kurmas

Kurmas, in Hindu mythology, refers to the tortoise avatars of the god Vishnu. The term derives from Sanskrit kurma, meaning tortoise, and is used to denote the second avatar of Vishnu, who takes a turtle form to support the creation and preservation of the cosmos.

In the myth of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the Ocean of Milk, the tortoise form provides a stable base for Mount Mandara while the gods and demons work to raise the nectar of immortality. The mountain would have sunk without Kurma’s back; Vishnu embodies the tortoise and bears the burden, as the serpent Vasuki serves as the churning rope. The tale appears in multiple Puranas, including the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana.

Iconography commonly shows Vishnu in a tortoise form or a colossal turtle carrying a mountain on its back, with the ocean and churning beings nearby. Kurma emphasizes endurance, support, and the upholding of cosmic order.

In practice, Kurma is honored within Vaishnavism and is associated with preservation and steadiness. Kurma Jayanti, observed in some traditions, marks the appearance of the tortoise avatar. The myth connects Kurma to broader themes of dharma, cosmic balance, and divine intervention during critical moments.