Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 53
Prākṛta Sṛṣṭi and Pralaya: From Pradhāna to Brahmāṇḍa; Trimūrti Samanvaya
एको ऽपि सन्महादेवस्त्रिधासौ समवस्थितः / सर्गरक्षालयगुणैर्निर्गुणो ऽपि निरञ्जनः / एकधा स द्विधा चैव त्रिधा च बहुधा पुनः
eko 'pi sanmahādevastridhāsau samavasthitaḥ / sargarakṣālayaguṇairnirguṇo 'pi nirañjanaḥ / ekadhā sa dvidhā caiva tridhā ca bahudhā punaḥ
虽真实唯有一位，那吉祥的大自在天（Mahādeva）却在此以三重方式安住。凭借创造、护持与毁摄之功用，他似乎具诸属性；然实则无属性、无垢清净。他为一；复又现为二、为三，并再度化为多种多样。
Sūta (narrator) describing the Supreme Lord as Mahādeva in a Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis context
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It presents the Supreme as truly One and stainless (nirañjana), beyond guṇas (nirguṇa), yet appearing in multiple modes for cosmic functions—implying one Self that seems many through manifestation.
The verse supports contemplation on the nirguṇa Lord behind sṛṣṭi–rakṣā–laya: a yogin meditates on the One Reality as the inner ruler of all functions, not limited by the functions themselves—an orientation aligned with Pāśupata-style devotion and discrimination between appearance and essence.
By describing the Supreme as Mahādeva who is one yet manifests many for cosmic governance, it fits the Purāṇic non-sectarian synthesis where the highest Lord is a single reality, expressed through different divine names and roles rather than competing deities.