Shri Koorma Jayanthi

Koorma Avatar is the second of the Dasha Avatarams.  Shri Koorma Jayanthi falls on Vaisakha Shukla Poornima.  

Koorma Jayanti celebrates the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu, known as Kurma Avatar (the Tortoise). This avatar played a crucial role in the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) to help the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons).

Key Points:

Purpose: Kurma Avatar supported the Devas and Asuras in churning the ocean to obtain amrita (nectar of immortality). The Devas sought this nectar to regain their lost powers and defeat the Asuras.

Story:

• Curse of Durvasa: Sage Durvasa cursed Indra (king of the Devas) to lose his powers after being offended by him. Consequently, the Devas were overpowered by the Asuras, leading to their exile from heaven.
• Churning of the Ocean: To restore their strength, Vishnu advised the Devas to churn the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. During this process, Mandara Mountain began to sink into the ocean.
• Kurma Avatar: Vishnu took the form of a tortoise (Kurma) to support and stabilize Mount Mandara, ensuring the churning continued.

Outcome:

• Emergence of Lakshmi: From the churning, Goddess Lakshmi emerged, whom Vishnu married.
• Distribution of Amrita: Vishnu also took the form of Mohini to distribute the amrita to the Devas, ensuring their victory over the Asuras.

Significance:

Koorma Jayanti commemorates Lord Vishnu's pivotal role in the Samudra Manthan. It acknowledges how Vishnu’s incarnations ensured the successful churning of the ocean, securing the well-being of the Devas and restoring cosmic balance.