synthesis, the confession of being deluded by Śiva’s māyā supports a non-dual devotional framework: the supreme Lord’s power (māyā) is one, and realization of the “parama-bhāva” harmonizes Shaiva and Vaishnava perspectives rather than opposing them.