--> Skip to main content


How To Keep Brass Tortoise At Home In Hinduism?

By

Keeping a brass tortoise at home holds a deep significance in Hinduism, where it is considered auspicious and connected to spiritual and material prosperity. Rooted in Vastu Shastra and spiritual philosophy, the brass tortoise represents Lord Vishnu's Kurma Avatar, symbolizing stability, support, and persistence. Here's a detailed guide to keeping a brass tortoise at home, enriched with practices, prayers, and philosophical insights:

Placement and Significance

  1. Ideal Placement:

    • North or North-East: Encourages financial stability and prosperity. Ideal for workplaces or study rooms.
    • South-East: Enhances health and vitality. Place it in the bedroom or near a water element.
    • West: Supports creativity and relationships. Keep it in living or family spaces.
    • Center: Balances energy and ensures harmony in the household.

    Ensure that the tortoise is clean and placed on a clean surface, preferably a small platform, bowl with water, or a decorative plate.

  2. Material Considerations:

    • A brass tortoise specifically symbolizes protection, strength, and endurance. It is believed to dispel negative energy and improve the aura of the home.

Philosophy and Symbolism

  • The Kurma Avatar of Vishnu, the second avatar in Dashavatara, is depicted as a giant tortoise that supported Mount Mandara during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). It signifies:

    • Patience and resilience.
    • The support of divine power during life's struggles.
    • The need to balance material and spiritual pursuits.

  • The tortoise also symbolizes withdrawal, urging individuals to retract from distractions and focus inward, reflecting the yogic philosophy of pratyahara.

Mantras and Prayers

  1. Mantras of Lord Vishnu (Kurma Avatar):

    • "Om Kurmaya Namaha": Chant this 108 times daily to invoke the blessings of the Kurma Avatar.
    • "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya": A universal Vishnu mantra that ensures divine protection and guidance.
    • Recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) amplifies the spiritual atmosphere.

  2. Shiva Mantra for balance and harmony:

    • "Om Namah Shivaya": Chant it to complement the energy of the brass tortoise with Shiva’s calm and transformative power.
    • Regularly offer prayers to Lord Shiva alongside Vishnu to maintain cosmic balance.

Daily Routine

  1. Morning Rituals:

    • Clean the tortoise with a damp cloth to keep its surface bright and reflective.
    • Light a diya (oil lamp) and offer fresh flowers near the tortoise. Recite the Kurma Avatar mantras or read a small section of Vishnu-related scriptures like Bhagavata Purana.

  2. Evening Practices:

    • Meditate for a few minutes near the tortoise, focusing on gratitude and stability in life.
    • Read verses from Shiva Purana or other sacred texts to deepen your connection with the cosmic forces represented by Vishnu and Shiva.

Practical Suggestions

  1. Use Water for Energy Flow: Place the brass tortoise in a small bowl of water, as water enhances the tortoise's positive energies. Change the water daily to maintain purity.

  2. Discipline and Focus:

    • Avoid placing the tortoise in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas of clutter.
    • Maintain discipline in your actions and thoughts. A clean and organized home reflects your inner self.

  3. Lesser-Known Practices:

    • Surround the tortoise with crystals like quartz or amethyst to amplify its protective energy.
    • Place coins or rice around the tortoise to symbolize abundance and prosperity.

Reading of Scriptures

  1. Kurma Purana: This text discusses the Kurma Avatar in detail, offering insights into its significance in the cosmic order.

  2. Vastu Shastra Texts: Reading about the principles of Vastu can deepen your understanding of the tortoise's symbolic role in harmonizing energies at home.

  3. Shiva Purana and Bhagavad Gita: Regular study helps connect the wisdom of Vishnu and Shiva to your daily life, fostering a balanced and spiritually aligned lifestyle.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. The tortoise is considered a symbol of cosmic order, with its shell representing the heavens, its body the earth, and its underside the underworld.
  2. In Hindu art, the tortoise is often depicted as carrying a lotus, signifying creation and divine balance.
  3. The Kurma Avatar is associated with the emergence of amrita (nectar of immortality), reminding devotees of the importance of perseverance in achieving ultimate goals.

Incorporating Discipline

  1. Align your daily routine with the three-fold path of karma (action), jnana (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion).
  2. Practice Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness), values represented by the tortoise's serene nature.

By understanding and applying these methods and principles, the brass tortoise becomes not just a decorative item but a spiritual tool that harmonizes energies and aligns your household with the deeper philosophies of Hinduism.