Kurma

​ Kurma

__The Churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samurda Manthan)__

The Devas lost their strength and powers due to a curse by the sage, Durvasa, because Indra, the King of the Devas, had insulted the sages’ gift (a garland) by giving it to his elephant that stepped on it. After using their immortal and kingdom, they went to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu suggested that they need to drink the nectar of immorality to take back their lost glory. But, they needed to work hard to get their lost glory. They needed to work hard to get the nectar since it was hidden in the ocean of milk. After doing the truce of their enemies (Asaras) Indra and Devas together with the Asuras use the serpent, Vasuki as a churning rope and the Mount Mandara as the churning staff. When they began churning, the Mount began sinking into the ocean. Taking the form of a turtle (tortoise), Vishnu (Kurma) holds the entire Mountain and the churning continue and objects are thrown out, including the deadly poison Halaha, whos fumes, threatens to destroy the Devas and Asuras. Lord Shiva then comes to their rescue and gathers the entire poison in his hand and drinks it. Paravrti clasps his throat and the poison remains there. He became known as Neelakanta (the blue throated one). Fourteen precious things come out of the ocean. Some of the gods came up with the nectar of immorality. The Asuras rush to get the poison while quarreling among them. Vishnu again, comes to Earth in the form of a Damsel, Mohini and tricks the Asuras and receives the potion and it is given to the Devas.

__ Temples __

Sri Kurman is the only temple dedicated to the Kurma avatar. 



__ Symbols __

Conch Shell, Lotus Flower, Jewelry, Vase, A crown, his coat is covered with breathe air and walk out of the water developed. The turtle is also the symbol of perserverance. //Weapon:// Chakra

__Art__ red coat, seen as a turtle or sitting on one, yellow pants, jewley, lotus flowers growing around him, a tipped over vase, crown, halo in the back of him, and seen as colors of BLUE , GREEN ,AND PURPLE



In Hinduism, Kurma was the **SECOND** avatar of LORD VISHNU. Like the Matsya Avatar who also belongs to the Satya Yuga.

The turtle is the ugliest of all animals but it saved so many people from death but it still seems ugly.

Here are all of Lord Vishnu’s 10 avatars in order.

1) Matsya~ Fish 2) Kurma~Turtle 3) Varaha~Boar 4) Narashima~Lion 5) Vamana~Dwarf 6) Parashurama~Warrior 7) Rama~Human 8) Krishna~Human hippy 9) Buddha~Human 10) Kalki(has not come yet)~Horse

For more information of Kurma click here To learn more about the myth click here <span style="color: #b32bc5; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">For another picture click here