Sanatan Gyan · शाश्वत ज्ञान

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Avatars · Second avatar

Kurma

कूर्म · The Tortoise

Lineage

Source deityVishnu →

About

कूर्म

As Kurma, Vishnu supported Mount Mandara so the ocean could be churned.

Symbolism

The tortoise marks steadiness and patience — a firm base beneath great effort.

Form & symbols

Tortoise form, foundation beneath Mount Mandara.

Stories

During the churning for amrita, Kurma held the mountain steady on his back.

Related deities

The Preserver

Vishnu

Goddess of Prosperity

Lakshmi

Dashavatara

All avatars — click a card to read the full details.

01 · First avatar

Matsya

मत्स्य

As Matsya, Vishnu saved Manu and the Vedas from the great deluge.

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02 · Second avatar

Kurma

कूर्म

As Kurma, Vishnu supported Mount Mandara so the ocean could be churned.

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03 · Third avatar

Varaha

वराह

As Varaha, Vishnu rescued the Earth from Hiranyaksha and lifted her from the waters.

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04 · Fourth avatar

Narasimha

नृसिंह

As Narasimha, Vishnu destroyed Hiranyakashipu to protect devotee Prahlada.

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05 · Fifth avatar

Vamana

वामन

As Vamana, Vishnu measured the three worlds in three steps and checked Bali’s pride.

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06 · Sixth avatar

Parashurama

परशुराम

Parashurama is the axe-bearing avatar who struck down kshatriya tyranny and injustice.

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07 · Seventh avatar

Rama

राम

Rama is an avatar of Vishnu who lives the ideal of dharma, duty, and compassion.

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08 · Eighth avatar

Krishna

कृष्ण

Krishna is the avatar of love, divine play, and supreme wisdom. In the Gita he teaches the path of life.

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09 · Ninth avatar

Buddha

बुद्ध

The Buddha avatar is seen as the form that teaches compassion, non-violence, and right knowledge.

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10 · Tenth avatar

Kalki

कल्कि

Kalki is the future avatar who will appear at the end of Kali Yuga to restore dharma.

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