Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 12
Kapālamocana: The Cutting of Brahmā’s Fifth Head, Śiva’s Kāpālika Vow, and Purification in Vārāṇasī
अन्वीक्ष्य देवं ब्रह्माणं यज्ञात्मानं च संस्थितम् / प्रोचुः संविग्नहृदया याथात्म्यं परमेष्ठिनः
anvīkṣya devaṃ brahmāṇaṃ yajñātmānaṃ ca saṃsthitam / procuḥ saṃvignahṛdayā yāthātmyaṃ parameṣṭhinaḥ
他们细察神圣的梵天——安住不动，且以祭祀（Yajña）之自性而立——心怀战栗的敬畏，宣说了关于帕拉梅什提因（至上统御者）的真实本义。
Sages (ṛṣis) addressing/declaring before Brahmā (Parameṣṭhin)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It frames the divine principle through the symbol of Yajña: Brahmā is seen as “yajñātmā,” indicating that cosmic order and sacred action are rooted in a single abiding spiritual essence.
The verse emphasizes anvīkṣā—disciplined inquiry and attentive contemplation. This aligns with Purāṇic yogic method: steady observation, reverent focus, and truthful articulation of realized understanding.
By presenting divinity as the inner Self of Yajña rather than a sectarian form, it supports the Kurma Purana’s integrative stance where supreme reality can be approached through multiple divine expressions within one dharmic order.