Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 64
Adhyāya 25 — Liṅga-māhātmya (The Chapter on the Liṅga): Hari’s Śiva-Worship and the Fiery Pillar Theophany
पुरा चैकार्णवे घोरे नष्टे स्थावरजङ्गमे / प्रबोधार्थं ब्रह्मणो मे प्रादुर्भूतः स्वयं शिवः
purā caikārṇave ghore naṣṭe sthāvarajaṅgame / prabodhārthaṃ brahmaṇo me prādurbhūtaḥ svayaṃ śivaḥ
முன்னொரு காலத்தில், பயங்கரமான ஒரே பெருங்கடல் மட்டும் இருந்தபோது, நிலைபெற்றதும் நகர்வதும் அனைத்தும் அழிந்தபோது, பிரம்மாவை விழிப்பிக்கத் தாமே சிவன் என்முன் வெளிப்பட்டார்.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu), narrating to the sages/Indradyumna contextually within the Purana’s dialogue frame
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
By portraying Śiva as self-manifest (svayam prādurbhūtaḥ) even at pralaya, the verse implies an ever-present, self-luminous Supreme Reality that does not depend on created forms—an Atman/Iśvara principle that persists when all names and forms dissolve.
The verse points to “prabodha” (awakening) as the spiritual aim: true knowledge that rouses consciousness from cosmic or individual inertia. In Kurma Purana’s Shaiva-Vaishnava synthesis, such awakening aligns with disciplined yoga and devotion—where grace (anugraha) and inner realization cooperate.
Vishnu (as Kurma) speaks of Śiva’s direct manifestation before him, presenting Śiva not as a rival deity but as the same supreme power assisting cosmic order—supporting the Purana’s non-sectarian vision of Shiva–Vishnu unity.