Kurma Dwadashi 2026

Kurma Dwadashi falls on Pushya Shukla Dwadashi. It is a sacred day to remember and worship Lord Vishnu's Kurma (tortoise) avatar. Those who fasted on the previous day's Ekadashi break their fast with Dwadashi parana and spend the day in Vishnu puja and charity.

The Story of the Kurma Avatar

When the devas lost their strength due to the curse of Sage Durvasa, the devas and asuras together began to churn the Ksheera Sagaram (ocean of milk) for amrutham. They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki as the rope, but the mountain had no base and began to sink. Lord Vishnu then took the form of a giant tortoise and held the mountain on his back at the ocean floor. With that support the churning continued until amrutham emerged. Kurma is the second of the Dashavataras.

Srikurmam Temple

Srikurmam in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh is a rare ancient temple dedicated to the Kurma avatar, where the Lord is worshipped as Kurmanatha. Its stone carvings and the tortoises kept in the temple premises draw many devotees, and visiting it on Vishnu festivals like Kurma Dwadashi is considered especially meritorious.

How to Perform the Puja

• Bathe early and, if you fasted on Ekadashi, do parana at the proper time.
• Worship Lord Vishnu or Kurma Swamy with tulasi leaves and yellow flowers.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranamam, the Dashavatara stotram or the Ksheera Sagara Mathanam episode from the Bhagavatam.
• Offer payasam, pulihora and fruits as naivedyam.
• Give annadanam or vastradanam, which is considered auspicious on this Dwadashi.

Significance

The tortoise symbolises stability and patience. The Bhagavad Gita compares a person of steady wisdom to a tortoise drawing in its limbs, withdrawing the senses from their objects. The Kurma avatar reminds us that however turbulent life becomes, the Lord is our support.

May Lord Kurmanatha bless your life with steadiness and peace.