Kurma Jayanti is regarded as the birth anniversary of Lord Kurma. As per the Hindu Panchang, it is commemorated on the full moon day (Purnima) in Vaisakha. The Gregorian calendar marks its occurrence in May or June. This year, we are celebrating the holy occasion of Kurma Jayanti on the 12th of May 2025.
As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Kurma Jayanti” in 2025 is as follows:
In the 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 symbolises grounding and rooting.
There's an interesting legend behind the rise of the Kurma avatar:
According to Hindu texts, 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 trunk 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 demigods that they would lose their strength 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 demigods were losing. Saddened and disappointed by this, all the demi-gods went to Lord Brahma & requested help. Ultimately, Lord Brahma suggested that they seek refuge from Lord Vishnu.
Then, all of them visited Bhagwan Shri Hari Vishnu. He told them that the only way to defeat the 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 the 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 the help of Asuras & beware of their shrewdness. He also assured the Devas that in the end, the Asuras won't be able to attain the nectar.
After this, Lord Indra & other demigods 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 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 into 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, symbolising 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 Shastras mention that Lord Vishnu has taken his Kurma avatar to restore Dharma during Samudra Manthan.
This story of Kurma Avatar symbolises 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.
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 symbolises 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”,
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 fulfilment. The acts of charity are also considered highly rewarding.
The day is also believed to be auspicious for the 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.
Kurma Jayanti is more than just a celebration—it's a profound reminder of the virtues that form the foundation of a righteous life. Lord Vishnu’s Kurma Avatar symbolises unwavering stability, humble service, and divine intervention in times of cosmic imbalance. The story of Samudra Manthan teaches us that even the mightiest endeavours require patience, teamwork, and spiritual grounding.
This day holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hindu culture. Hence, on Kurma Jayanti, the devotees soak themselves in deep meditation and focus on remembering the Almighty for a sustained life. Through fasting, prayer, and rituals like the recitation of the Kurma Purana or Vishnu Sahasranama, devotees seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings for strength, protection, and spiritual growth.
May the divine essence of Kurma Jayanti inspire us all to lead lives rooted in dharma, humility, and selfless service.
|| Om Namo Narayanaya ||
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