Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 14
Yamunā–Gaṅgā Tīrtha-Māhātmya: Agni-tīrtha, Anaraka, Prayāga, and the Tapovana of Jāhnavī
प्राप्यन्ते तानितीर्थानि सद्भिः शिष्टानुदर्शिभिः / स्नाहि तीर्थेषु कौरव्य न च वक्रमतिर्भव
prāpyante tānitīrthāni sadbhiḥ śiṣṭānudarśibhiḥ / snāhi tīrtheṣu kauravya na ca vakramatirbhava
ਉਹ ਤੀਰਥ ਸੱਜਣਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ—ਜੋ ਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਟਾਂ ਦੇ ਆਚਰਨ ਨੂੰ ਮੰਨਦੇ ਹਨ। ਹੇ ਕੌਰਵਯ, ਤੀਰਥਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨ ਕਰ ਅਤੇ ਵਕਰੀ ਮੱਤ ਨਾ ਧਾਰ।
A sage/narrator instructing a Kaurava prince (pilgrim-inquirer) within the Kurma Purana’s tirtha discourse
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
Indirectly: it teaches that outer purification (bathing at tīrthas) must be matched by inner straightness of mind; this inward purity is the practical foundation for realizing the Self beyond ritual.
It emphasizes preparatory discipline (niyama-like purity and ethical intention): pilgrimage bathing is presented as effective when supported by śiṣṭa-conduct—self-restraint, sincerity, and non-deviousness—key supports for later Yoga and devotion.
Not explicitly; however, the Kurma Purana’s Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis commonly frames tīrtha and purity as universally valid dharma practices that support devotion to the one Supreme (Īśvara) revered through both Śiva and Viṣṇu traditions.