The Kurma Avatar, also known as the Tortoise Incarnation, is one of the ten primary avatars of God Vishnu. This avatar is believed to have taken place during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) in order to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). Here is the story of the Kurma Avatar:
The Churning of the Cosmic Ocean:
In ancient times, the Devas and Asuras were engaged in a constant battle for supremacy. The Devas sought the help of God Vishnu to regain their lost power and authority. Vishnu advised them to churn the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara) to extract the nectar of immortality, which would grant them invincibility.
However, churning the ocean was a colossal task, and both the Devas and Asuras needed a central axis to support the churning rod (Mount Mandara) in the middle of the ocean. They approached God Vishnu for help once again, and he agreed to assist them. To do so, he assumed the form of the Kurma Avatar.
The Kurma Avatar:
God Vishnu transformed into a massive tortoise and descended into the depths of the ocean. He placed himself beneath Mount Mandara, acting as the pivot or support for the churning process. The Devas and Asuras used the serpent Vasuki as the churning rope and began to rotate the mountain, churning the ocean.
During the churning, many precious and divine treasures emerged from the ocean, including the moon, the wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu, the Goddess Lakshmi (the consort of God Vishnu), the divine elephant Airavata, and various celestial beings.
However, as the churning continued, a deadly poison known as “halahala” also emerged from the ocean. This poison threatened to engulf the entire world. Seeing this, God Shiva came to the rescue and drank the poison, thus saving the universe. This event is known as the “Samudra Manthan” or the “Churning of the Ocean.”
The churning eventually produced the nectar of immortality, Amrita, which God Vishnu distributed among the Devas to restore their strength and vitality. The Devas were able to defeat the Asuras and regain their position of power.
After the successful completion of the churning, God Vishnu resumed his original form and returned to his heavenly abode.
