Cover Story

The Significance of Kurma Avatara - M Narasimhachary

What does the Kurma-incarnation of the Lord signify? Presented below is an article that probes into the mystery and mythology that surround this Gentle Giant.

Lord Vishnu, from time immemorial has been taking several incarnations for the establishment of righteous-ness (dharma) and for the protection of virtuous people. In this process, He also had to eliminate the evildoers. Sri Krishna said in the Gita (IV. 7-8): "I shall create myself whenever righteous-ness declines and unrighteousness raises its ugly head. I shall appear from time to time, so as to protect the virtuous, to destroy the wicked and to re-establish dharma." This declaration covers even avatara-s that preceded Krishna. One of the earlier incarnations, which played a major role in making the virtuous gods immortal by helping them obtain nectar (amrita) is that of a giant turtle, Kurma. We have to keep in mind the fact that there are two Kurma-s known to mythology. Both of course, are the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Two Kurma-s

Adhara Kurma

This supports the entire earth on its back. This is what the purana-s say. Sri Ramanuja in his text, the Nityagrantha, mentions that one has to first contemplate on the Adhara Sakti (power that serves as the foundation of everything) and then Mula Prakriti (the primordial nature), then on Lord Narayana who assumed the form of the Adhara Kurma (turtle that formed the foundation), then on Ananta (Adi Sesha) situated on the back of that Kurma and then on the Earth (Bhumi) with all the mountains, oceans, rivers, valleys and the like, situated on the hoods of Ananta. Then one has to contemplate on other worlds situated in the upper regions culminating in Sri Vaikuntha. One may also notice that the seat on which holy persons and pontiffs sit is shaped like the Adhara Kurma. One has to mentally contemplate on this Adhara Kurma before sitting for worship.

Click here to view the full content of the articles.

<< Back