Kurma Jayanti 2024: Date, Puja Vidhi, Significance And Wishes To Celebrate This Day Dedicated To Lord Vishnu

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 14:12 [IST]

Kurma Jayanti, also known as Shri Koorma Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival. It marks the birth anniversary of the Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated with great devotion, especially by the followers of Lord Vishnu.

Kurma Jayanti is an auspicious Hindu festival. It commemorates the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma (tortoise) during the 'Samudra Manthan'. This avatar is believed to be the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees worship him with great piety on this day. Let us know more about this day.

Kurma Jayanti 2024 Confirmed Date Time Puja Vidhi Significance And Greetings To Celebrate This Day Dedicated To Lord Vishnu

Kurma Jayanti 2024 Date And Time

This year Kurma Jayanti will be celebrated on Thursday, 23 May 2024. Kurma Jayanti Muhurat is from 16:25 to 19:10. The duration 02 hours 45 mins. Purnima Tithi will begin 18:47 on 22 May 2024 and the Purnima Tithi will end at 19:22 on 23 May 2024.

Kurma Jayanti 2024: Mythological Stories

It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as a turtle during the Samudra Manthan. This battle between the Gods and Demons took place in the sea. During this time, demons became very powerful under Bali's reign.

The Devtas were weak due to Rishi Durvasa's curse on Indra. Thus, Lord Vishnu suggested a battle in Ksheer Sagar where Devtas would consume Amrit. The Mandaranchal mountain was chosen as the center and Nagraj Vasuki as the rope.

The Mandaranchal mountain started drowning in Ksheer Sagar. Hence, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma avatar and lifted it on his back.

Kurma Jayanti 2024: Puja Vidhi And Rituals

The festival of Kurma Jayanti is observed on a full moon day in the Vaisakh month, during Shukla Paksha. Devotees take a sacred bath before sunrise and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with Tulsi, Chandan, Kumkum, flowers, and sweets. A strict fast is observed, and many devotees conduct silent fasting on this day.

Consuming cereals or pulses while fasting is not allowed. Only milk products along with fruits can be consumed. Devotees also perform aarti and distribute bhog among their families and friends. Those who observe the fast do not sleep at night and keep a night vigil while reciting the 'Vishnu Sahasranama'.

Kurma Jayanti 2024: Significance

The significance of Kurma Jayanti is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, specifically in the Puranas and the epic Mahabharata. According to ancient texts, during the time of the cosmic churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons), Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a tortoise, known as Kurma Avatar, to support Mount Mandara, which served as the churning rod.

As the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean using the serpent Vasuki as the rope, Mount Mandara began to sink into the ocean due to its immense weight. To prevent the mountain from sinking, Lord Vishnu took the form of Kurma and positioned himself beneath the mountain, providing a stable foundation for the churning process to continue. The churning of the ocean yielded various divine treasures, including the elixir of immortality (amrita), which played a crucial role in the subsequent battles between the Devas and Asuras.

The Kurma Avatar symbolizes divine support, stability, and sacrifice. Lord Kurma's selfless act of bearing the weight of the mountain illustrates the importance of perseverance, patience, and dedication in overcoming challenges and achieving divine goals. His appearance during the Samudra Manthan also signifies the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, highlighting the cyclical nature of existence in Hindu cosmology.