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In Hinduism, Kurma (Sanskrit: ?????) was the second Avatar of Vishnu,succeeding Matsya and preceding Varaha.

Like, Matsya this incarnation also occurred in Saty a yuga. The temples dedicated to Kurma are located in Kurmai, of Chittoor distri ct of Andhra Pradesh and Srikurmam, Andhra Pradesh. Contents 1 2 3 4 Samudra manthan (The Churning of the ocean) See also Notes External links

Samudra manthan (The Churning of the ocean) Main article: Samudra manthan Kurma Avatar of Vishnu, below Mount Mandara, with Vasuki wrapped around it, chur ning the ocean of milk during Samudra manthan. ca 1870. Purana scripture indicates that the sage Durvasa had given a garland to Indra, t he king of Gods. Indra placed the garland around his elephant, but the animal tr ampled it, insulting the sage. Durvasa then cursed the gods to lose their immort ality, strength, and divine powers. After losing the kingdom of heaven, they app roached Vishnu for help. He advised that they drink the nectar of immortality to regain their glory. To o btain it, they needed to churn the ocean of milk, a body of water so large they needed Mount Mandara as the churning staff, and the serpent Vasuki as the churni ng rope. The Devas were not strong enough to churn on their own, and declared pe ace with their foes, the Asuras, to enlist their help. Finally, Mount Mandara churned, but the force was so great the mountain began to sink into the ocean of milk. Taking the form of the turtle Kurma, Vishnu bore t he mountain on his back as they churned the waters.[1] Fourteen precious things arose from the turbulent ocean, culminating with Dhanvantari, the physician of t he gods, who brought with him the nectar of immortality. The Asuras immediately took the nectar, and quarreled amongst themselves. Vishnu then manifest himself as the beautiful Mohini and tricked the Asuras to retriev e the potion, which he then distributed to the Devas. Though the Asuras realize the trick, it was too late the Devas had regained their prowess, and were then abl e to defeat their foes. There are three temples dedicated to this incarnation of Vishnu in India, Kurmai of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Kurmam in Andhra Pradesh, and Gavir angapur in the Chitradurg District of Karnataka. The name of the village Kurmai mentioned above originated as there is historical temple of Kurma Varadarajaswam y(Kurmavatar of Lord Vishnu) god in this village.

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