Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 20
Brahmā’s Lotus-Birth, the Sealing of the Cosmic Womb, and the Epiphany of Parameśvara
Hari–Hara Samanvaya
अहं धाता विधाता च स्वयंभूः प्रपितामहः / मय्येव संस्थितं विश्वं ब्रह्माहं विश्वतोमुखः
ahaṃ dhātā vidhātā ca svayaṃbhūḥ prapitāmahaḥ / mayyeva saṃsthitaṃ viśvaṃ brahmāhaṃ viśvatomukhaḥ
“Ako ang Dhātā at Vidhātā—ang Tagapagtaguyod at Tagapag-ayos; ang Svayambhū, ang Kusang-silang; ang Dakilang Ninuno. Sa Akin lamang nakatindig ang buong sansinukob; Ako si Brahmā, ang may mukhang nakaharap sa lahat ng dako (Viśvatomukha).”
Brahmā (cosmic creator figure, speaking in first person)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
The verse presents an “I”-identity that supports and orders the cosmos, implying a supreme self-principle as the ground in which the universe abides; in Kurma Purana theology this creator-voice ultimately points to Ishvara as the inner support of all beings.
This verse itself is doctrinal rather than procedural, but it supports Ishvara-dhyana: meditation on the all-pervading Lord/creator as the substratum of the universe—an orientation that later aligns with the Kurma Purana’s Pashupata-tinged devotion and contemplation of Ishvara.
By emphasizing a single cosmic ground (“in me alone the universe is established”), it fits the Kurma Purana’s broader non-sectarian synthesis where the supreme Ishvara can be praised through multiple divine forms—supporting a Shiva–Vishnu unity framework rather than strict opposition.