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Kurma Jayanti 2024 date - Mantra - Puja - Importance Of Kurma Avatar Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti celebrates the second incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu – Kurma Avatar. Kurman means Tortoise and the aim of this particular avatar was to help the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) in helping in Samudra manthan (Churning of ocean). In 2024, Kurma Jayanti as per traditional North Indian calendars is on May 23.

Kurma Avatar symbolically represents stability. We need to remain stable when the world around us is being moved like the mandara mountain. We can get this stability only through unwavering devotion.

Kurma Mantra

Om Aam Hreem Kroum Kurmasnaya Namah

आं ह्रीं क्रों कूर्मासनाय नम:


Once due to a curse from Sage Durvasa, the Devas lost all their power and the demons gained upper hand in the battle between good and evil. Soon evil flourished and the demons drew the Devas out of heaven.

The Devas took refuge in Vaikunta and asked Lord Vishnu to help them. He suggested the churning of ocean which would derive Amrit (potion of immortality). By drinking Amrit the Devas will gain immortality and thereby they can defeat the Demons.

Mountain Mandara was used as the churning rod and Snake Vasuki was used as the rope.

But when the churning started the Mount Mandara started sinking as there was no firm foundation. Lord Vishnu took the form of Kurma or tortoise to keep the mountain afloat.

The day also celebrates the timely intervention of Lord Vishnu in the battle between good and evil.

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

Kurma Jayanti Puja

  • The puja is to be performed in the morning during sunrise. Wear yellow or red color dress.
  • Place a copper kalash in the east side of the house. The kalash should be filled with water,  few drops of milk, roli, til (sesame), shoe flower and Akshat. 
  • The lamp should be lit using red color oil.
  • Offer sindoor.
  • Light dhoop or agarbatti of natural fragrant flowers.
  • Offer prasad or naivedya or sweet of til and jaggery.
  • Offer red color flowers.
  • Chant the above given mantra 108 times.
Keeping Badam while performing puja and consuming it daily will help in curing physical problems.

What to do on Kurma Jayanti?

  • Fasting from sunrise to next day sunrise. Vrat food and fruits can be consumed. Drinking coconut water and juice of Pomegranate is considered meritorious.
  • Feed of aquatic animals earn merit.
  • Listening to story of Kurma Avatar. Reading of Kurma Purana.
  • Visiting Vishnu Temple.
  • Food donation and cloth donation is meritorious.
  • The vrat is performed for peace and prosperity.