Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 111
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
तस्माद् वै वेदबाह्यानां रक्षणार्थाय पापिनाम् / विमोहनाय शास्त्राणि करिष्यामो वृषध्वज
tasmād vai vedabāhyānāṃ rakṣaṇārthāya pāpinām / vimohanāya śāstrāṇi kariṣyāmo vṛṣadhvaja
కాబట్టి వేదబాహ్యులైన పాపుల రక్షణార్థమూ, వారిని వేదమార్గం నుండి విమోహింపజేయుటకై, హే వృషధ్వజ (శివా)! మేము శాస్త్రాలను రచించెదము।
Unspecified divine interlocutor addressing Shiva (vṛṣadhvaja) within the narrative frame of the Kurma Purana
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
Indirectly: it contrasts Veda-aligned dharma with delusive teachings meant to mislead; the implied aim is to steer beings back toward right knowledge that culminates in realization of the Self.
No specific practice is taught in this verse; it sets a doctrinal context about śāstra and delusion, against which the Kurma Purana later frames disciplined paths such as Pāśupata-oriented sādhanā and Veda-grounded yoga.
By addressing Śiva respectfully as Vṛṣadhvaja within a shared divine counsel, it reflects the Purana’s integrative stance—Śiva and Viṣṇu function cooperatively in preserving cosmic order (dharma), even when discussing strategies involving moha.