Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 17
Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
एवं स भगवान् ब्रह्मा वेदानामीरितं शुभम् / श्रुत्वाह प्रहसन् वाक्यं विश्वात्मापि विमोहितः
evaṃ sa bhagavān brahmā vedānāmīritaṃ śubham / śrutvāha prahasan vākyaṃ viśvātmāpi vimohitaḥ
یوں بھگوان برہما نے ویدوں کی سنائی ہوئی وہ مبارک بات سن کر ہلکی مسکراہٹ کے ساتھ کلام کیا؛ حالانکہ وہ خود روحِ کائنات تھے، پھر بھی ایک لمحہ کے لیے حیران و مُوہِت ہو گئے۔
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Brahmā’s reaction)
Primary Rasa: hasya
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
By calling Brahmā “Viśvātmā” (the universe’s Self) yet describing him as “vimohita” (bewildered), the verse highlights a key Purāṇic insight: even cosmic intelligence functions within Māyā, while the Supreme Self remains the ultimate ground beyond delusion.
No specific technique is prescribed in this verse; instead it prepares the ground for Yoga-shāstra themes by showing the limitation of even exalted beings. Such recognition supports vairāgya (dispassion) and the need for disciplined sādhana—developed more explicitly in the Kurma Purana’s later spiritual instructions (including Pāśupata-oriented teachings).
Indirectly, it supports the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis: the Vedas proclaim an auspicious truth, yet even Brahmā can be veiled—implying that realization of the one Supreme (often expressed through Śiva-Viṣṇu unity in this Purāṇa) requires grace and right knowledge beyond mere cosmic status.