Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 22
Meru-Topography: Cities of Brahmā and the Dikpālas; Descent of Gaṅgā; Varṣa-Lotus and Boundary Mountains
अप्सरोगणगन्धर्वैः सेव्यमानो ऽमरप्रभुः / प्राणायामपरामर्त्यास्थानन्तद्यान्ति शाश्वतम्
apsarogaṇagandharvaiḥ sevyamāno 'maraprabhuḥ / prāṇāyāmaparāmartyāsthānantadyānti śāśvatam
அங்கே அப்சரக் கூட்டங்களும் கந்தர்வர்களும் பணிவிடை செய்ய, அமரர்களின் ஆண்டவன் தங்குகின்றான்; பிராணாயாமத்தில் பற்றுடைய மானிடர்கள் அந்த நித்திய தாமத்தை அடைகின்றனர்.
Traditional narrative voice (Purāṇic narrator, as transmitted by Vyāsa’s discourse)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
By praising prāṇāyāma as leading to an “eternal station,” the verse points to a yogic ascent beyond mortal limitation—consistent with the Purāṇic view that disciplined inner practice culminates in an imperishable state aligned with the highest reality.
Prāṇāyāma (regulated breath-discipline) is highlighted as a central sādhanā: sustained absorption in breath-control is presented as a direct means to attain a lasting spiritual abode/state, echoing Yoga-śāstra emphases found across the Kurma Purana’s yogic instructions.
While not naming Śiva or Viṣṇu explicitly, the verse reflects the Kurma Purana’s integrative yoga-ethos: yogic practice (often framed within Pāśupata/Īśvara devotion elsewhere) is treated as universally salvific, harmonizing sectarian paths through shared discipline and attainment.