Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 18
Ācamana-vidhi, Śauca, and Conduct Rules for Study, Eating, and Bodily Functions
मूले वा दैवमार्षं स्यादाग्नेयं मध्यतः स्मृतं / तदेव सौमिकं तीर्थमेतज्ज्ञात्वा न मुह्यति
mūle vā daivamārṣaṃ syādāgneyaṃ madhyataḥ smṛtaṃ / tadeva saumikaṃ tīrthametajjñātvā na muhyati
在根处，被视为具“天神”与“仙圣”之性的圣处；在中段，记为属火神阿耆尼（Agni）。同一圣处亦具“苏摩般”（Saumya，月性安抚）之德；明了此者不致迷惑。
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing sages/seekers on tīrtha-doctrine
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
Indirectly, it points to a unifying insight: the same sacred reality can be apprehended through multiple divine modes (Agni-like transformative power and Soma-like cooling grace). Knowing the one underlying tīrtha-principle behind differing descriptions prevents delusion—an approach consistent with the Kurma Purana’s integrative theology.
The verse emphasizes viveka (discriminative understanding) applied to sacred geography: recognizing the ‘root–middle’ energetic mapping (source as daiva/ārṣa, center as āgneya, and the whole as saumya) supports inner purification—fire as tapas/transformative discipline and soma as śānti/soothing clarity—complementary to Kurma Purana’s broader yogic and dharmic sādhanā.
By presenting a single tīrtha as simultaneously characterized by different divine principles (Agni/Soma; daiva/ārṣa), it reflects the Purana’s non-sectarian method: one sacred truth expressed through multiple forms. This harmonizing lens aligns with the Kurma Purana’s Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis, where apparent distinctions are integrated rather than opposed.