The legend of Kurma,Turtle, appeas in many cultures,including India.
Legend as it that during the churning of the Ocean of Milk ,Samudra Mantanam, Lord Vishnu took the form of a Turtle, Kurma to support the Mounain to enable it to remain steady.
I am not aware of any temple dedicated to the Avatar of Kurma ,except one.
Kurmnatha is housed in Sri Kurmam Temple, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.
How To reach Srkakulam.
Air.
106 Km from Vishakhapatnam.
266 Km from Rajahmundry.
Train.
Srikakulam Road. Trains are available from all major Cities in India.
Bus.
Srikakulam, Buses are available from many cities in Andhra Pradesh.
Ari Kurmanathar Temple is about 15 Km from Srikakulam and Buses are available .
Srikakulam has reasonable accommodation.
Features of Kurma Temple.
1.Unlike Vishnu Temples, Abhisheka is performed for the Murthi daily.
2.Two Dwajasthambas are found as the Murthi is facing West.
3.To save the Temple from Muslim invaders the entire temple was camouflaged in Lime stone coating and it can be seen even now.
4.Only temple dedicated to Kurma Avatar
5.Only temple where Durga Devi is found ina Vishnu Temple as Vaisnodevi.
6.Prasadam of this temple as curative powers.
7..Mural Paintings found here are made withe vegetable colors like Ajantha temple.
8.Lord Vishnu dug the temple tank himself.
It’s same that Lord Mahavishnu Himself dug the pool together with his Sudarshan Chakra. A shower within the Pushkarini can take away all sins and destroy diseases particularly inflammatory disease, rheumatism and body pains. Pitru ( father )Karmas also are performed here. The departed souls take rest in peace during this Kshetra
9.“KAASI DWARAM” – the under ground tunnel to Varanasi in north eastern corner of the Pradakshina Mandapam is another magnificent piece of ancient engineering skills. The entry is closed now, since many wild animals and snakes were entering the Temple.
10.Rites for the departed are performed here.
Temple address.
SRIKURMAM Temple, SRIKURMAM : PIN 532404 – SRIKAKULAM Dt – A.P. – INDIA”.
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