Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
न तत्याजाथ सा पार्श्वं व्याहृतापि मुरारिणा / चिरं ध्यात्वा जगद्योनिः शङ्करं प्राह सर्ववित्
na tatyājātha sā pārśvaṃ vyāhṛtāpi murāriṇā / ciraṃ dhyātvā jagadyoniḥ śaṅkaraṃ prāha sarvavit
แม้มุราริจะตรัสเรียก นางก็ไม่ละจากข้างพระองค์ ครั้นแล้วผู้เป็นครรภ์แห่งโลก ผู้รอบรู้ทั้งปวง ได้เพ่งฌานเนิ่นนานแล้วตรัสกับพระศังกร
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator relating the episode; speech is about to be delivered by Jagadyoni to Śaṅkara)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
By placing Murāri (Viṣṇu) and Śaṅkara (Śiva) within one sacred narrative centered on the all-knowing Jagadyoni, the verse points to a single supreme reality expressed through complementary divine forms rather than competing absolutes.
The key practice is dhyāna (sustained contemplation): Jagadyoni ‘ciraṃ dhyātvā’ models inward absorption before speech and action—an essential Purāṇic ethic aligned with Pāśupata-oriented discipline where realization precedes instruction.
It depicts proximity and continuity rather than separation: even when addressed by Viṣṇu, the divine presence remains steadfast, and then turns to speak to Śiva—supporting the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis of Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava devotion.