The Giant Turtle who held up a Mountain

Story

A long time ago, there was a magical ocean called the Ocean of Milk. This ocean was no ordinary sea—it was full of secrets and hidden treasures. One of these treasures was Amrit, a special nectar that could make anyone who drank it live forever!

The Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons) both wanted to become the most powerful in the world. They went to Bhagwan Vishnu, the protector of the universe, and asked for help. Vishnu smiled and said, “If you want Amrit, you must work together and churn the Ocean of Milk.”

Churning an ocean? How? The gods and demons were puzzled.

Bhagwan Vishnu explained, “Use Mount Mandara as the churning stick and the great serpent Vasuki as the rope.”

So the gods and demons agreed to work together. They wrapped Vasuki around the mountain and started pulling—first one side, then the other. But as they began churning, the mountain started to sink! It was too heavy!

Just then, Bhagwan Vishnu took his second avatar as Bhagwan Kurma, a giant turtle. He gently slipped under the mountain and held it on his back, so it wouldn’t sink.

“Now you can continue,” said Bhagwan Kurma calmly. “I will give you the strength and balance you need.” As they churned and churned, many things came out of the ocean—some beautiful and some scary. A dangerous blue poison called Halahala came out first, which could destroy the world! Bhagwan Shiv drank the poison to save everyone. 

During the churning, many treasures came out—like Kamdhenu, the wish-giving cow, Kalpavriksha, the magical tree, and Airavata, the elephant of Indra. Then, at last, the sweet Amrit appeared!

To make sure only the gods got the nectar, Bhagwan Vishnu took another form as Mohini, cleverly handed the Amrit to the gods, keeping balance in the universe. The Deeper meaning behind the story

This story teaches us that our mind is like an ocean. When we quietly think about our thoughts and actions—called self-reflection—we are churning our inner ocean. This brings out both good thoughts (like Amrit) and bad ones (like poison).

The gods and demons are like the good and bad sides inside us. Every choice we make adds to either side. Choosing good helps us grow happy and wise.

Kurma Avatar, the giant turtle, shows us the power of being calm, steady, and disciplined. Like a turtle pulls into its shell, we too should take quiet time for ourselves, away from noise and distractions. That’s how we find peace and joy. 

So, let’s remember the Kurma Avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu and keep our minds steady and hearts pure!