Kurma Jayanti is the day to celebrate Lord Kurma’s Jayanti. Kurma avatara is the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Kurma means the tortoise or turtle form of Lord Vishnu, who helped devas (gods) and demons (asuras) in churning of milk ocean (Samudra Manthan).

When is Lord Kurma Jayanti celebrated?
Lord Kurma Jayanti is celebrated on Vaisakha Purnima. In 2009, the date of Kurma Jayanthi is May 8, Friday.

Legend and Story behind the Kurma Avatar – Why Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Kurma?
Due to the curse by the great Sage Durvasa, all gods were defeated in war against the demons. Asuras (demons) pulled out gods from heaven and frightened them with their arm forces. Gods went to Vaikunta and prayed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu suggested the gods to perform Samudra Manthan (churning of milk ocean) to get nectar (Amrit), drinking of which would give them immortal lives.

Devas asked asuras to help them in Samudra manthan. Demons accepted to do so. Both demons and gods started to churn the ocean. For Samudra Manthan, Mount Mandara and Vasuki (the giant serpent) were used. When all of them started churning, Mount Mandara was started to sink in the ocean. To protect the Mount Mandara from sinking and to lay a foundation for Mandara, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma (tortoise or turtle). In the form of tortoise, Lord Kurma effectively helped for Samudra Manthan.

Other Festivals and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)