Narrator:
[Music]
Host:
Pranam Gurudev, Pranam. Pranam to our audience, and welcome to the Gupta Sadhak Shyamakhyapa 2 channel. Like every time, I want to mention again that this channel is no longer restricted only to YouTube; you can now watch it on Facebook and Instagram as well. You will find all the links in the description box. In our previous video episode, we saw Gurudev discussing the first of Lord Vishnu's ten avatars—the Matsya (Fish) avatar. Gurudev explained it beautifully in his own way. Today, in this episode, we will hear from Gurudev about the second avatar—the Kurma (Tortoise) avatar. I will now request Gurudev to kindly share his insights on this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Alright, I will explain. This is Lord Narayan's second avatar. It happened during the era of the second Manu—as you know, there are 14 Manus in total, and we are talking about the second one. At that time, the Earth was completely covered in water. Lord Narayan took the Kurma (Tortoise) avatar so that He could move freely in both water and on land.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is a specific story behind this. Once, Sage Durvasa had a very pleasant meeting with Lord Indra and presented him with a beautiful flower garland. Lord Indra was very pleased, but he took that garland and placed it around the neck of his mount, the elephant (Airavata). Sometime later, the elephant threw the garland onto the road, disrespecting the sage's gift. Seeing this, Sage Durvasa became furious and cursed Indra, saying, "I will strip you of all your wealth and splendor."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Lord Brahma was displeased by this situation and began searching for a way to obtain Amrita—the nectar of immortality. Brahma suggested, "Let us use Mount Mandara as a churning rod and conduct a Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). The nectar that emerges from this churning will be given strictly to the gods, and no one else."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is where the story of Rahu and Ketu comes in. They were not able to consume this nectar. Through trickery, deception, and strategy, the gods ensured that the nectar was not given to them. Because of this, Rahu and Ketu were deprived of the nectar, leaving them vulnerable to death since they did not drink it. This was entirely due to the deception and trickery of the gods.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, as the Samudra Manthan was going on using Mount Mandara as the churning pole, the mountain slowly began to sink to the bottom of the ocean. Seeing this, everyone became deeply worried. That is when Lord Narayan assumed His second avatar, the Kurma avatar. He went underwater and supported the mountain on His back to keep it upright.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
During this time, as you know, both nectar and poison (Halahala) emerged from the ocean. Such a massive amount of poison came out that Lord Mahadev (Shiva) had to step forward to consume it, which is how He became known as Neelkanth. Mahadev accepted the poison using a Dakshinavarti Shankh (right-handed conch), drank it, and then fell unconscious, losing all His senses. At that moment, Mother Bhavatarini—Goddess Tara Herself—appeared. She fed Mahadev Her breast milk, nurtured Him, and saved His life.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As for the nectar that emerged, the gods took it and fled. It was distributed among the gods, and even Lord Brahma received a share. So, this entire event of the Samudra Manthan represents the second avatar of Narayan—the Kurma avatar, the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Host:
You have all just listened to Gurudev explaining Lord Vishnu's second avatar, the Kurma avatar, in his own unique way. Before we conclude, I will request Gurudev—since in the Kali Yuga, chanting the Holy Name is supreme, it is the ultimate religion and the true essence—if you could kindly chant the Holy Name for us with your voice.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hare Krishna. You all chant along as well: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare. Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Harer Nama Kevalam, Harer Nama Kevalam, Harer Nama Kevalam. Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva. In the age of Kali, there is no other way, no other way, no other way. In Kali Yuga, there is no salvation other than chanting the Holy Name. No other deity will save you then. Everyone is advised: chant the Name, chant the Name! The Holy Name is supreme. Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva. In Kali Yuga, there is no salvation other than the Name. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare. Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Harer Nama Kevalam, Harer Nama Kevalam, Harer Nama Kevalam. Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva. Haribol! Haribol! Haribol! Everyone, chant the name of Lord Hari. Stay healthy, and stay well.
Host:
Pranam Gurudev. Pranam, Pranam.