Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 28
Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
जानामि भवतः पूर्वं ललाटादेव शङ्कर / प्रादुर्भावं महेशान् मामेव शरणं व्रज
jānāmi bhavataḥ pūrvaṃ lalāṭādeva śaṅkara / prādurbhāvaṃ maheśān māmeva śaraṇaṃ vraja
Hỡi Śaṅkara, ta đã biết từ trước về sự hiển lộ của ngươi—rằng ngươi xuất hiện ngay từ chính trán ấy. Hỡi Maheśāna, hãy nương tựa nơi Ta duy nhất.
Lord Vishnu (as the Supreme refuge, addressing Shiva)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By commanding even Maheśāna (Śiva) to take refuge in “Me alone,” the verse frames the Supreme as the ultimate ground of all divine manifestations—implying a highest Ishvara/Atman beyond sectarian distinction.
The verse emphasizes śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) as a core spiritual discipline—an inward turning of the will to the Supreme Lord, supporting steadiness of mind (yoga) and devotion-centered contemplation.
It presents a hierarchy of refuge rather than rivalry: Śiva is revered (Śaṅkara/Maheśāna) yet directed toward the same Supreme source, reflecting the Kurma Purana’s Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis.