Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 168
Dakṣa’s Progeny, Nṛsiṃha–Varāha Avatāras, and Andhaka’s Defeat
Hari–Hara–Śakti Synthesis
तदन्तरे महादैत्यो ह्यन्धको मन्मथार्दितः / मोहितो गिरिजां देवीमाहर्तुं गिरिमाययौ
tadantare mahādaityo hyandhako manmathārditaḥ / mohito girijāṃ devīmāhartuṃ girimāyayau
اسی دوران مہادیتیہ اندھک، منمتھ کی بے قراری سے ستایا ہوا، فریفتہ ہو گیا اور گِرجا دیوی کو اغوا کرنے کے ارادے سے پہاڑ کی طرف جا پہنچا۔
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator relating the Andhaka episode within the Kurma Purana’s Shaiva narrative frame)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
Indirectly, it contrasts the Self’s clarity with moha (delusion): when consciousness is overpowered by kāma, discernment collapses and adharma arises—implying that liberation requires mastery over desire and return to inner steadiness.
The verse functions as a cautionary marker for Yoga: unchecked kāma produces moha. In the Kurma Purana’s broader Pāśupata-leaning ethic, restraint (saṃyama), sense-control, and devotion to Īśvara are presented as antidotes to such agitation.
Though the verse centers on a Shaiva narrative (Parvati/Girija), the Kurma Purana’s overarching stance harmonizes sectarian frames: the same dharma and yogic discipline upheld in Vishnu’s teachings also protects the Shaiva sphere from adharma driven by desire.