May 27: Happy Kurma Jayanti!

Last updated on: May 26, 2010 at 10:21 pm by David Charles

May 27: Happy Kurma Jayanti! 2010-05-26T22:21:25-06:00 David Charles

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Kurma Jayanthi, or Koorma Jayanti, is observed on the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma or Tortoise. Kurma Avatar is the second of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The purpose of Kurma Avatar was to keep Mount Mandara intact and help in the process of Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean. In 2010, the date of Kurma Jayanti is May 27.

Kurma Jayanti is observed on the Purnima or full moon day in the month of Vaishakha.

Kurma is also identified with Prajapati or Brahma. Prajapati took the form to continue creation. But the popular Kurma incarnation is that of Lord Vishnu.

To fight the Asuras and defeat them for once and all, Devas was advised to churn the ocean and get Amrut (potion of immortality) by Lord Vishnu. To churn the ocean, Devas need the help of Asuras, Mountain Mandara, and Snake Vasuki.

Mountain Mandara was used as the churning stick but as soon as the churning started mountain Mandara began to sink. To keep it afloat, Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Kurma and held the mountain on this back.

Special prayers are held on the day in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

(ht: Hindu-Blog.com)

Uncategorized

Previous Post

May 26, 2010

An Essay Contest! How do you live your Hindu identity differently from your parents?

Next Post

July 9, 2010 The Power of Namaste

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2010 July 2010 May 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

True or False: King Josiah found the Book of the Law hidden in the temple during repairs.

Select your answer to see how you score.

FALSE TRUE