Editing Kurma (section)

== Puranas ==
{{Original research section|date=June 2020}}
J.W. Wilkins states that the 'probable' origin of Kurma is as an incarnation of [[Prajapati]] (i.e. [[Brahma]]) in the Shatapatha Brahmana (7:5:1:5-7), but as 'the worship of Brahma became less popular, whilst that of Vishnu increased in its attraction, the names, attributes, and works of one deity seem to have been transferred to the other'.<ref name=":42" />{{sfn|Nanditha_Krishna|2009|p=40}}

Kurma as well as [[Varaha]], the boar avatar of Vishnu, was both associated with the Creator Prajapati. [[Hermann Jacobi]] suggests that Prajapati may have worshipped in these animal forms.{{sfn|Roy|2002|p=14}} With Vishnu gaining the status of the Supreme God, the actions of Prajapati were transferred to Vishnu.{{sfn|Roy|2002|p=14}}

In post-Vedic literature, including the [[Puranas]], Kurma is inextricably linked with the legend of the churning of the [[Kshir Sagar|Ocean Of Milk]], known as the [[Samudra manthan|Samudra Manthana]]. Kurma is also directly linked with [[World Turtle|Akupara]], the so-called 'world-turtle' that supports the Earth, usually with [[Shesha|Sesa]].

The tale of Vishnu appearing as Kurma to support the sinking Mandara mountain is narrated in a chapter in the ''Agni Purana'' dedicated to Samudra Manthana. The narrative starts with the curse of sage Durvasa to the gods (devas), who lose to the asuras in battle and seek refuge in Vishnu. The asuras and the devas unite to churn the milk ocean, with Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki as the rope. Kurma appears to support the mountain. The poison Halahala appears from the ocean, which is drunk by Shiva to save the world. After which, various divine objects emerge from the churning of the ocean, ending with the god Dhanavantri carrying the vessel of Amrita. When the asuras steal the pot, Vishnu assumes the form of the seductress Mohini and grabs it from the asuras and distributes it to the gods. Rahu assumes a form of a deva and drinks the amrita and is decapitated by Vishnu.{{sfn|Shastri|Bhatt|Gangadharan|1998|pp=5-7}} 

A similar narrative is also given in the ''Vishnu Purana''; Vishnu is described to participate in the churning in many forms - Kurma as the base of the mount, in one form he sits on top of Mandara and in other forms, helps the gods and the demons pull the serpentine rope.{{sfn|Aiyangar|1901|pp=222-3}}{{sfn|Wilson|1862|p=143|loc=Chapter IX}} The ''Brahmanda Purana'' states that Vishnu in the form of Brahma supports the mount; while as Narayana invigorated the gods.{{sfn|Tagare|1999|pp=1062-3}} The ''Vayu Purana'', the ''Padma Purana'' have similar narratives; the ''Bhagavata Purana'' also narrates the tale.{{sfn|Wilson|1862|pp = 146-8}} 

The ''Bhagavata Purana'' describes the form of Vishnu as Ajita, the son of Vairaja and Sambhuti, who assumed the form of the tortoise to rescue Mandara from drowning.{{sfn|Shastri|Tagare|1999|p=1018}} He is further called the first tortoise.{{sfn|Shastri|Tagare|1999|p=1031}} In another instance, it states that the ocean tides are a result of the breathing of Kurma, who had become drowsy due to the scratching of Mandara on his back.{{sfn|Shastri|Tagare|1999|p=2205}} 

Samudra Manthana is alluded briefly in the ''Kurma Purana'', the ''Linga Purana'', the ''Brahma Vaivarta Purana'' and the ''Shiva Purana''.{{sfn|Wilson|1862|pp = 146-8}}{{sfn|Nagar|2005|p=366|loc=Part I}}

Variations in these narratives alter the number and order of the divine articles appearing from the churning of the ocean. The number ranges from 9 to the popular list of 14. The common list includes the poison Halahala (Kalakuta), Varuni (Sura) - goddess of liquor, the divine horse Uchhaishravas, the gem Kaustubha, the goddess Lakshmi (Sri), the [[Apsara]]s, the cow of plenty [[Kamadhenu|Surabhi]], the white elephant Airavata and Dhanavantri with the pot of ''amrita'' (sometimes enumerated as two objects). Other objects include the umbrella of [[Varuna]], earrings taken by Indra for his mother [[Aditi]], the bow of Vishnu [[Sharanga (Hindu mythology)|Sharanga]], the conch of Vishnu ([[Shankha]]), Nidra - the goddess of sloth, [[Alakshmi]] or Jyestha - the goddess of misfortune and the Tulasi plant.{{sfn|Wilson|1862|pp = 146-8}}

In the ''Matsya Purana'', Vishnu states that his form the [[world turtle]] Kurma, which supports all the worlds on his back, be requested by the gods to aid in the Samudra Manthana. Kurma is placed in Patala as the base of Mount Mandara.{{sfn|Talukdar_of_Oudh|1916|p=284}} The ''Shiva Purana'' explicitly praises Vishnu as the world turtle who supports the Earth.{{sfn|Shastri|2002a|p=1115}} The ''[[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]]'' states the serpent Shesha who supports the universe over his hoods, sits on Kurma, who lies in the wind or the waters.{{sfn|Nagar|2005|pp=138, 340|loc=Part I}}

The ''Vishnu Purana'' narrative of Vishnu's boar avatar [[Varaha]] alludes to the Matysa and Kurma avatars, saying that Brahma (identified with Narayana, an epithet transferred to Vishnu) took these forms in previous ''kalpa''s.{{sfn|Wilson|1862|pp=57–8}} 

In the tale of the battle of the demon [[Bhandasura]] and the goddess [[Tripura Sundari|Lalita]] in the ''Brahmanda Purana'', Lalita creates Kurma to shelter her goddess army who was drowning in the ocean, created by a weapon used by the demon.{{sfn|Tagare|1999|p=1206}}

In the ''Agni Purana'', the [[Shaligram]] stone for Kurma is described as black in colour with circular lines and an elevated hinder part.{{sfn|Shastri|Bhatt|Gangadharan|1998|p=125}}

Kurma is invoked in worship of Vishnu in various scriptures.{{sfn|Shastri|Bhatt|Gangadharan|1998|pp=50, 729, 871}}{{sfn|Brahma Purana|1955|pp=348, 390}}{{sfn|Varaha Purana|1960|pp=1, 31}} The ''Brahma Purana'' salutes Kurma in a hymn as the "great tortoise", who "lifted the Earth and kept the mountain aloft".{{sfn|Brahma Purana|1955|p=395}} The ''Linga Purana'', the ''Garuda Purana'' and the ''Shiva Purana'' similarly praises Vishnu as the one who kept the Mandara mountain aloft or the one who supported Mandara during the churning of the ocean as a tortoise.{{sfn|Shastri|1990|p=514}}{{sfn|Shastri|2000|p=873}}{{sfn|Shastri|Tagare|1999|p=27}}

The ''Agni Purana'', the ''Markendeya Purana'', the ''Vishnu Purana''  and the ''Brahma Purana'' state that Vishnu resides in [[Bharata Khanda|Bharata]] (the [[Indian subcontinent]]) in the form of Kurma.{{sfn|Shastri|Bhatt|Gangadharan|1998|p=326}}{{sfn|Brahma Purana|1955|p=104}}{{sfn|Wilson|1862a|pp = 125-6 }} The''Markendeya Purana'' gives a detailed description of various lands of the region and constellations and zodiac stars corresponding to nine parts of the tortoise - mouth, four feet, tail, centre and two sides of its belly.{{sfn|Dutt|1896|pp=255-61}}{{sfn|Wilson|1862a|p = 133}} The ''Bhagavata Purana'' states Vishnu stays as Kurma in the Himalayan continent (''Hiraṇmaya-varsa'').{{sfn|Shastri|Tagare|1999|p=728}}

The ''Kurma Purana'' is one of four Puranas that bear the names of Vishnu's avatars. The Purana is narrated by Kurma to the king [[Indradyumna]] and later to the sages and the gods at the time of Samudra Manthana.{{sfn|Gupta|1972|pp=i-ii}} The detailed tale of the Samudra Manthana is absent from the Purana and alludes to Kurma as the one who supported Mount Mandara.{{sfn|Gupta|1972|p=3}} The ''Kurma Purana'' is stated to be narrated by Kurma and is prescribed to be gifted with a golden statue of a tortoise in the ''Agni Purana''.{{sfn|Shastri|Bhatt|Gangadharan|1998|p=734}}

The ''Agni Purana'' prescribes that Kurma be depicted in zoomorphic form as a tortoise.{{sfn|Shastri|Bhatt|Gangadharan|1998|p=129}}

In the narrative of the battle between Shiva's manifestation [[Virabhadra]] and Vishnu's avatar [[Narasimha]] of the ''Linga Purana'' and the ''Shiva Purana'', Virabhadra mocks Narasimha-Vishnu stating that Kurma's skull adorns the necklace of Shiva.{{sfn|Shastri|1990|p=516}}{{sfn|Shastri|2002a|p=1117}}

In a passing reference in the ''Vishnu Purana'' and the ''Markendeya Purana'' narrative of [[Varaha]], Brahma - identified with Narayana - decides to take the form of the boar Varaha, similar to the forms of the fish (Matsya) and tortoise (Kurma), he took in previous ''kalpa''s.{{sfn|Dutt|1896|p=204}}

The ''Linga Purana'', the ''Varaha Purana'' and the ''Shiva Purana'' mention Kurma as second in its Dashavatara listing.{{sfn|Shastri|1990|p=774}}{{sfn|Shastri|2000|p=873}}{{sfn|Shastri|2002b|pp=2031, 2043}}{{sfn|Varaha Purana|1960|p=13}}

The ''Varaha Purana'' <!-- and the ''Margashirsha-Mahatmya'' of the ''Padma Purana''  --> recommends a ''[[vrata]]'' (vow) with fasting and worshipping Kurma-Vishnu in a three lunar-day festival culminating on the [[dvadashi|twelfth lunar day]] in the bright half of the [[Pausha]] month. The first day of the ''vrata'' is said to be the day when Vishnu assumed the Kurma form in Samundra manthan.{{sfn|Varaha Purana|1960|pp=123-4}}<!-- {{sfn|Skanda Purana|1998a|pp=253–6}} -->

The ''Bhagavata Purana'' lists Kurma the eleventh avatar of Vishnu in the list of 22 avatars.{{sfn|Shastri|Tagare|1999|p=27}} The ''Garuda Purana'' lists him as the eleventh of 20 avatars,{{sfn|Garuda_Purana|2002|p=5}} elsewhere he is mentioned as the second of the Dashavatara.{{sfn|Garuda_Purana|2002|p=265}} 

The ''Vishnu Sahasranama'' version from the ''Garuda Purana'' mentions ''Kurma'' as an epithet of Vishnu.{{sfn|Garuda_Purana|2002|p=62}} The ''Garuda Purana'' addresses Kurma in hymns to Vishnu.{{sfn|Garuda_Purana|2002|p=101}} He is associated with the south-western direction.{{sfn|Garuda_Purana|2002a|p=579}}

=== Narada Purana ===
{| class="wikitable"
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! rowspan="2" |[[Narada Purana|Narada]]
!References
!Notes
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|'''Part 1:''' 2.37, 10.3-4;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12945|title=THE NARADA-PURANA PART. 1|last=N.A|date=1950|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PRIVATE LIMITED, DELHI DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 2:''' 44.26b-28a, 50.89-91, 54.11, 56.739b-745, 59.36, 62.53;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.20659|title=THE NARADA-PURANA PART. 2|last=N.A.|date=1950|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 3:''' 82.6-7, 89;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.21516|title=THE NARADA-PURANA PART. 3|last=N.A.|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 4:''' 119.14-19, '''Uttara Bhaga:''' 8.7-11;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12976|title=THE NARADA-PURANA PART. 4|last=N.A|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 5:''' '''Uttara Bhaga:''' 52.29b-35, 68.4<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12978|title=THE NARADA-PURANA PART. 5|last=N.A|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref>
|The Narada Purana focuses on worship and rituals.
|}

{{blockquote|It was this [Mandara] mountain that was formerly lifted up by [[Hari]] (in the form of [the] Divine Tortoise) and used for churning (the milk ocean) by the [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] and [[Danava (Hinduism)|Danavas]]. Sindhu (the ocean) which extends to six hundred thousand Yojanas is the deep pit made by this mountain. This great mountain was not broken even when it rubbed against the physical body of the Divine Tortoise. O leading king, when it fell into the ocean all the hidden parts of the ocean were exposed by the mountain. O Brahmanas, water gushed out from this mountain [and] went up through the path of the Brahmanda (Cosmic Egg). Great fire was generated by this mountain due to attrition when it came into contact with the bony shell of the (Divine) Tortoise... It was for a great period of time viz. ten thousand years than this mountain ground and rubbed the armlets of the discus-bearing Lord.|source= Narada Purana (unknown translator), Part 4, Uttara Bhaga, Chapter 8, Verses 7-8 and 11|sign=}}
[[File:Narad - Vintage Print.jpg|thumb|280x280px|[[Narada]] with his [[Veena]] (or Vina).]]
In the [[Naradiya Purana|Narada Purana]], a brief synopsis of the [[Samudra manthan|Samudra Manthana]] is given by [[Brahma]] to [[Mohini]], as quoted above (Part 4: 8.7-11). There are two other notable mentions of this legend. The first is by [[Shaunaka|Saunaka]] who said 'When there was an impediment at the time of churning the ocean for the sake of nectar, he [Kurma] held the mount Mandara on his back, for the welfare of the gods. I seek refuge in that Tortoise' (Part 1: 2.37). In the second, it is stated 'it was when the milk-ocean was churning that [[Kaumodaki|Kamoda]] was born among the four jewels of Virgins' (Part 5: Uttara Bhaga: 68.4). Other details include:

* Several [[Allegory|allegories]] of the tortoise drawing in its limbs are given, including in relation to the creation and withdrawal of living beings (Part 2: 44.26b-28a) and withdrawing the sense organs (Part 2: 50.89-91, and 59.36)
* The division of the Earth - ''Kurma-vibhaga'' - is in relation to the [[Hindu astrology|Jyotisa]], an auxiliary text of the [[Vedas]] (Part 2: 54.11 and 56.739b-745)
*Kurma is one of the ten primary avatars ([[Dashavatara]]) of [[Vishnu]] (Part 4: 119.14-19)

=== Padma Purana ===
{| class="wikitable"
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! rowspan="2" |[[Padma Purana|Padma]]
!References
!Notes
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|'''Part 1:''' 3.25b-29, 4, 5.81-87, 13.146b, 13.180, 13.186, 14.22-27;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/padma_purana_part1_english|title=Padma Purana Part 1 Srishti Khanda Motilal Banarsidass 1988|last=N. A. Deshpande|date=1988-01-01}}</ref> '''Part 2:''' 41.38-44a, 47.77-78, 47.85, b-8649.120-122a, 53.3, 75.90;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/padma_purana_part2_english|title=Padma Purana Part 2 Srishti Khanda Motilal Banarsidass 1989|last=N. A. Deshpande|date=1989-01-01}}</ref> '''Part 5:''' 8–10;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.21800|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART. 5|last=N.A|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 6:''' 78.28-43;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.22055|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART. 6|last=N.A|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 7:''' 5.12-20, 30.11-15, 66.44-54, 71.23-29b, 71.169-188, 71.244-264, 78.16-29;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12949|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART. 7|last=N.A|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 8:''' 97.6b-8, 120.51b-73;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12952|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART. 8|last=N.A|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 9:''' 228.19-24, 229.40-44, 230.3-11, 231–232, 237.15-19;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12954|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART. 9|last=N.A|date=1956|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 10:''' 6.175-190, 11.80-89, 11.92b-101, 17.103-117<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.21961|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART.10|last=N.A.|date=1956|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref>
|No notable mentions in parts 3 or 4<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.21960|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART. 3|last=N.A.|date=1951|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12948|title=THE PADMA-PURANA PART. 4|last=N.A|date=1952|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref>
|}

{{blockquote|[[Vishnu|Visnu]] himself, remaining in the ocean in the form of a tortoise, nourished the gods with unusual lustre... the goddess [[Varuni]] became (manifest), Her eyes were rolling about due to intoxication... [she said:] "I am a goddess giving strength. The demons may take me". Regarding Varuni as impure, the gods let her go. Then the demons took her. She became wine after being taken (by them)... Then the deadly poison (came up). By it all gods and demons with (other) deities were afflicted. Mahadeva [<nowiki/>[[Shiva]]] took and drank that poison at his will. Due to drinking it Mahadeva had his throat turned dark blue. The [[Nāga|Nagas]] drank the remaining poison that had come up from the White [Milky] Ocean.|source=Padma Purana (translated by N.A. Deshpande, 1988), Part 1, Chapter 4, Verses 41-56}}
[[File:Raja Ravi Varma, Goddess Lakshmi, 1896.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|The Goddess [[Lakshmi]], consort of [[Vishnu]] also known as 'Sri'.]]
In the [[Padma Purana]] three accounts of the [[Samudra manthan|Samudra Manthana]] are given, all beginning with [[Indra]] being cursed by [[Durvasa]]s for arrogance. In the first, narrated by [[Pulastya]], as a result of the curse the 'three worlds, along with Indra, were void of affluence... [and] the [[Daitya]]s (sons of [[Diti]]) and [[Danava (Hinduism)|Danavas]] (sons of [[Danu (Asura)|Danu]]) started military operations against [the] gods', forcing them to seek refuge with [[Vishnu]]. [[Vasuki]] is used as a rope to churn the ocean. Notably, during the churning, [[Varuni]] (Goddess of Wine) is upon emerging rejected by the gods and accepted by the [[asura]]s, the opposite of the account given in the [[Brahmanda Purana]] (to explain the meaning of 'Asura'). Unnamed poison also emerges which is drunk by [[Shiva]], before the emergence of [[Dhanvantari]] with the nectar of immortality ([[Amrita]]) as well as [[Lakshmi]]. Although the asuras take the nectar, Vishnu assumes the form of [[Mohini]] to trick them and give it to the gods. The asuras are destroyed, with the Danavas since then becoming 'eager for (the company of) ladies' (Part 1: 4).

{{blockquote|O gods, Indira (i.e. [[Lakshmi|Laksmi]]), due to whose mere glance the world is endowed with glory, has vanished due to the curse of the [[Brahmin|Brahmana]] (viz. [[Durvasa]]s). Then, O gods, all of you, along with the demons, having uprooted the golden mountain Mandara and making it, with the king of serpents going round it, the churning-rod, churn the milky ocean. O gods, from it Laksmi, the mother of the world will spring up. O glorious ones, there is no doubt that because of her you will be delighted. I myself, in the form of a tortoise, shall fully hold the (Mandara) mountain (on my back).|source=Padma Purana (translated by N.A. Deshpande, 1988), Part 5, Chapter 8, Verses 19b-23}}
[[File:Dashavatara.jpg|thumb|280x280px|the [[Dashavatara]], or ten principle [[avatar]]s of [[Vishnu]].]]
In the second account, narrated by [[Sūta|Suta]], as a result of the curse the 'mother of the worlds' ([[Lakshmi]]) disappears, and the world is ruined by drought and famine, forcing the gods - oppressed by hunger and thirst - to seek refuge with [[Vishnu]] at the shore of the [[Kshir Sagar|Milky Ocean]] (Part 5: 8). [[Ananta (infinite)|Ananta]] ([[Vasuki]] in the first account) is used as a churning rope. On [[Ekadashi]] day, the poison Kalakuta emerges, which is swallowed by [[Shiva]] 'meditating upon Vishnu in his heart'. An evil being called [[Alakshmi|Alaksmi]] (i.e. a-Laksmi or 'not [[Lakshmi|Laksmi]]') them emerges and is told to reside in places such as where there is quarrel, gambling, adultery, theft, and so forth (Part 5: 9). The churning continues and auspicious beings and items emerge, including 'the brother of Laksmi, [who] sprang up with nectar. (So also) [[Ocimum tenuiflorum|Tulasi]] [i.e. [[Lakshmi]]], Visnu's wife'. On this occasion, Vishnu assumes the form of [[Mohini]] merely to distribute the nectar amongst the gods, without mention of tricking the asuras (Part 5: 10).

The third account, narrated by [[Shiva]], is very similar to the others except with a far greater emphasis on [[Lakshmi]], and although the poison Kalakuta emerges and is swallowed by Shiva, there is no mention of Alaksmi or the Mohini avatar (Part 9: 231–232). The [[Nāga|Naga]] used as a rope for churning is referred to as 'the Lord of the Serpents' (likely [[Ananta (infinite)|Ananta]]). Other details include:

* Kurma is mentioned as an avatar of [[Vishnu]] (Part 1: 3.25b-29), as a giver of boons (Part 1: 5.81-87), and is stated to have appeared during the fourth war between the devas and asuras (Part 1: 13.180); during the churning, [[Indra]] is stated to have vanquished [[Prahlada]] (Part 1: 13.186)
* Relating to Kurma as the [[World Turtle|world-turtle]], it is stated 'Due to truth (alone), the sun rises; also the wind blows; the ocean would (i.e. does) not cross its boundary nor would (i.e. does) the Tortoise avert (sustaining) the earth' (Part 2: 53.3); Kurma is also mentioned as the 'first tortoise', the prop of everything, cause of production of ambrosia, and the support of the Earth (Part 7: 71.169-188); finally, after raising the earth from the waters in the form of a boar ([[Varaha]]), it is stated that [[Vishnu]] placed it on the head of [[Shesha|Sesa]] before taking the form of Kurma (Part 9: 237.15-19)
* Kurma is named as one of the 10 primary avatars ([[Dashavatara]]) of [[Vishnu]] by [[Yama (Hinduism)|Yama]] (Part 7: 66.44-54), [[Brahma]] (Part 7: 71.23-29b), and [[Shiva]] (Part 9: 229.40-44) 
* The [[Shaligram|salagrama]] of Kurma is described as 'raised, round on the surface, and is filled with a disc (like figure). Marked with Kaustubha, it has a green colour' (Part 8: 20.51b-73)
* Kurma is stated to reside in [[Vaikuntha]] (Part 9: 228.19-24); and is one of the 108 names of Vishnu (Part 10: 17.103-117)
* Shiva gives salutations to Kurma, who 'extracted the Earth along with mountains, forests and groves, from inside the water of the deep ocean' (Part 10:  6.175-190)

=== Skanda Purana ===
{| class="wikitable"
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! rowspan="2" |[[Skanda Purana|Skanda]]
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!Notes
|-
|'''Part 1:''' 8.89, 9–12;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12961|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 1|last=N.A|date=1950|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 2:''' 47.12-15;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13010|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 2|last=N.A|date=1950|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 3:''' Uttarardha: 11.8-11;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.20835|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 3|last=N.A.|date=1951|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 4:''' Venkatacala Mahatmya: 11, 20.81, 36.20-26;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13009|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 4|last=N.A|date=1951|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 5:''' Purusottama-Ksetra Mahatmya: 15.30, 22.32-43;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.20756|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 5|last=N.A.|date=1951|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 6:''' Margasirsa Mahatmya: 3.23-29;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.20761|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 6|last=N.A.|date=1951|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 7:''' Vasudeva-Mamatmya: 9–14, 18.12-20, 27.32-33;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13008|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 7|last=N.A|date=1951|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 8:''' Setu Mahatmya: 3.81-82, 37.15-20, 46.31-36;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.22054|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 8|last=N.A.|date=1953|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 9:''' Dharmaranya Khanda: 19.16, 20.20-23;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.21994|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 9|last=N.A.|date=1953|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 10:''' Purvardha: 8.100, 29.17-168, 32.69-71, 41.102, 50;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13007|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.10|last=N.A|date=1953|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 11:''' Uttarardha: 51, 70.69;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13006|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.11|last=N.A|date=1955|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 12:''' Avantiksetra Mahatmya: 42.12-14, 44 63.83;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.22009|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.12|last=N.A.|date=1955|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 14:''' Reva Khanda: 7;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.100076|title=The Skanda-purana Part.14|last=Not Available|date=1957}}</ref> '''Part 15:''' Reva Khanda: 151.1-17, 181.56-65, 182.1-22;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.20778|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.15|last=N.A.|date=1957|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 17:''' Nagara Khanda: 144.117;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13004|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.17|last=N.A|date=1958|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 18:''' Nagara Khanda: 210, 262.21-22, 271.245-455;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13003|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.18|last=N.A|date=1960|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 19:''' Prabhasa-Ksetra Mahatmya: 7.17-37, 11.18, 32.100-103a, 81.23-24;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13002|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.19|last=N.A|date=1960|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> '''Part 20:''' Prabhasa Khanda: 167.33, 199.11-12<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13000|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.20|last=N.A|date=1960|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref>
|Nothing notable in parts 13 or 16.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.20764|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.13|last=N.A.|date=1955|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. DELHI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13005|title=THE SKANDA-PURANA PART.16|last=N.A|date=1958|publisher=MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI}}</ref> Part 15 relates that Hamsa, one of Kasyapa's sons, became the mount of [[Brahma]] (221.1-6)
|}

{{blockquote|As the Ocean of Milk was being churned, the mountain sank deep into [[Patala#Rasatala|Rasatala]]. At that very instant, the Lord of [[Rama]], [[Vishnu|Visnu]], became a tortoise and lifted it up. That was something really marvellous... The excellent mountain had [[adamant]]ine strength. It rolled on the back, neck, thighs, and space between the knees of the noble-souled tortoise. Due to the friction of these two, submarine [i.e. underwater] fire was generated.|source=Skanda Purana (Unknown translator, 1951), Part 1, Chapter 9, Verses 86 and 91}}
[[File:Watercolour painting on paper of Bṛhaspati, a Vedic deity holding a lotus flower.jpg|left|thumb|230x230px|The sage [[Bṛhaspati]], who curses [[Indra]] in some accounts of the [[Samudra manthan|Samudra Manthana]].]]
In the [[Skanda Purana]] four accounts of the [[Samudra manthan|Samudra Manthana]] are given. In the first, the churning of the [[Kshir Sagar|ocean of Milk]] takes place after [[Indra]] is cursed by the sage [[Bṛhaspati|Brhaspati]], resulting in the disappearance of [[Lakshmi]], misery to all, and ruin of the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]], defeated in battle by the [[asura]]s who take their precious items such as gems to [[Patala]]. On the advice of [[Brahma]], Indra and the devas make a pact with [[Mahabali|Bali]], leader of asuras, to recover the gems from the Ocean of Milk. Unable to move the Mandara mountain to use as a churning rod, [[Vishnu]] is asked for help, who arrives on [[Garuda]], takes the mountain to the ocean, and incarnates as Kurma. [[Vasuki]] is used as the churning rope. The Kalakuta poison generated envelopes the devas and [[Daitya]]s - causing ignorance and lust - before enveloping all existence (including [[Vaikuntha]]) and reducing the [[World egg|cosmic egg]] to ash (Part 1: 9). [[Shiva]] is approached for refuge, and the origin and need to worship [[Ganesha]] to 'achieve success in undertaking' is explained before Shiva drinks the poison (Part 1: 10). More information on Ganesha-worship is given before the churning resumes, producing many auspicious items and beings, including Lakshmi (Part 1: 11). [[Dhanvantari]] emerges with the nectar of immortality ([[Amrita]]), which is taken by the asuras. Vishnu incarnates as [[Mohini]], and despite warning Bali that 'Women should never be trusted by a wise man' is still given the nectar which She gives to the devas (Part 1: 12).

In the second account, Indra is again cursed by the sage [[Bṛhaspati|Brhaspati]] (Part 7: 8), resulting in the disappearance of [[Lakshmi|Laksmi]], and with her, an absence of 'Penance, Purity, Mercy, Truth... True [[Dharma]], Prosperity... Strength [and] [[Sattva]] (quality of goodness)'. Hunger, poverty, anger, lust, flesh-eating, and perverse-thinking abound, including belief that [[adharma]] is [[dharma]], and perverse interpretations of the [[Vedas]] to justify killing animals (Part 7: 9). [[Vishnu]] is approached for refuge by the devas and instructs them to churn the [[Kshir Sagar|Ocean of Milk]] (Part 7: 10). Indra forms a pact with the asuras, [[Shesha|Sesa]] is used as a churning rope with the Mandara Mountain, and Vishnu incarnates as Kurma as the base. After a thousand years of churning the poison [[Halahala]] is generated and swallowed by Shiva; the drops that fell are taken by serpents, scorpions, and some [[Medicine|medicinal]] plants (Part 7: 11). The churning continues for another thousand years, producing auspicious items and beings, including Laksmi (Part 7: 12). [[Dhanvantari]] emerges with the pitcher of [[Amrita]] which is taken by the asuras, and Vishnu assumes 'a marvellously beautiful feminine form that enchanted all the world' ([[Mohini]]). Despite warning the asuras not to trust her, Mohini is given the Amrita which is handed to the devas before the asuras are destroyed in battle (Part 7: 13).
[[File:Raja Ravi Varma, Mohini (Oleograph).jpg|thumb|200x200px|[[Mohini]], the female enchantress avatar of [[Vishnu]].]]
In the third brief account, the churning takes place after 'a great loss of gems due to wicked souls' and the loss of righteousness. [[Vasuki]] is used as the churning cord as the devas and asuras 'placed the main plant of activity on the back of the (divine) tortoise and churned out the precious gems'. Many auspicious items and beings are generated, including Sura (alcohol; in other accounts [[Varuni]]) and [[Dhanvantari]]. Quarreling ensues between the devas and asuras, and Vishnu incarnates as 'the fascinating form of a woman' ([[Mohini]]) to beguile the demons as [[Indra]] gives them the Sura and via 'sleight of hand' takes the [[Amrita]]. Halahala poison is also generated which is consumed by [[Shiva]] (Part 12: 44).

In the fourth account, the legend is briefly retold by [[Vishvamitra|Visvamitra]]. The details are much the same as the previous accounts, with Vasuki as the cord as the 'Kacchapa (Tortoise incarnation of [[Vishnu|Visnu]]) held up (the mountain)', including the Kalakuta poison drunk by [[Shiva]] and the incarnation of [[Mohini]] to trick the asuras. The notable exception is that the churning first produces a 'hideous' family of three of [[Samudra manthan|Ratnas]] (jewels); rejected by both the devas and [[Danava (Hinduism)|Danavas]], they are accepted by Ka (i.e. [[Brahma]]; Part 18: 210).

Notably, reminiscent the account of [[Prajapati]] and the [[Tortoise]] in the [[Taittiriya Shakha|Taittiriya Aranyaka]] (see above), there is also an account, during the time of the universal dissolution, when [[Brahma]] 'assumed the form of a ''Khadyota'' ([[Firefly]], Glow-worm)' and moved about for a thousand divine years before finding 'the Lord [<nowiki/>[[Vishnu]]] asleep in the form of a tortoise'. Woken by Brahma, Vishnu 'got up ejecting the three worlds that had been swallowed at the time of the close of the [previous] [[Kalpa (aeon)|Kalpa]]' with all creation - including the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]], [[Danava (Hinduism)|Danavas]], moon, sun, and planets - being generated from and by Him. Vishnu also sees the Earth 'was in the great ocean perched on the back of the tortoise' (Part 14: Reva Khanda: 7). Other details include:

* Kurma is mentioned to have held the Mandara Mountain (Part 1: 8.89);
* After being resorted to by [[Tara (Devi)|Tara]] and 'Permeated by her, Kurma, the sire of the universe, lifted up the [[Vedas]]' (Part 2: 47.12-15)
* Exploring the [[Lingam|Linga]] of [[Shiva]], 'The primordial Tortoise that was stationed as the bulbous root of the Golden Mountain as well as its support was seen by Acyuta [Vishnu]'; It is also by Shiva's blessing that [[Shesha|Sesa]], Kurma, and others are capable of bearing the burden of that Linga (Part 3: Uttarardha: 11.8-11)
* After [[Varaha]] lifted the earth out of the waters, [[Vishnu]] 'placed the Elephants of the Quarters, the King of Serpents and the Tortoise for giving her extra support. That receptacle of Mercy ([[Hari]]) willingly applied his own [[Shakti|Sakti]] (power) in an unmanifest form as a support for them all' (Part 4: Venkatacala Mahatmya: 36.20-26); [[Bhrigu|Bhrgu]] also states Kurma supports the earth (Part 15: Reva-Khanda: 182.1-22); and [[Shesha|Sesa]] and Kurma are also later stated to stabilise the Earth (Part 17: Nagara Khanda: 144.117)
* Kurma is mentioned where [[Vishnu]] is stated to be the annihilator in the form of [[Rudra]] (Part 5: Purusottama-Ksetra Mahatmya:  22.32-43)
* Kurma is named as one of 12 incarnations of [[Vishnu]], who states to [[Brahma]]:

{{blockquote|When the sons of [[Kashyapa|Kasyapa]] (i.e. [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] and [[Asura]]s) will churn the ocean for (obtaining) nectar, I [<nowiki/>[[Vishnu]]], assuming the form of a tortoise, will bear on my back Mount Mandara used as the churning rod.|source=Skanda Purana (Unknown translator, 1951), Part 7, Chapter 18, Verses 12-20}}

* In the procedure for [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] [[Mandala]] construction, [[Matsya]] and Kurma should be installed in the South-West and depicted as animals below the waist but in human form above (Part 7: Vasudeva-Mamatmya: 27.32-33)
*It is stated that the [[Lingam|Linga]] of [[Shiva]] evolved from 'the back of a tortoise (shell)' (Part 9: Dharmaranya Khanda: 19.16) and that 'The [[Bījā|Bija]] [origin] of Vahni (Fire) is accompanied by (the seed of) [[Vayu|Vata]] (Wind) and the Bija of Kurma (tortoise)' (Part 9: Dharmaranya Khanda: 20.20-23)
*It is stated that 'Like a tortoise that withdraws all its limbs, he who withdraws the sense-organs though the proper procedure of [[Pratyahara]] shall become free from sins' (Part 10: Purvardha: 41.102)
*[[Kumari (goddess)|Kumari]] - the [[Shakti]] of Kurma - has a noose in her hand and is located to the south of [[Lakshmi|Mahalaksmi]] (Part 11: Uttarardha: 70.69)
*'Kurma' is one of the thousand names ([[Vishnu Sahasranama]]) of [[Vishnu]] (Part 12: Avantiksetra Mahatmya: 63.83)
*Kurma is listed in the [[Dashavatara]], or ten primary incarnations of Vishnu (Part 15: Reva-Khanda, 151.1-7)
*[[Bhrigu|Bhrgu]] refers to a Ksetra (temple) that stands on Kaccapa (i.e. a tortoise) and states there will be a city named after Him, ''Bhrgukaccha'' (Part 15: Reva-Khanda: 182.1-22)
*The star constellations in the form of Kurma (i.e. the tortoise) are discussed, where it is also stated Kurma is stationed in [[Bharata Khanda|Bharata]] and faces the east (Part 19: Prabhasa-Ksetra Mahatmya: 7.17-37 and 11.18)
*A Holy spot called Prabhasa in [[Bharata Khanda|Bharata]] is located to the south-west of the shrine of Kurma (Part 20: Prabhasa Khanda: 167.33)