Kurma Jayanti on 23 May 2024: How To Seek Blessings Of Lord Vishnu

Kurma Jayanti on 23 May 2024: How To Seek Blessings Of Lord Vishnu

Amongst all the Hindu festivals, Kurma Jayanti is one of the most sacred and auspicious festivals that celebrates the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the tortoise avatar, Kurma. This ceremony is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Vaisakha as per the Hindu Panchang calendar.

In 2024, Kurma Jayanti falls on Wednesday, 23rd May, with the Purnima Tithi beginning at 06:47 PM on May 22 and concluding at 07:22 PM on May 23.

Kurma Jayanti is a festival in Hinduism that holds deep religious and spiritual significance. It celebrates the divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who, according to our sacred texts, took the form of a huge tortoise to rescue the devas and uphold dharma during the famous Samudra Manthan episode.

Importance Of Kurma Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti celebrates the great contribution of Lord Vishnu's avatar as the powerful Kurma avatar in the epic churning of the ocean between the devas and the asuras, which was instrumental in preserving dharma and restoring cosmic equilibrium. As stated in the most sacred Puranas, the gods and demons cooperated in a laborious effort to stir the ocean of milk in order to obtain Amrita, the elixir of immortality. On the other hand, the huge Mandara mountain was used as the churning rod, and it started falling because of its unbearable weight. At this decisive moment, the Lord of Vishnu took the form of the huge Kurma avatar to support the mountain of Mandara on His immortal back, thereby making sure that the Samudra Manthan was completed successfully.

Kurma Jayanti is considered one of the most auspicious days for starting new projects, embarking on new ventures, and asking for blessings for personal and professional success. It is believed that any positive action initiated on this day has the potential to bring long-term success and stability as it is blessed by the grace of Lord Vishnu in his Kurma avatar.

In addition, the full moon on Kurma Jayanti is said to impact our emotions and minds. It is believed that the alignment of the planets will increase our intuition and allow us to think clearly and peacefully. This is the best time for spiritual practices, as the cosmic energies are said to be favourable for the spiritual development of the person.

Further, Kurma Jayanti is a day with positive cosmic influences that benefit students and individuals involved in academic or intellectual activities. It is said to improve concentration and comprehension of difficult ideas and to help in learning and development. The auspiciousness of Kurma Jayanti also makes it the best time to make resolutions and wishes. The cosmic energies are considered good for sowing the seeds of new ventures like starting a business, pursuing higher education, or even personal development.

Rituals For Kurma Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti is mostly celebrated by fasting, praying and worshipping, and most importantly, by devotion to Lord Vishnu. The devotees wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear fresh, clean clothes before the day's celebrations. Many others are seen to be following the strict norm of fasting by abstaining from all food and water until the evening of Purnima Tithi.

The main ritual is the Kurma Puja, which is performed during the Purnima Muhurat, and during this time, Lord Vishnu is worshipped by offering worship to his avatar of Kurma. Devotees spread the Kurma's sacred image or idol on a wonderfully decorated altar with fresh flowers, delicious fruits, and other auspicious materials.

The ceremonies begin with the invocation of the divine presence through sacred mantras and prayers. The next step is to offer panchopachar (five revered substances), naivedya (sacred food offerings), Aarti (waving of lighted lamps), and chanting of various hymns that glorify the incarnation of Kurma. Many people who are devoted to the Gods also fast and give to the poor on this sacred day.

At the end of the day, Purnima Tithi is celebrated with great enthusiasm by performing the sacred Purnima Snan (sacred bath) and special pujas to Lord Vishnu. The fast is broken by having Prasad, which is the sacred food, after sunset.

Advice and Suggestions

Those celebrating Kurma Jayanti can wear white or green clothes since these hues are associated with the divine energy of Lord Vishnu. It is also suggested to beautify the puja altar and one's abode with fresh Tulsi leaves, colourful flowers, and appealing smells to create a pervading spiritual ambience.

From a Vastu angle, the Kurma idol or image must be placed in the Northeast corner of the prayer room or temple because this is the direction of Lord Vishnu's cosmic energy, which is the dominant power in this sacred area. The cleanliness and orderliness of the worship area are also considered to generate positive vibrations.

Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram, verses of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita praising Lord Vishnu, or the Kurma Gayatri Mantra, is highly recommended on this religious day. These holy chants are thought to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, and by doing so, the Preserver aspect of the Holy Trinity is believed to be attracted.

Besides this, giving to charities and donating food, clothes, or money to the poor is also believed to be extremely worthy of Kurma Jayanti. It is a day to sow seeds of compassion, humility, and gratitude toward the Lord, who is omnipresent and bestows limitless grace.