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 2023, Kurma Jayanti as per traditional North Indian calendars is on May 5. 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 ॐ 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