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.
Date and Time
According to Vakiya Panchangam, Kurma Jayanti falls on Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Dwadasi Thithi starts on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 9:25 a.m. and ends on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 7:45 a.m.