Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 18
Puṣkara-dvīpa, Lokāloka, and the Measure of the Brahmāṇḍa
Cosmic Egg
दशोत्तरमथैकैकमण्डावरणसप्तकम् / समन्तात् संस्थितं विप्रा यत्र यान्ति मनीषिणः
daśottaramathaikaikamaṇḍāvaraṇasaptakam / samantāt saṃsthitaṃ viprā yatra yānti manīṣiṇaḥ
At pagkatapos, O mga brāhmaṇa, may labimpitong pangkat ng tig-pitong magkakasentrong balot (mandala-āvaraṇa), na nakahanay sa paligid sa lahat ng dako—na siyang nilalapitan ng mga pantas sa pagninilay at banal na paglalakbay.
Suta (narrator) recounting the Purana’s description to the sages (Shaunaka’s assembly)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By presenting ordered concentric “enclosures,” the verse points to a contemplative model: the wise move inward through successive coverings—symbolically mirroring the yogic movement from outer layers toward the innermost Self.
The verse emphasizes dhyāna through mandala-structure: progressing step-by-step (āvaraṇa-krama) as a meditative pilgrimage—an approach compatible with Purāṇic yoga where sacred geography becomes a support (ālambana) for concentration.
Indirectly: the Purāṇa’s mandala-based sacred order supports a synthesis where pilgrimage and contemplation lead to the one supreme principle revered through both Shaiva and Vaishnava lenses, rather than treating them as mutually exclusive.