Introduction to Kurma Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti is the celebration of the birth of Lord Vishnu in the form of a Turtle. In Sanskrit, Kurma means ‘turtle’, and was the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu during Satya Yuga. As per the Hindu Calendar, Kurma Jayanti falls in the Vaishakha month during the Shukla Paksha and on the full moon day or the Purnima. Kurma Jayanti 2020, falls on the May 7th, while at some places this Jayanti is observed on Nirjala Ekadashi, i.e, 2nd June.

More about Kurma Jayanti and its story

The Devatas and Demons had a battle in the sea relating to the Samudra Manthan. It so happened that during the Bali reign, the demons got extremely powerful thereby possessing the powers of Shukracharya.

As Lord Indra was cursed by Saint Durvasa & was left with no power, the Devatas were not able to fight the demons. On knowing this, Bali decided to take advantage & hence established his kingdom in all three Lokas. Helpless Devatas asked Lord Brahma for his help & then visit Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu then suggested that there would be a battle in the sea or the Kshir Sagar where the Devatas would have the Amrut or the holy water. Consuming this Amrut would make all the Devatas immortal, able to kill the demons. On getting ready for the battle, the Devatas choose Mandaranchal Parvat to be the center while Nagraj Vasuki as the rope.

They observed that this Parvat started drowning in Kshir Sagar, and this is when Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Kurma or the turtle & lifted Mandaranchal Parvat. And this is how the battle between the Devatas and Demons ended.

What to do on Kurma Jayanti

“Sri Kurman Sri Kurmanadha Swami Temple” is the famous temple dedicated to Lord Kurma and is located in Andhra Pradesh. Special poojas, rituals & ceremonies are organized on this day at the temple or at home. Here are a few rituals for you to follow on Kurma Jayanti.

• Take bath before sunrise, wear clean clothes to start the pooja.
• Offer Chandan, tulsi leaves, Kumkum, incense sticks, sweets & flowers to Lord Vishnu.
• The Vrat of this Jayanti begins from the previous night & continues till the next day.
• The observer of the Vrat should not sleep for the entire night & recite ‘Vishnu Sahasranaam’ along with other mantras.
• Donating food, clothes, money, etc are considered very important.
• Observing fast, rules, & Kurma Jayanti prayer benefits you with prosperity, success, & brings good fortune.