Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 10
Naimittika-pralaya and the Theology of Kāla: Seven Suns, Saṃvartaka Fire, Flood, and Varāha Kalpa
आत्यन्तिकश्च कथितः प्रलयो ऽत्र ससाधनः / नैमित्तिकमिदानीं वः कथयिष्ये समासतः
ātyantikaśca kathitaḥ pralayo 'tra sasādhanaḥ / naimittikamidānīṃ vaḥ kathayiṣye samāsataḥ
இங்கே ஆத்தியந்திகப் பிரளயம் அதன் சாதனங்களுடன் கூறப்பட்டது; இப்போது உங்களுக்கு நைமித்திகப் பிரளயத்தைச் சுருக்கமாகச் சொல்கிறேன்।
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) teaching the sages (within the Kurma Purana dialogue frame)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
Indirectly: by distinguishing ātyantika-pralaya (a liberative ‘ending’ attained through sādhanā) from cosmic dissolutions, the verse points to moksha as a spiritual realization rather than a mere physical destruction—implying the Self’s transcendence over cyclical cosmic change.
The verse explicitly notes that ātyantika-pralaya was taught “with its means” (sa-sādhana), indicating a soteriological discipline—typically Yoga-śāstra methods such as inner purification, devotion, meditation, and knowledge—before moving on to describe naimittika-pralaya as a cosmological event.
By having Lord Kurma (Vishnu) teach liberation-oriented sādhanā and cosmic dissolution in a Purana known for Shaiva-Vaishnava synthesis, the verse supports the non-sectarian stance: the same Supreme Lord instructs both metaphysical liberation and cosmic processes, harmonizing devotional and yogic frameworks.