Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 48
Naimittika-pralaya and the Theology of Kāla: Seven Suns, Saṃvartaka Fire, Flood, and Varāha Kalpa
असंख्यातास्तथा कल्पा ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवात्मकाः / कथिता हि पुराणेषु मुनिभिः कालचिन्तकैः
asaṃkhyātāstathā kalpā brahmaviṣṇuśivātmakāḥ / kathitā hi purāṇeṣu munibhiḥ kālacintakaiḥ
同样，诸劫无量无数，具足梵天、毗湿奴与湿婆之性；诚然，诸位观时明时的牟尼已在诸《往世书》中加以宣说。
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) speaking as the cosmic teacher within the Kurma Purana’s Shaiva-Vaishnava synthesis
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
By presenting kalpa-cycles as “Brahmā–Viṣṇu–Śiva-ātmakāḥ,” the verse points to a single overarching reality expressing itself through creation, preservation, and dissolution—suggesting a unified divine ground behind the many cosmic phases.
The verse highlights kāla-cintā—contemplation of Time—as a contemplative discipline: reflecting on vast cycles of manifestation to cultivate detachment, discernment (viveka), and steadiness of mind, themes aligned with Purāṇic Yoga and the Kurma Purana’s integrative spiritual outlook.
It frames Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva as one cosmic continuum within the same kalpa-process, reinforcing the Kurma Purana’s non-sectarian synthesis where Śiva and Viṣṇu function as inseparable aspects of the one divine order.