Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 43
Cosmic Manifestation, Mahāmāyā’s Mandate, Varṇāśrama-Dharma, and the Unity of the Trimūrti
भिक्षाचर्या च शुश्रूषा गुरोः स्वाध्याय एव च / सन्ध्याकर्माग्निकार्यं च धर्मो ऽयं ब्रह्मचारिणाम्
bhikṣācaryā ca śuśrūṣā guroḥ svādhyāya eva ca / sandhyākarmāgnikāryaṃ ca dharmo 'yaṃ brahmacāriṇām
依仪轨行乞食，恭敬侍奉上师（guru），并修自诵（svādhyāya）；又行晨昏礼（Sandhyā）与护持圣火之事——此乃梵行学生（brahmacārin）之法（dharma）。
Traditional narrator of the Kurma Purana (instructional discourse on varṇāśrama-dharma; framed within the Purana’s sage-to-sage narration)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It does not directly define Ātman; it lays the preparatory discipline of brahmacarya—purifying conduct, study, and daily rites—traditionally understood as foundational for later realization of the Self through śravaṇa (learning) and inner practice.
The verse highlights discipline supportive of Yoga: svādhyāya (scriptural recitation/self-study) and sandhyā-karma (daily twilight worship with mantra-japa and contemplation). These cultivate steadiness, purity, and attentiveness—key prerequisites for higher meditative practice described elsewhere in the Kurma Purana.
This specific verse is dharma-focused and does not explicitly address Śiva–Viṣṇu unity; however, by emphasizing orthodox daily rites and disciplined living, it aligns with the Kurma Purana’s broader synthesis where shared Vedic observances underpin both Śaiva (including Pāśupata-oriented) and Vaiṣṇava paths.