Deity guide
Kurma Avatar
Kachchhapa, Kachhap Avatar, Kurma Narayana, Kurmanatha, Kamatheswara, Akupara, Amritamanthana Sahayak
Explore key symbols, mantra, worship traditions and related prayers in one place.
Avatars of Vishnu
Worship at a glance
Key traditions and symbols
Worship Day
Saturday, Thursday, and Ekadashi; especially Vaishakh Purnima, Kurma Jayanti
Offerings
Tulsi, water, milk, white or yellow flowers, fruits, Panchamrit, coconut
Color
Green, Blue, Gold, Yellow
Main Mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते कूर्मरूपाय नमः
Kurma Avatar
Kurma Avatar is the second of Lord Vishnu's Dashavatara. During the churning of the ocean, when Mount Mandara began sinking, Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise and supported it on his back. This avatar teaches that behind every great spiritual effort, there is hidden divine support.
Famous temples
Sri Kurmanathaswamy Temple, Srikurmam, Andhra Pradesh
Kurmai Temple, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh
Kurma Varada Temple, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Kurmai Ghat Temple, Uttarakhand
Tortoise Temple, Gavirangapur, Karnataka
Kurma Temple within Rangji Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Kurma Narayana Temple, Nepal
🎉 Festivals
Kurma Jayanti
Samudra Manthan Celebrations
Ekadashi Celebrations
Dashavatara Festivities
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Kartik Purnima
Significance
Kurma Avatar symbolizes stability, patience, foundation, balance, and selfless service. It teaches that spiritual churning may produce both poison and nectar, but with patience and divine support, the effort succeeds.