“Kurma Jayanti: Celebrating the Divine Avatar of Lord Vishnu and the Virtues of Stability and Selfless Service”

Kurma Jayanti is regarded as the birth anniversary of Lord Kurma. As per Hindu Panchang, it is commemorated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Vaisakha. The Gregorian calendar marks its occurrence in the month of May or June. This year, we are celebrating this holy occasion of Kurma Jayanti on ‘23rd May ’24.’

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Kurma Jayanti” in ’24 is as follows:

Kurma Jayanti on Thursday, 23 May ’24

• Purnima Tithi Begins - 06:47 PM on 22 May ’24
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 07:22 PM on 23 May ’24

Symbolism and Depiction of Lord Kurma in Hinduism:

In Sanskrit language, the word "Kurma" stands for "tortoise." Hence, Lord Kurma is often depicted as a mixed human-tortoise form. In paintings and sculptures, Kurma Avatar is often portrayed as a giant tortoise with four legs and a long neck.

Lord Kurma is believed to be the second divine incarnation (avatar) of Shri Hari Vishnu. Hence at some places, Lord Kurma is being depicted as Lord Vishnu sitting on the back of Kurma Avatar, holding a discus, a conch, and a mace, which represent power, knowledge, and devotion, respectively. He is also shown wearing his traditional attire, a yellow dhoti, and a crown on his head.

Kurma Avatar is also represented in various symbolic forms, such as the tortoise shell representing stability and protection. And in some forms, the depiction of tortoise posture in Yoga symbolizes grounding and rooting.

Legends behind “Kurma Jayanti”:

There's an interesting legend behind the rise of Kurma avatar:
According to Hindu mythology, once there lived a revered but highly tempered sage namely Durvasa. One day, he visited Lord Indra & offered him a garland. Lord Indra placed the garland in the tusk of Airawat (his elephant- Vaahan), who crumpled it. On being disrespected, Rishi Durvasa became furious. In his anger, he cursed Lord Indra and all other demi-gods that they would lose their strengths and powers.
At that time, a pitched battle was going on between the Devas & the Asuras. And eventually as a result of Rishi Durvasa's curse, the demi-gods were losing. Saddened and disappointed by this, all the demi-gods went to Lord Brahma & requested for help. Ultimately, Lord Brahma suggested them to seek refuge from Lord Vishnu.
Then, all of them visited Bhagwan Shri Hari Vishnu. He told them that the only way to defeat Asuras is by churning the ocean of milk to obtain the Amrit (elixir of immortality). Then, Lord Indra asked about how to do the same. To this, Lord Vishnu suggested adding all kinds of medicines like plants, herbs and creepers into the ocean. He also told them about using humongous Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki (the King of Snakes) as a rope to churn the mountain.
As the Devas had lost their powers, they were unsure if they would be able to lift a gigantic mountain on their own. To this, Lord Vishnu suggested to take help of Asuras & beware of their shrewdness. He also assured the Devas that at the end, the Asuras won't be able to attain the nectar.

After this, Lord Indra & other demi-gods went to meet Bali (King of Asuras). They informed him about their mission & appealed to seek help from Asuras beyond their battle. To this, Bali agreed. An agreement of nectar's equal sharing between Devas & Asuras was made.
As the Devas & Asuras initiated Samudra Manthan together, they put in full efforts to lift the mountain Mandrachal but couldn't take it to the ocean. At half distance, the mountain fell, squashing so many Asuras & Devas under it.
On witnessing this, Lord Indra sought help from Lord Vishnu. Ultimately, Lord Vishnu came with his Garuda & lifted the mountain to the ocean.
Then, Vasuki (to be used as a churning rope) draped himself around the Parvat. Finally, the Devas & the Asuras started churning the ocean. After some time, as there was no support at the bottom, the huge mountain started sinking in the ocean. Once again, the Devas requested Lord Vishnu to help them.
Then, Lord Vishnu appeared in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar to hold the mountain. He balanced the mountain on his back and supported it with his four legs. The churning then continued, and the Devas and Asuras were finally able to obtain the Amrit. During this process, Kurma Avatar's eyes were closed, and its head slightly bowed, symbolizing the importance of patience, humility, and selfless service.

It was also the same day of Kurma Jayanti when Lord Shiva consumed the poison (left after Samudra Manthan) in his throat to save the universe from destruction. And after this, we recognise Lord Shiva as 'Neelkanth.'

The holy scriptures mention that Lord Vishnu has taken his Kurma avatar to restore Dharma during Samudra Manthan.

This story of Kurma Avatar symbolizes the importance of stability, strength, and selfless service. It also teaches people the virtues of patience, humility, and perseverance. Hence, the festival of Kurma Jayanti is celebrated every year to remember the significance of Kurma Avatar and seek blessings from Lord Kurma.

Rituals & Traditions of Kurma Jayanti

Apart from this, in other forms of art and literature, Kurma Avatar is also depicted as a powerful deity who protects the universe from evil forces. He is often associated with the concept of Dharma or righteousness.

The depiction symbolizes the importance of patience, humility, and selfless service. Hence on Kurma Jayanti, Kurma Avatar is worshipped by devotees for his protective powers and association with righteousness.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Kurma Jayanti Muhurat - 04:27 PM to 07:04 PM on 23 May ’24
  Duration - 02 Hours 37 Mins

Other than offering prayers to Lord Kurma, the devotees also observe fasts for gaining stability and strength. In some parts of South India, people observe a unique ritual called "Kurma Vratam", where they prepare a special dish made of rice, lentils, and vegetables, and offer it to the deity. The dish is then distributed among the devotees as prasadam. The fast is broken only after the evening puja and after consuming the prasadam.

On this day, the recitation of Kurma Purana is also considered meritorious. Reciting 'Vishnu Sahasranama' on this auspicious day also blesses one with prosperity and desire fulfillment. The acts of charity are also considered highly rewarding.

The day is also believed to be auspicious for commencement of any sort of construction works.

The three famous temples where one can worship the Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu are: Sri Kurmanadha Temple at Srikurmam and Kurma Varadaraja Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh & Gavi Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Karnataka.

This day holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hindu culture. Hence on Kurma Jayanti, the devotees soak themselves in deep meditation & focus on remembering the Almighty for a preserved life.

|| Shubh Kurma Jayanti ||