Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 33
Naimittika-pralaya and the Theology of Kāla: Seven Suns, Saṃvartaka Fire, Flood, and Varāha Kalpa
व्याप्तेष्वेतेषु लोकेषु तिर्यगूर्ध्वमथाग्निना / तत् तेजः समनुप्राप्य कृत्स्नं जगदिदं शनैः / अयोगुडनिभं सर्वं तदा चैकं प्रकाशते
vyāpteṣveteṣu lokeṣu tiryagūrdhvamathāgninā / tat tejaḥ samanuprāpya kṛtsnaṃ jagadidaṃ śanaiḥ / ayoguḍanibhaṃ sarvaṃ tadā caikaṃ prakāśate
Kapag ang lahat ng mga daigdig na ito ay napupuno ng apoy—kumakalat sa pahalang at umaakyat paitaas—kung magkagayon, pagpasok sa naglalagablab na liwanag na iyon, ang buong sansinukob ay unti-unting nagiging gaya ng isang bolang bakal na nagliliyab; at sa sandaling iyon, ito’y lumilitaw bilang iisang liwanag, hindi nahahati.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing in a Purana dialogue context (cosmology and dissolution teaching)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By describing the universe, at dissolution, as appearing as “one light,” the verse points to an underlying non-dual reality in which multiplicity resolves into a single radiance—an image used to contemplate the Self as undivided consciousness beyond names and forms.
The verse supports pralaya-anusandhāna (contemplation of dissolution): the yogin meditates on the withdrawal of the elements into tejas and finally into an undifferentiated unity, aiding vairāgya (dispassion) and steadiness of mind aligned with Pāśupata-oriented renunciation and devotion.
Though not naming Shiva or Vishnu directly, the teaching that all appears as one radiance aligns with the Kurma Purana’s synthesis: the supreme tejas can be contemplated as the one Ishvara praised in both Shaiva and Vaishnava idioms, emphasizing unity over sectarian difference.