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Kurma Jayanti and gain Lord Vishnu’s Blessings

Being rich in its traditions and heritage, India celebrates an immensely important festival, Kurma Jayanti, well-known among Hindus.

On this auspicious day, Lord Vishnu in his Kurma Avatar i.e. his 2nd incarnation is worshipped.

People across the country treat this festival as a symbol of life and observe it with full fervour.

Several rituals and puja vidhis are conducted in the temples of Lord Vishnu to gain blessings of prosperity and a long life.

Kurma Jayanti Story

As per the Hindu Mythology, during the ‘Khseera Samudra Manthan’, the ‘Mandaranchal Parvat’ was used as the stick and Nagaraja Vasuki was taken as the cord to churn the ocean.

Lord Vishnu summoned the Devas along with Asuras to begin the process of churning the ocean for drawing out the nectar of immortality.

But the mountain started sinking, therefore Lord Vishnu appeared as a big tortoise and carried it on his back.

If the Kurma Avatar had not been there, the process of churning would have failed and the Gods would not have received the 14 divine gifts.

In addition to this, the churning of the ocean also pulled out a poison named ‘Halahala’ that was consumed by Lord Shiva to save the Universe from calamity and destruction.

From that time, Kurma Jayanti holds immense significance among Hindus and people express gratitude towards the eminence of Lord Vishnu.

Rituals For Kurma Jayanti

• Take a sacred bath before sunrise.
• Wear fresh and tidy clothes or Puja vastra known as worship clothing.
• Offer prayers by worshipping Lord Vishnu with offerings like burning incense, Tulsi leaves, Chandan, Kumkum, flowers and sweets.
• Observing a fast on this day is believed to be greatly favourable. Hence, many devotees conduct silent fasting or a stern Kurma Jayanti vow.
• During fast, consuming pulses or cereals is not allowed, and only milk products along with fruits can be taken.
• Complete austerity should be maintained and the observers are abstained from doing any kind of sinful acts or speaking lies.
• During the night, conduct a Jaagran and spend the entire night chanting Mantras to appease Lord Vishnu.
• Reciting the famous ‘Vishnu Sahasranam’ is considered very auspicious.
• Perform the aarti after all the rituals are completed.
• You can do charity or donations on the day of Kurma Jayanti as this brings great rewards. You can donate anything including food, clothes, or money to the needy or Brahmins.

Kurma Jayanti

This day is celebrated as Kurma Jayanti.

The Kurma Puran authored by Ved Vyas, details narrations of the various pastimes of this incarnation of the Lord.

Various other scriptures such as the Ramayan and Mahabharat too detail the episode of Samudra Manthan – Churning of the ocean.

In the eighteenth chapter of Vasudev Mahatmya the Lord says, ‘When the sons of Kashyapa churn the ocean with the Mandara Mountain as the churning rod, which has no base to rest on, I will carry that Mandara on my back, assuming the form of a great tortoise’. (Verse 19)

In this incarnation, the Lord Vishnu manifested as a tortoise.

Due to Sage Durvasa’s curse, the demi-gods lost all their wealth.  

The sage out of respect presented a garland of flowers to Indra who carelessly ignored his humbleness.

Indra’s elephant trampeled the garland, hence the sage in rage cursed Indra to loose all his wealth in to ocean.

You can read more in detail about this legend within Shree Vasudev Mahatmya

The Devtas approached Vishnu for help. Vishnu then asked them to churn the ocean of milk after adding medicines into the ocean.

Mt Mandara could be used a the churning stick he said.

He requested them to ask them help of Asuras in lifting the mountain in exchange for offer of the share of nectar of immortality that would ensue from the churning.

Both the devatas and the asuras churned the ocean using the serpent Vasuki as the rope.

At the start, playing a Machiavellian trick, Indra, king of the gods asked the asuras for the head end of vasuki.

But asuras suspecting foul play, took the head end, only to be deceived as the poison from Vasuki was slowly weakening them.

But as churning was proceeding the mountain was sinking and then Lord Vishnu took the form of the tortoise KURMA and kept the mountain afloat.

As soon as the bowl of amrita, the nectar of immortality was out, the asuras grabbed it.

Then Lord Vishnu took the form of an apsara, a beautiful maiden, and seduced the asuras into letting her distribute the nectar and also to abide by her order of distribution.

As soon as the devatas were served the maiden disappeared thus totally deceiving the asuras and making them totally weak. 

In the 3rd Vachanamrut of Gadhda Pratham Prakan the Lord says, ‘“Even a person who can constantly see the form of the Lord in his heart, should recall the pastimes performed by Him in His different incarnations in different places.

Kurma Jayanti

The festival of Kurma Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Vishnu in the form of a tortoise, known as ‘kurma’ in Sanskrit language.

It falls on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) in the month of ‘Vaishakh’ in the Hindu calendar.

In the English calendar, this date falls between May-June.

According to the Hindu legends it is believed that on this very day, Lord Vishnu in His avatar of ‘kurma’ lifted the gigantic Mandaranchal Parvat on His back during the ‘Ksheera Sagara Manthan’.

From then onwards Kurma Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Kurma (Tortoise).

This form is known to be second avatar of Sri Hari Vishnu and Hindu devotees worship Him religiously on this day with full gaiety and dedication.

On the day of Kurma Jayanti special pujas and ceremonies are held in Lord Vishnu temples all across the country.

The festivity at the ‘Sri Kurman Sri Kurmanatha Swami Temple’ in Andhra Pradesh is very grand and the festivities lure devotees from far and wide.

Rituals during Kurma Jayanti:

On the day of Kurma Jayanti, devotees keep a strict fast.

The vrat begins from the previous night and continues till the full day.

The observer of the Kurma Jayanti vrat does not sleep all night and stays awake reciting ‘Vishnu sahasranaam’ and other Vedic mantras.

Lord Vishnu is worshipped with devotion and affection on this day.

Devotees pray to their lord to seek divine blessings for removing obstacles in life and also ensuring prosperity and success.

On Kurma Jayanti devotees visit Lord Vishnu temples in the evening and witness the rituals held there.

Offering donations or charity to Brahmins is also an important event of the day.

Donations can be in the form of food, money, clothes or any other essentials of life and should depend on one’s financial capacity.

Significance of Kurma Jayanti:

Kurma Jayanti is an auspicious festival for Hindus.

On this day the Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu is revered by Hindus.

As per the Hindu mythological stories, during the celestial event of ‘Khseera Samudra Manthan’ the ‘Mandaranchal Parvat’ was used for churning the ocean.

However when the mountain began to sink, Lord Vishnu emerged as a giant tortoise and held the parvat on His back.

Therefore without this Kurma Avatar, the ‘Ksheersagara’ could not be churned and the 14 divine gifts or ‘ratnas’ would not have been bestowed to the Gods or ‘Devas’.

Henceforth Kurma Jayanti holds immense religious significance for Hindus and devotees express their gratitude for the greatness of Lord Vishnu.

The day of Kurma Jayanti is considered auspicious for initiating construction work owing to the popular belief that Yogmaya resides with Lord Kurma.

This day is even favourable for shifting into a new house or work related to Vaastu.

Kurma Jayanti Overview

Name Kurma

Avatar Lord Vishnu

Affiliation       Vaishnavism

Abode            Bharata Khanda, Vaikuntha

Mantra            Om Kurmaya Namah

Rituals during Kurma Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti is a day of solemn observance for followers who undertake a rigorous fast that commences the night before and extends throughout the entire day.

Those honoring Kurma Jayanti refrain from sleeping, staying vigilant through the night while chanting ‘Vishnu sahasranaam’ and other sacred Vedic hymns.

This occasion is marked by sincere reverence and adoration towards Lord Vishnu.

Devotees earnestly implore their deity for blessings to surmount life’s obstacles, as well as to secure prosperity and achievements.

In the evening of Kurma Jayanti, worshippers frequent Lord Vishnu temples to participate in the ceremonial rites.

An integral aspect of the day involves the act of giving alms or charity to Brahmins, which can manifest in the form of sustenance, monetary aid, garments, or other necessities, tailored to one’s financial means.

Significance of Kurma Jayanti

The celebration of Kurma Jayanti is a highly regarded occasion among Hindus.

It commemorates the Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu, a momentous event in Hindu mythology.

 According to ancient tales, the Mandaranchal Parvat played a crucial role during the celestial episode of ‘Khseera Samudra Manthan’ when the ocean was churned.

When the mountain started to descend, Lord Vishnu manifested as a colossal tortoise, supporting the parvat on His back.

The Kurma Avatar was essential for the successful churning of the ‘Ksheersagara’, resulting in the bestowal of 14 divine gifts or ‘ratnas’ to the Gods or ‘Devas’.

Therefore, Kurma Jayanti carries profound religious significance for Hindus, who express their deep gratitude for the magnificence of Lord Vishnu.

Tradition holds that initiating construction projects on this auspicious day is propitious, as it is believed that Yogmaya, a divine force, dwells alongside Lord Kurma.

Furthermore, Kurma Jayanti is considered favorable for activities such as moving into a new residence or engaging in endeavors related to Vaastu.

On this blessed day, those who honor Lord Vishnu receive the blessings of steadfastness and prosperity in their lives.

Through worship, individuals can rid themselves of sins and achieve well-being, riches, and joy.

Furthermore, you may find the strength to triumph over challenges and adversaries.

Wishing everyone a joyous Kurma Jayanti celebration.

Kurma Jayanti  

As the year progresses, Hindu devotees around the world prepare to celebrate Kurma Jayanti.

On this special day, people worship Lord Vishnu in his Kurma Avatar, his second incarnation as a tortoise.

It occurs on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) in the month of ‘Vaishakh’ according to the Hindu calendar.

Hindu legends believe that on this day, Lord Vishnu, in his Kurma avatar, lifted the enormous Mandaranchal Parvat on his back during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean of milk).  

Kurma Jayanti  

In Hindu mythology, there was a great event called the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).

 During this event, gods (devas) and demons (asuras) worked together to extract the nectar of immortality (amrita).

They used the Mandara Mountain as a churning rod and Vasuki, the serpent, as the rope. 

However, the mountain was so heavy that it started sinking.  

To prevent disaster, Lord Vishnu transformed into a giant tortoise named Kurma. Kurma held the mountain on its back, ensuring the successful completion of the churning process.

As a result, precious items, including the amrita, were extracted from the ocean.

This story highlights Lord Vishnu’s protective and sustaining powers.  

Significance of Kurma Jayanti  

Kurma Jayanti is a significant and special festival for Hindus.

People believed that without Lord Vishnu’s Kurma avatar, the ‘Ksheersagara’ would have not been churned.

Thus, the Kurma avatar signifies the importance of maintaining balance and steadiness in life, especially during challenging times.

This day is considered good for shifting house or work.

It is a day to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings for strength and stability in both personal and spiritual struggles. 

Rituals on Kurma Jayanti  

Many devotees observe a long day fasting.

The fasting begins the previous night and continues till the next day, very strictly.  

Special prayers and pujas are conducted in Vishnu temples. 

Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other traditional items to the deity, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and other hymns.  

Helping those in need is considered auspicious on this day.

Devotees donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the less fortunate as a form of worship and service to humanity.  

Story of Kurma Avatar

According to the legend, it is believed that Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of Kurma carried the Mandar mountain on his armor during the churning of Kshirsagar.

In this way, with the help of Lord Vishnu, Mandar Parvat and a serpent named Vasuki, the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean and obtained fourteen gems.

According to the legend, seeing the bravery of Devraj Indra, sage Durvasa presented him with a garland of Parijat flower, but Indra, not accepting it, wore Airavat and Airavat threw it on the ground, Durvasa got angry with this and cursed the gods.

Gave that the goddess of wealth Lakshmi should disappear.

Due to which the gods and demons went to Mahadav. Mahadav asked both of them to churn the Kshir Sagar together.

For the churning of the ocean, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma and with the help of Vasuki and Mandar Parvat, the ocean was churned.

Kurma Jayanti Celebrations

This form Sri Hari is known as the second incarnation of Vishnu and Hindu devotees worship him religiously on this day with full enthusiasm and dedication.

On the day of Kurma Jayanti, special pujas and ceremonies are organized in the temples of Lord Vishnu all over the country.

The celebrations at the ‘Sri Kurman Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple’ in Andhra Pradesh are grand and the festivities attract devotees from far and wide.

Kurma Jayanti Customs and Traditions

Kurma Jayanti Customs and Traditions

Special prayers are held on the day for Lord Vishnu.

Mantras

Kurma Mantras:

1.     !! TURANGMUKURAKARO VANMALANG CHAKRAVANHA !!

!! SHYAMLO HEMBINDUH SHREEMALA KURMA ASTUH DURLABHA !!

2.     !! Om namo bhagavate akuupaaraaya !!

!! Om nama bhagwate kurma rupine swaha !!

3.     !! Ksitir Atavipularatare Tava Tishati Prsthe !!

!! Dharani-Dharana-Kina-Chakra-Garisthe !!

!! Kesava Dhrta-Kaccapa-Rupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare !!

(O Keshava! You have become incarnate as Kurma!

The world rested on the ample expanse of Your shell, creating circular marks on it! Victory to you, O Hari, Lord of the Universe!)

Why is Kurma Jayanti Important to Hindus?

Kurma Jayanti is celebrated as Lord Vishnu on this day manifested himself in the form of a tortoise, which is known as “Kurma” in the Sanskrit language.

According to the Hindu Calendar or “Panchang”, Kurma Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day(Purnima) of the month of “Vaishakh”.
According to the holy scripture “Bhagavata Purana,” it is believed that to support the Madaranchal Parvat, Lord Vishnu took this avatar during “Ksheer Sagar Manthana”, and in the remembrance of this day, people started celebrating Kurma Jayanti.

As this incarnation is in the form of a tortoise, it is believed to be very lucky to start construction work or to shift to a new house according to “Vaastu”. So, this is what Kurma Jayanti Story is.

Why did Lord Vishnu need to take such an Avatar?

According to the Hindu Holy Scripture “Bhagavata Purana”, it is believed that when the “Ksheer Samudra Manthan” was taking place, the Madaranchal Parvat was used as the rod, and the Vasuki-the naga raj(The Chariot of Lord Vishnu) was used as the rope to churn the ocean during extraction.

During the course of extraction, the gods and the demons were asked to churn it to take out Elixir from it.

However, due to the gravitational pull and the weight of the mountain, the mountain began to sink and to stop the mountain from sinking, Lord Vishnu incarnated himself in the form of a Large Tortoise and took the Mandrachal mountain on his back so that the process could be continued.

Without the Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu, the process of churning the ocean and extracting the 14 gems from it for the Gods couldn’t be completed.

During the course of extraction, both Elixir and Poison was extracted, and there was huge chaos between the two groups, namely, the devas(Gods) and Asuras(Demons), to drink the Elixir.

Still, the third Avatar(Incarnation) of Lord Vishnu resolved the fight.

Now, the poison was left, which was then worn by Lord Shiva into his throat to save the universe from disruption because of which he famously was known and worshipped as “Neelkanth”.

This is the reason why Kurma Jayanti holds great importance in the hearts of people.

Rituals that are Performed by People from Many Years

Moving to Kurma Jayanti Rituals, devotees follow a strict fast on this day.

The fast starts from the night before the special day, and it continues all around the day.

The devotees who follow fasting on this day stay awake for the whole night reciting “Vishnu Sahastranaam” and doing Vishnu Puja.
There is a temple in Andhra Pradesh with the sculpture of Lord Kurma established inside it.

The devotees in this temple celebrate this day with immense sorrow and joy every year.

People visit the temple in the evening to worship the Lord and present various offerings such as fruits, sweets and coconut and perform donation and charity in the form of food, articles of clothing and money as per their will to the Brahmins and poor ones.

Benefits of Kurma Jayanti

By worshipping Lord Kurma on this day, a person can get success in the long term.

It helps to eliminate all the negative energies in life and welcome wealth, health and prosperity in life. It also helps to overcome competition and rivalry in one’s life.

We hope that you really understood the Kurma Jayanti.

And may Lord Kurma bless your life, forming it in the most beautiful way.

Kurma Avatar Story

According to legends, Lord Vishnu can be seen as a turtle in this incarnation which has been related to Samudra Manthan, i.e, the battle between Devas and Demons that took place in the sea.

It is believed that during the reign of Bali, the demons were very powerful and also had the powers of Shukracharya.

The Devas were not able to fight them as Lord Indra was cursed by Saint Durvasa and was powerless.

Taking advantage, Bali established his kingdom in all three lokas and the devas were wandering helpless.

All devas went to Lord Brahma and asked for help.

Lord Brahma along with all the devas, visit Lord Brahma ad tell him about the problem.

Lord Vishnu suggests about a battle which would take place in Kshir Sagar.

During this battle, the devas would consume Amrit (Holy water).

They would be immortal and would be able to kill the demons.

The devas agreed to this battle as suggested by Lord Vishnu.

They chose Mandaranchal parvat as the centre and Nagraj Vasuki as the rope.

They took the Mandaranchal parvat to Kshir Sagar but it started drowning as soon as it was left there.

During this time, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma and lifted Mandaranchal parvat on his back. Thus, the battle between the Devas and the Demons could be completed.

Significance of Kurma Jayanti

The day on which Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma is celebrated as Kurma Jayanti. This day is considered to be very important according to the Shastras.

Starting construction works on this day is considered to be very auspicious as it is believed that Yogmaya resides with Kurma.

This day is also auspicious for works related to Vastu, shifting in a new house etc.

Kurma Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti celebrates the second incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu – Kurma Avatar. Kurman means Tortoise and the aim of this particular avatar was to help the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) in helping in Samudra manthan (Churning of ocean).

In , Kurma Jayanti as per traditional North Indian calendars is on .

Kurma Avatar symbolically represents stability.

We need to remain stable when the world around us is being moved like the mandara mountain.

We can get this stability only through unwavering devotion.

Kurma Mantra

Om Aam Hreem Kroum Kurmasnaya Namah

ॐ आं ह्रीं क्रों कूर्मासनाय नम:

Once due to a curse from Sage Durvasa, the Devas lost all their power and the demons gained upper hand in the battle between good and evil.

Soon evil flourished and the demons drew the Devas out of heaven.

The Devas took refuge in Vaikunta and asked Lord Vishnu to help them.

He suggested the churning of ocean which would derive Amrit (potion of immortality).

By drinking Amrit the Devas will gain immortality and thereby they can defeat the Demons.

Mountain Mandara was used as the churning rod and Snake Vasuki was used as the rope.

But when the churning started the Mount Mandara started sinking as there was no firm foundation. Lord Vishnu took the form of Kurma or tortoise to keep the mountain afloat.

The day also celebrates the timely intervention of Lord Vishnu in the battle between good and evil.

Kurma Jayanti is observed on the Purnima or full moon day in the month of Vaishakha.

Kurma Jayanti Puja

• The puja is to be performed in the morning during sunrise. Wear yellow or red color dress.
• Place a copper kalash in the east side of the house. The kalash should be filled with water,  few drops of milk, roli, til (sesame), shoe flower and Akshat. 
• The lamp should be lit using red color oil.
• Offer sindoor.
• Light dhoop or agarbatti of natural fragrant flowers.
• Offer prasad or naivedya or sweet of til and jaggery.
• Offer red color flowers.
• Chant the above given mantra 108 times.

Keeping Badam while performing puja and consuming it daily will help in curing physical problems.

What to do on Kurma Jayanti?

• Fasting from sunrise to next day sunrise. Vrat food and fruits can be consumed. Drinking coconut water and juice of Pomegranate is considered meritorious.
• Feed of aquatic animals earn merit.
• Listening to story of Kurma Avatar. Reading of Kurma Purana.
• Visiting Vishnu Temple.
• Food donation and cloth donation is meritorious.
• The vrat is performed for peace and prosperity.

Kurma Jayanti (Shri Koorma Jayanti) – Observance and Significance

About Kurma Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti or Shri Koorma Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Vishnu in his incarnated form of a tortoise. In a literal sense, the word Kurma means a Tortoise in Sanskrit.

As per the Hindu scriptures, it is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a tortoise to lift the Mandarachal mountain during the Samudra Manthan.

When is Kurma Jayanti?

Kurma Jayanti takes place in the Vaisakh month during the Shukla Paksha and on the full moon day (Purnima).

According to the Gregorian calendar, the day is observed either in the month of June or May.

Visit choghadiya for Kurma Jayanti puja muhurta.

What are The Rituals of Kurma Jayanti?

Similar to other Hindu festivals, taking a holy bath before sunrise on this day is regarded as sacred.

After taking the bath, the devotees wear fresh and tidy puja vastra (worship clothing).

Devotees worship and offer prayers to Lord Visnu by offering Chandan, tulsi leaves, kumkum, incense sticks, flowers and sweets to the deity.

Observing a fast of Shri Koorma Jayanti is considered highly significant.

So, the devotees observe a silent vow or a strict Kurma Jayanti fast on this particular day.

The devotees who observe fast abstain themselves from consuming pulses or cereals and are only allowed to consume milk products and fruits.

During the observance of Kurma Jayanti Vrat, the observers are restricted to perform any kind of sinful or evil deed and are also restricted to speak lies.

The observers are not allowed to sleep during the night.

They must spend their entire time reciting Mantras in order to please Lord Vishnu.

Reciting of ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ is considered as highly auspicious.

Once all the rituals are finished, devotees perform aarti.

Performing charity on the eve of Kurma Jayanti is regarded as highly rewarding.

The observer should donate food, clothes, and money to the Brahmins.

What is The Significance of Kurma Jayanti?

Kurma Jayanti is one of the most auspicious and significant festivals for Hindu people.

It is believed that without the assistance of Lord Vishnu by taking the form of Kurma, Ksheersagara would not have been completed.

Lord Vishnu emerged as a giant Kurma (tortoise) and held the Mandrachal mountain on his back.

Thus, the day of Kurma Jayanti possesses great religious significance.

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

How to Celebrate Kurma Jayanti?

Devotees celebrate the day of Kurma Jayanti with utmost dedication and fervor.

On this particular day, special ceremonies and pujas are organized in various Lord Vishnu temples or at the place of worship.

Grand celebrations can be witnessed in Andhra Pradesh in ‘Sri Kurman Sri Kurmanadha Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Kurma.