Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 19
Cosmic Manifestation, Mahāmāyā’s Mandate, Varṇāśrama-Dharma, and the Unity of the Trimūrti
एवं मया महामाया प्रेरिता हरिवल्लभा / यथादेशं चकारासौ तस्माल्लक्ष्मीं समर्चयेत्
evaṃ mayā mahāmāyā preritā harivallabhā / yathādeśaṃ cakārāsau tasmāllakṣmīṃ samarcayet
یوں میری تحریک سے وہ مہامایا—ہری کی محبوبہ—حکم کے مطابق ویسا ہی کر گئی؛ لہٰذا لکشمی (شری) کی باقاعدہ طور پر عبادت و پوجا کرنی چاہیے۔
Lord Kūrma (Vishnu) speaking (narrative instruction to the listener, traditionally Indradyumna and/or sages)
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It implies the Supreme (Hari) operates through Śakti (Mahāmāyā/Lakṣmī): the transcendent Lord remains sovereign, while divine power executes the cosmic and devotional order—hinting at a non-dual governance where Śakti is inseparable from the Lord.
The verse points to bhakti-yoga expressed as śrī-upāsanā (devotional worship of Lakṣmī) performed “according to instruction” (yathādeśam), emphasizing disciplined, scripturally guided practice as a means to receive prosperity, steadiness, and grace supportive of higher yoga.
Though explicitly Vaiṣṇava in diction (Hari–Lakṣmī), the theology aligns with Kurma Purana’s synthesis: the Lord’s supremacy is expressed through Śakti, a framework compatible with Śaiva thought where Śiva’s will acts through Śakti—supporting a unified, non-sectarian Purāṇic vision.