Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 39
Madhu–Kaiṭabha, Nārāyaṇa’s Yoga-Nidrā, Rudra’s Manifestation, and the Aṣṭamūrti–Trimūrti Teaching
ज्ञानं वैराग्यमैश्वर्यं तपः सत्यं क्षमा धृतिः / स्त्रष्टृत्वमात्मसंबोधो ह्यधिष्ठातृत्वमेव च
jñānaṃ vairāgyamaiśvaryaṃ tapaḥ satyaṃ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ / straṣṭṛtvamātmasaṃbodho hyadhiṣṭhātṛtvameva ca
Trí tuệ, ly tham, quyền năng tối thượng, khổ hạnh, chân thật, khoan dung, kiên định, năng lực sáng tạo, sự tỉnh giác về Ngã, và chức năng nhiếp trì tối cao—đó là những phẩm tính định danh của Đấng Chúa Tể.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing King Indradyumna within the Ishvara Gita teaching-frame
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It characterizes the Supreme as self-luminous and fully awakened (ātma-sambodha), possessing perfect knowledge and mastery, while also being the cosmic creator and governor—linking inner Self-realization with universal lordship.
The verse points to a Yoga of purification and realization: jñāna (discernment), vairāgya (detachment), and tapaḥ (austerity) supported by satya, kṣamā, and dhṛti—core virtues that stabilize Pashupata-oriented sādhanā toward Ishvara-realization.
By defining the one Ishvara through universal functions (creation and governance) and inner self-awakening, it supports the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis where the supreme lordly principle can be understood through both Shaiva and Vaishnava theological language.