Story Summary
Explore the legend of Vishnu as Kurma, the giant tortoise who supported Mount Mandara during the Samudra Manthan to recover the nectar of immortality.
Long ago, the Devas lost their divine strength due to the curse of the quick-tempered Sage Durvasa. Seizing this weakness, the Asuras gained control of the three worlds. To regain their power, Lord Vishnu advised the Devas to churn the Ksheera Sagara, the Ocean of Milk, to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Realizing the task was too monumental to achieve alone, the Devas formed a temporary alliance with the Asuras. They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the great serpent Vasuki as the rope. However, as the churning began, the heavy mountain lacked a base and started sinking into the soft ocean floor. To save the mission, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Kurma, a colossal tortoise. He dove to the depths of the ocean and supported the mountain on his vast, impenetrable shell. With this stable foundation, the churning continued for years, eventually yielding many divine treasures, including Goddess Lakshmi and the precious Amrita, which allowed the Devas to restore balance to the universe.
The Moral
Great achievements require cooperation between opposing forces and a steady, unwavering foundation to support the collective effort.
“When the world begins to sink, the Divine provides the foundation to lift it back up.”
Fun Fact
The Kurma avatar is symbolically significant in evolutionary terms, representing the transition of life from purely aquatic forms to creatures that can live on both land and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Vishnu as Kurma?
The story teaches that success in monumental tasks requires collaboration and a stable, selfless foundation to support the weight of the endeavor.
Why did Vishnu take the form of a tortoise?
He became Kurma to provide a solid base for Mount Mandara, which was sinking into the ocean floor during the churning for the nectar of immortality.
What is the Samudra Manthan?
It is the 'Churning of the Ocean of Milk,' a key event in Hindu mythology where gods and demons worked together to retrieve divine treasures.
Who is Vasuki in this story?
Vasuki is the King of Serpents who allowed himself to be used as the churning rope, wrapped around Mount Mandara.
Why did the Devas need the Amrita?
The Devas had been cursed by Sage Durvasa and lost their immortality and strength; the Amrita was the only way to regain their divine power.
Which avatar of Vishnu is Kurma?
Kurma is recognized as the second of the ten primary incarnations, or Dashavatara, of Lord Vishnu.