Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 95
Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
न तत्याजाथ सा पार्श्वं व्याहृतापि मुरारिणा / चिरं ध्यात्वा जगद्योनिः शङ्करं प्राह सर्ववित्
na tatyājātha sā pārśvaṃ vyāhṛtāpi murāriṇā / ciraṃ dhyātvā jagadyoniḥ śaṅkaraṃ prāha sarvavit
Dẫu được Murāri (Viṣṇu) gọi, nàng vẫn không rời bên Ngài. Rồi Đấng Mẫu Thai của thế gian—bậc toàn tri—sau khi trầm tư thật lâu, liền cất lời với Śaṅkara.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator relating the episode; speech is about to be delivered by Jagadyoni to Śaṅkara)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
By placing Murāri (Viṣṇu) and Śaṅkara (Śiva) within one sacred narrative centered on the all-knowing Jagadyoni, the verse points to a single supreme reality expressed through complementary divine forms rather than competing absolutes.
The key practice is dhyāna (sustained contemplation): Jagadyoni ‘ciraṃ dhyātvā’ models inward absorption before speech and action—an essential Purāṇic ethic aligned with Pāśupata-oriented discipline where realization precedes instruction.
It depicts proximity and continuity rather than separation: even when addressed by Viṣṇu, the divine presence remains steadfast, and then turns to speak to Śiva—supporting the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis of Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava devotion.