Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 76
Dharma of Non-Injury, Non-Stealing, Purity, and Avoidance of Hypocrisy (Ācāra and Saṅkarya-Nivṛtti)
नास्थिभस्मकपालानि न केशान्न च कण्टकान् / तुषाङ्गारकरीषं वा नाधितिष्ठेत् कदाचन
nāsthibhasmakapālāni na keśānna ca kaṇṭakān / tuṣāṅgārakarīṣaṃ vā nādhitiṣṭhet kadācana
எலும்புகள், சாம்பல், மண்டை ஓடுகள்—இவற்றின் மீது எப்போதும் கால்வைக்கக் கூடாது; முடி அல்லது முள்ளின் மீதும் அல்ல. உமி, எரியும் கரி, அல்லது சாணத்தின் மீதும் எப்போதும் மிதிக்கக் கூடாது.
Traditional narrator (Purāṇic instruction within a dharma/ācāra section; framed as authoritative śāstric guidance in the Kurma Purana)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
Indirectly: it teaches outer śauca (purity) and careful conduct, which serve as preparatory disciplines for inner clarity—supporting the yogic pursuit of realizing the Atman through a steady, unobstructed mind.
It emphasizes yama-like ethical restraint and mindful bodily discipline—avoiding contact with impure or harmful objects—supporting ritual purity and the focused lifestyle that undergirds Pashupata-oriented sādhana and meditation.
By presenting universally applicable dharma-ācāra rather than sectarian markers: the Kurma Purana’s synthesis frames purity and disciplined conduct as common ground for both Shaiva and Vaishnava worship and yogic practice.