Kurma

Kurma Avatar by Raja Ravi Varma

Kurmavatara (tortoise incarnation of Vishnu), from Garhwa, Allahabad District

Varaha, Kurma and Krishna (6125139812)

Kashyapa muni statue in Andhra Pradesh

Narad - Vintage Print

Raja Ravi Varma, Goddess Lakshmi, 1896

Kurma (Sanskrit: कूर्म; Kūrma), also known as the Tortoise Avatar, is the second Avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, following Matsya. Kurma is described as a divine tortoise who supported the Mandara mountain on his back during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk). This event is a significant episode in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the quest for the nectar of immortality (Amrita). The Kurma Avatar represents the principle of support and stability amidst the cosmic ocean of existence.

Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) sought the Amrita to become immortal. However, the nectar lay at the bottom of the ocean of milk. To retrieve it, they used the Mandara mountain as a churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as a churning rope. However, the mountain began to sink into the soft ocean bed. Vishnu, in his Kurma Avatar, supported the mountain on his back, allowing the churning to proceed and ultimately leading to the emergence of Amrita and various other celestial objects and beings.

Significance

The Kurma Avatar symbolizes the importance of a stable base or support for any endeavor. It also represents the idea of preservation and sustenance, which are key aspects of Vishnu's role in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), alongside Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer).

Iconography

In art and iconography, Kurma is depicted as a tortoise with the Mandara mountain on his back. Sometimes, Vishnu is shown emerging from the tortoise's shell, symbolizing his immanence in his creations.

Temples

There are several temples in India dedicated to the worship of Vishnu's Kurma Avatar. One of the most notable is the Srikurmam Temple in Andhra Pradesh, which is the only temple in the world dedicated solely to the worship of Kurma.

Cultural Impact

The story of Kurma and the churning of the ocean has been influential in Hindu culture, inspiring various artistic, literary, and religious expressions. It emphasizes the themes of cooperation between rivals (Devas and Asuras), the pursuit of divine blessings, and the importance of divine intervention in maintaining cosmic balance.

See Also

• Dashavatara
• Hindu mythology
• Samudra Manthan
• Vishnu

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