Kurmanathaswamy temple, Srikurmam - Revision history

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	{{Infobox temple		{{Infobox temple
	\| name = Kurmanathaswamy Temple		\| name = Kurmanathaswamy Temple
	\| image = ~~Side view of~~ Srikurmam ~~Temple Vimana~~.jpg		\| image = File:11th century Kurmanatha Swamy Temple, Srikurmam Andhra Pradesh 01.jpg
	\| caption = The [[Vimana (architectural feature)\|vimana]] of the main temple		\| caption = The [[Vimana (architectural feature)\|vimana]] of the main temple
	\| map_type = <!-- India Andhra Pradesh -->		\| map_type = <!-- India Andhra Pradesh -->
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	}}		}}

	'''~~Srikurmam~~ Kurmanathaswamy ~~Temple~~''' (also known as '''Srikurmam''' ~~temple)~~ is a Hindu temple ~~in the~~ [[~~Gara, Srikakulam district\|Gara~~]] [[~~Tehsil\|mandal~~]] ~~of the~~ [[Srikakulam district]] in ~~the South Indian state of~~ [[Andhra Pradesh]]~~. It is dedicated to the~~ [[~~Kurma~~]] ~~avatar of~~ the ~~Hindu god [[Vishnu]]~~, ~~who~~ is ~~worshipped~~ as Kurmanathaswamy, and his consort [[Lakshmi]]~~, worshipped~~ as Kurmanayaki. ~~According to Hindu legend~~, ~~the presiding deity is believed to have manifested here in the form of a tortoise-shaped deity. [[Brahma]] then consecrated the deity with Gopala Yantra. The temple is famous for ancestor worship.~~		The '''Kurmanathaswamy temple''', also known as the '''Kurmanatha temple''' or '''Srikurmam temple''', is a Hindu temple dedicated to [[Kurma]] – the second avatar of [[Vishnu]]. It is located in Srikurmam village, [[Srikakulam district]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]]. Built in the 11th-century in the Eastern Chalukyan style, this Dravida architecture temple was expanded in later centuries, and it is dedicated to Vishnu as Kurmanathaswamy and his consort [[Lakshmi]] as Kurmanayaki.{{Sfn\|Suryanarayana\|1986\|page=177–178, 310}}{{Sfn\|Patel\|1992\|page= 201–204}}

	Srikurmam is the only Indian temple in the ~~world where Vishnu is worshiped in his~~ Kurma avatar. ~~Initially dedicated to [[Shiva]] and referred to as Kurmeswara~~ temple~~, [[Ramanuja]] is said to have converted Srikurmam into~~ a ~~Vaishnavite temple in~~ the ~~11th{{nbsp}}century CE~~.~~{{Sfn\|Suryanarayana\|1986\|page=310}}{{Sfn\|Patel\|1992\|page=202}}{{Sfn\|Choudary\|Udayalakshmi\|2006\|page=27}} Since then, the~~ temple was ~~regarded as~~ an important centre of [[Vaishnavism]] in the medieval period along with [[Simhachalam]]. Later [[Naraharitirtha]], a disciple of [[Madhvacharya]], was instrumental in making Srikurmam the seat of Vishnavite religious activities.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} The temple has two [[dhvaja]]sthambas, ~~a rarity for a Vaishnavite temple.~~ 108 ekasila (''single-stone'') pillars, with none resembling each other, bear ~~few~~ inscriptions ~~related to the royal lineages that existed in this area in the past~~. A tortoise park has been built to conserve the adult and young star tortoises, ~~making Srikurmam the only conservation centre for this species~~.		Srikurmam is the only known pre-14th-century Indian temple that is dedicated to the Kurma avatar. The sanctum of Kurmanatha temple has both a tortoise image and the anthropomorphic Vishnu with Lakshmi. The temple was an important centre of [[Vaishnavism]] in the medieval period along with [[Simhachalam]]. Later [[Naraharitirtha]], a disciple of [[Madhvacharya]], was instrumental in making Srikurmam the seat of Vishnavite religious activities.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} The temple has two [[dhvaja]]sthambas, 108 ekasila (''single-stone'') pillars, with none resembling each other. These bear numerous inscriptions. A tortoise park has been built within the temple to honor and conserve the adult and young star tortoises. The temple has primarily Vaishnava iconography and murals, but also reverentially includes Shaiva (Ganesha, Shiva) and Shakti (Lakshmi, Durga) icons.

	Srikurmam follows both [[Shaivite]] and Vaishnavite traditions of worship. Four daily rituals and four annual festivals are celebrated in Srikurmam, out of which the three-day Dolotsavam is the major one. Gajapathi Rajus of [[Vizianagaram]] are the trustees of the temple, which is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]. The Indian postal department issued a stamp featuring the temple on 11{{nbsp}}April 2013.		Srikurmam follows both [[Shaivite]] and Vaishnavite traditions of worship. Four daily rituals and four annual festivals are celebrated in Srikurmam, out of which the three-day Dolotsavam is the major one. Gajapathi Rajus of [[Vizianagaram]] are the trustees of the temple, which is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]. The Indian postal department issued a stamp featuring the temple on 11{{nbsp}}April 2013.
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	== History ==		== History ==
	[[File:Sri koormanadha (kurmanath) Temple of Srikakulam (2).JPG\|thumb\|left\|One of the inscriptions in the temple, written in [[Telugu language]]]]		[[File:Sri koormanadha (kurmanath) Temple of Srikakulam (2).JPG\|thumb\|left\|One of the inscriptions in the temple, written in [[Telugu language]]]]
	The temple is situated in the [[Gara, Srikakulam district\|Gara]] [[Tehsil\|mandal]] of the [[Srikakulam district]], which is located at a distance of {{convert\|130\|km}} from [[Visakhapatnam]].<ref name="star tortoise">{{cite web\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/All-is-not-well-with-the-star-tortoises-of-Sri-Kurmam-Temple/articleshow/49156287.cms \|title=All is not well with the star tortoises of Sri Kurmam Temple \|work=[[The Times of India]] \|date=29 September 2015 \|access-date=3 January 2017 \|last=Mehta \|first=Sulogna \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103164650/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/All-is-not-well-with-the-star-tortoises-of-Sri-Kurmam-Temple/articleshow/49156287.cms \|archive-date= 3 January 2017 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> Considered the only Indian temple where the Hindu deity [[Vishnu]] is worshipped in the form of a tortoise, Srikurmam is {{convert\|15\|km}} away from Srikakulam town and {{convert\|3.5\|km}} away from the Suryanarayana temple, [[Arasavalli]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tourism-in-Srikakulam-dist.-needs-fillip/article15303203.ece \|title=Tourism in Srikakulam dist. needs fillip \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|date=15 September 2008 \|access-date=3 January 2017 \|last=P. Benjamin \|first=Ravi \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103164809/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tourism-in-Srikakulam-dist.-needs-fillip/article15303203.ece \|archive-date= 3 January 2017 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> Inscriptional history of the temple begins in the 11th-12th centuries.<ref>{{Cite book\|last1=Babu\|first1=Prof K. Vijaya\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dig-AwAAQBAJ&q=Srikurmam&pg=PA162\|title=Tourism in India\|last2=Gade\|first2=Jayaprakashnarayana\|date=2014-03-12\|publisher=Zenon Academic Publishing\|isbn=978-81-926819-7-9\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book\|last=Kasturi\|first=Prema\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_HwMAQAAMAAJ&q=Srikurmam\|title=South India Heritage: An Introduction\|date=2007\|publisher=East West Books (Madras)\|isbn=978-81-88661-64-0\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book\|last=Gangashetty\|first=Ramesh\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ajK6DwAAQBAJ&q=Srikurmam&pg=PT21\|title=Thirtha Yatra: A Guide to Holy Temples and Thirtha Kshetras in India\|date=2019-10-30\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=978-1-68466-134-3\|language=en}}</ref> The temple is popular among the Tamil diaspora as well because it is a Vaishnavite temple.<ref name="star tortoise" /> ~~Initially dedicated to [[Shiva]] and referred to as Kurmeswara temple, [[~~Ramanuja]] is said to have converted Srikurmam into a Vaishnavite temple in the 11th{{nbsp}}century CE.{{Sfn\|Suryanarayana\|1986\|page=310}}{{Sfn\|Patel\|1992\|page=202}}{{Sfn\|Choudary\|Udayalakshmi\|2006\|page=27}} His disciples established [[Vaishnavism]] in the temple with the support of Kalinga king [[Anantavarman Chodaganga]], the eastern [[Ganga]] king.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=48}} After this incident, a group of [[devadasi]]s were employed to sing and dance daily before the deity in the morning and evening.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=48}}		The temple is situated in the [[Gara, Srikakulam district\|Gara]] [[Tehsil\|mandal]] of the [[Srikakulam district]], which is located at a distance of {{convert\|130\|km}} from [[Visakhapatnam]].<ref name="star tortoise">{{cite web\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/All-is-not-well-with-the-star-tortoises-of-Sri-Kurmam-Temple/articleshow/49156287.cms \|title=All is not well with the star tortoises of Sri Kurmam Temple \|work=[[The Times of India]] \|date=29 September 2015 \|access-date=3 January 2017 \|last=Mehta \|first=Sulogna \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103164650/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/All-is-not-well-with-the-star-tortoises-of-Sri-Kurmam-Temple/articleshow/49156287.cms \|archive-date= 3 January 2017 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> Considered the only Indian temple where the Hindu deity [[Vishnu]] is worshipped in the form of a tortoise, Srikurmam is {{convert\|15\|km}} away from Srikakulam town and {{convert\|3.5\|km}} away from the Suryanarayana temple, [[Arasavalli]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tourism-in-Srikakulam-dist.-needs-fillip/article15303203.ece \|title=Tourism in Srikakulam dist. needs fillip \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|date=15 September 2008 \|access-date=3 January 2017 \|last=P. Benjamin \|first=Ravi \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103164809/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tourism-in-Srikakulam-dist.-needs-fillip/article15303203.ece \|archive-date= 3 January 2017 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> Inscriptional history of the temple begins in the 11th-12th centuries.<ref>{{Cite book\|last1=Babu\|first1=Prof K. Vijaya\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dig-AwAAQBAJ&q=Srikurmam&pg=PA162\|title=Tourism in India\|last2=Gade\|first2=Jayaprakashnarayana\|date=2014-03-12\|publisher=Zenon Academic Publishing\|isbn=978-81-926819-7-9\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book\|last=Kasturi\|first=Prema\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_HwMAQAAMAAJ&q=Srikurmam\|title=South India Heritage: An Introduction\|date=2007\|publisher=East West Books (Madras)\|isbn=978-81-88661-64-0\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book\|last=Gangashetty\|first=Ramesh\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ajK6DwAAQBAJ&q=Srikurmam&pg=PT21\|title=Thirtha Yatra: A Guide to Holy Temples and Thirtha Kshetras in India\|date=2019-10-30\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=978-1-68466-134-3\|language=en}}</ref> The temple is popular among the Tamil diaspora as well because it is a Vaishnavite temple.<ref name="star tortoise" /> Ramanuja's disciples established [[Vaishnavism]] in the temple with the support of Kalinga king [[Anantavarman Chodaganga]], the eastern [[Ganga]] king.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=48}} After this incident, a group of [[devadasi]]s were employed to sing and dance daily before the deity in the morning and evening.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=48}}

			[[File:11th century Kurmanatha Swamy Temple, Srikurmam Andhra Pradesh 15.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|Live tortoises in the Kurmanatha Swamy temple's premises, its preservation efforts]]
	Srikurmam was regarded as an important centre of Vaishnavism in the medieval period along with [[Simhachalam]] and others.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} It was also regarded as the ''Gurupitha'' (sacred place of the master) of the Ganga kings of Utkala.{{Sfn\|Mishra\|1971\|page=47}} [[Naraharitirtha]], the disciple of [[Madhvacharya]], was instrumental in making Srikurmam the seat of Vishnavite religious activities.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} He also defended the place from an attack of the Sabaras, a group of savage inhabitants of the [[Ganjam district\|Ganjam]] forests.{{Sfn\|Ayyar\|1982\|page=577}} Srikurmam influenced the kings, officials, and Vaishnavite devotees to change their names in accordance with the religious faith they followed. Due to his close association with the eastern Ganga kings, [[Naraharitirtha]] created the office of Bhoga Pariksha (religious head) with the aim of having the successive Madhwa saints supervise religious matters and pray for the welfare of the royal family and kingdom.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} [[Naraharitirtha]] later built a temple dedicated to [[Narasimha#Performance arts\|Yogananda Narasimha]] in front of Srikurmam.{{Sfn\|Ayyar\|1982\|page=577}} The temple inscriptions mention Narasimha Dasa Pandita and Purushottama Deva as the Bhoga Parikshas.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} Currently, Srikurmam is under the trusteeship of the Gajapathi Rajus of [[Vizianagaram]].<ref name="star tortoise" />		Srikurmam was regarded as an important centre of Vaishnavism in the medieval period along with [[Simhachalam]] and others.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} It was also regarded as the ''Gurupitha'' (sacred place of the master) of the Ganga kings of Utkala.{{Sfn\|Mishra\|1971\|page=47}} [[Naraharitirtha]], the disciple of [[Madhvacharya]], was instrumental in making Srikurmam the seat of Vishnavite religious activities.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} He also defended the place from an attack of the Sabaras, a group of savage inhabitants of the [[Ganjam district\|Ganjam]] forests.{{Sfn\|Ayyar\|1982\|page=577}} Srikurmam influenced the kings, officials, and Vaishnavite devotees to change their names in accordance with the religious faith they followed. Due to his close association with the eastern Ganga kings, [[Naraharitirtha]] created the office of Bhoga Pariksha (religious head) with the aim of having the successive Madhwa saints supervise religious matters and pray for the welfare of the royal family and kingdom.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} [[Naraharitirtha]] later built a temple dedicated to [[Narasimha#Performance arts\|Yogananda Narasimha]] in front of Srikurmam.{{Sfn\|Ayyar\|1982\|page=577}} The temple inscriptions mention Narasimha Dasa Pandita and Purushottama Deva as the Bhoga Parikshas.{{Sfn\|Krishna Kumari\|1990\|page=97}} Currently, Srikurmam is under the trusteeship of the Gajapathi Rajus of [[Vizianagaram]].<ref name="star tortoise" />

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	\| footer = (''top'') A part of the complex which features the 108 ''ekasila'' (single-stone) pillars (''bottom'') A view of the Swetha Pushkarani.		\| footer = (''top'') A part of the complex which features the 108 ''ekasila'' (single-stone) pillars (''bottom'') A view of the Swetha Pushkarani with mandapa.
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	[[Category:Hindu temples in Srikakulam district]]		[[Category:Hindu temples in Srikakulam district]]
	[[Category:Vishnu ~~temples~~]]		[[Category:Temples dedicated to avatars of Vishnu]]
	[[Category:Uttarandhra]]		[[Category:Uttarandhra]]

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{{short description|Hindu temple dedicated to the god Kurma}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox temple
| name = Kurmanathaswamy Temple
| image = Side view of Srikurmam Temple Vimana.jpg
| caption = The [[Vimana (architectural feature)|vimana]] of the main temple
| map_type = 
| map_caption = Location in Andhra Pradesh
| coordinates =
| native_name = Srikurmam Temple
| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| district = [[Srikakulam district]]
| location = [[Sri Kurmam]]
| elevation_m =
| deity = Kurmanathaswamy ([[Vishnu]])<br>Kurmanayaki ([[Lakshmi]])
| year_completed =
| creator =
| website =
}}

'''Srikurmam Kurmanathaswamy Temple''' (also known as '''Srikurmam''' temple) is a Hindu temple in the [[Gara, Srikakulam district|Gara]] [[Tehsil|mandal]] of the [[Srikakulam district]] in the South Indian state of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is dedicated to the [[Kurma]] avatar of the Hindu god [[Vishnu]], who is worshipped as Kurmanathaswamy, and his consort [[Lakshmi]], worshipped as Kurmanayaki. According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity is believed to have manifested here in the form of a tortoise-shaped deity. [[Brahma]] then consecrated the deity with Gopala Yantra. The temple is famous for ancestor worship.

Srikurmam is the only Indian temple in the world where Vishnu is worshiped in his Kurma avatar. Initially dedicated to [[Shiva]] and referred to as Kurmeswara temple, [[Ramanuja]] is said to have converted Srikurmam into a Vaishnavite temple in the 11th{{nbsp}}century CE.{{Sfn|Suryanarayana|1986|page=310}}{{Sfn|Patel|1992|page=202}}{{Sfn|Choudary|Udayalakshmi|2006|page=27}} Since then, the temple was regarded as an important centre of [[Vaishnavism]] in the medieval period along with [[Simhachalam]]. Later [[Naraharitirtha]], a disciple of [[Madhvacharya]], was instrumental in making Srikurmam the seat of Vishnavite religious activities.{{Sfn|Krishna Kumari|1990|page=97}} The temple has two [[dhvaja]]sthambas, a rarity for a Vaishnavite temple. 108 ekasila (''single-stone'') pillars, with none resembling each other, bear few inscriptions related to the royal lineages that existed in this area in the past. A tortoise park has been built to conserve the adult and young star tortoises, making Srikurmam the only conservation centre for this species.

Srikurmam follows both [[Shaivite]] and Vaishnavite traditions of worship. Four daily rituals and four annual festivals are celebrated in Srikurmam, out of which the three-day Dolotsavam is the major one. Gajapathi Rajus of [[Vizianagaram]] are the trustees of the temple, which is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]. The Indian postal department issued a stamp featuring the temple on 11{{nbsp}}April 2013.

== History ==
[[File:Sri koormanadha (kurmanath) Temple of Srikakulam (2).JPG|thumb|left|One of the inscriptions in the temple, written in [[Telugu language]]]]
The temple is situated in the [[Gara, Srikakulam district|Gara]] [[Tehsil|mandal]] of the [[Srikakulam district]], which is located at a distance of {{convert|130|km}} from [[Visakhapatnam]].<ref name="star tortoise">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/All-is-not-well-with-the-star-tortoises-of-Sri-Kurmam-Temple/articleshow/49156287.cms |title=All is not well with the star tortoises of Sri Kurmam Temple |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=29 September 2015 |access-date=3 January 2017 |last=Mehta |first=Sulogna |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103164650/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/All-is-not-well-with-the-star-tortoises-of-Sri-Kurmam-Temple/articleshow/49156287.cms |archive-date= 3 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Considered the only Indian temple where the Hindu deity [[Vishnu]] is worshipped in the form of a tortoise, Srikurmam is {{convert|15|km}} away from Srikakulam town and {{convert|3.5|km}} away from the Suryanarayana temple, [[Arasavalli]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tourism-in-Srikakulam-dist.-needs-fillip/article15303203.ece |title=Tourism in Srikakulam dist. needs fillip |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=15 September 2008 |access-date=3 January 2017 |last=P. Benjamin |first=Ravi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103164809/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tourism-in-Srikakulam-dist.-needs-fillip/article15303203.ece |archive-date= 3 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Inscriptional history of the temple begins in the 11th-12th centuries.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Babu|first1=Prof K. Vijaya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dig-AwAAQBAJ&q=Srikurmam&pg=PA162|title=Tourism in India|last2=Gade|first2=Jayaprakashnarayana|date=2014-03-12|publisher=Zenon Academic Publishing|isbn=978-81-926819-7-9|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Kasturi|first=Prema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_HwMAQAAMAAJ&q=Srikurmam|title=South India Heritage: An Introduction|date=2007|publisher=East West Books (Madras)|isbn=978-81-88661-64-0|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Gangashetty|first=Ramesh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ajK6DwAAQBAJ&q=Srikurmam&pg=PT21|title=Thirtha Yatra: A Guide to Holy Temples and Thirtha Kshetras in India|date=2019-10-30|publisher=Notion Press|isbn=978-1-68466-134-3|language=en}}</ref> The temple is popular among the Tamil diaspora as well because it is a Vaishnavite temple.<ref name="star tortoise" /> Initially dedicated to [[Shiva]] and referred to as Kurmeswara temple, [[Ramanuja]] is said to have converted Srikurmam into a Vaishnavite temple in the 11th{{nbsp}}century CE.{{Sfn|Suryanarayana|1986|page=310}}{{Sfn|Patel|1992|page=202}}{{Sfn|Choudary|Udayalakshmi|2006|page=27}} His disciples established [[Vaishnavism]] in the temple with the support of Kalinga king [[Anantavarman Chodaganga]], the eastern [[Ganga]] king.{{Sfn|Krishna Kumari|1990|page=48}} After this incident, a group of [[devadasi]]s were employed to sing and dance daily before the deity in the morning and evening.{{Sfn|Krishna Kumari|1990|page=48}}

Srikurmam was regarded as an important centre of Vaishnavism in the medieval period along with [[Simhachalam]] and others.{{Sfn|Krishna Kumari|1990|page=97}} It was also regarded as the ''Gurupitha'' (sacred place of the master) of the Ganga kings of Utkala.{{Sfn|Mishra|1971|page=47}} [[Naraharitirtha]], the disciple of [[Madhvacharya]], was instrumental in making Srikurmam the seat of Vishnavite religious activities.{{Sfn|Krishna Kumari|1990|page=97}} He also defended the place from an attack of the Sabaras, a group of savage inhabitants of the [[Ganjam district|Ganjam]] forests.{{Sfn|Ayyar|1982|page=577}} Srikurmam influenced the kings, officials, and Vaishnavite devotees to change their names in accordance with the religious faith they followed. Due to his close association with the eastern Ganga kings, [[Naraharitirtha]] created the office of Bhoga Pariksha (religious head) with the aim of having the successive Madhwa saints supervise religious matters and pray for the welfare of the royal family and kingdom.{{Sfn|Krishna Kumari|1990|page=97}} [[Naraharitirtha]] later built a temple dedicated to [[Narasimha#Performance arts|Yogananda Narasimha]] in front of Srikurmam.{{Sfn|Ayyar|1982|page=577}} The temple inscriptions mention Narasimha Dasa Pandita and Purushottama Deva as the Bhoga Parikshas.{{Sfn|Krishna Kumari|1990|page=97}} Currently, Srikurmam is under the trusteeship of the Gajapathi Rajus of [[Vizianagaram]].<ref name="star tortoise" />

== Legends ==
[[File:Kurma deva.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kurma]] Narayana, one of the [[Dashavatara|avatars]] of the Hindu deity [[Vishnu]]]]
During the reign of king Swetha Chakravarthi, this area was referred to as Swetha Giri. Swetha Chakravarthi's wife Vishnu Priya was a devotee of Vishnu.<ref name="Suryaa legend">{{cite web|url=http://www.suryaa.com/features/article.asp?subcategory=6&contentId=127674 |title=అపురూప శిల్పకళా శోభితం శ్రీకూర్మం |trans-title=Rare brilliance of architecture in Srikurmam |work=[[Suryaa (newspaper)|Suryaa]] |date=14 March 2013 |access-date=3 January 2017 |last=Krishnarao |first=Bendalam |language=te |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150325033707/http://www.suryaa.com/features/article.asp?subcategory=6&contentId=127674 |archive-date=25 March 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> When she was observing a fast on an [[Ekadashi|Ekadasi]] day, Swetha Chakravarthi approached her with the intention of making love. When she refused, saying the time was not ideal, the king became adamant. She prayed to Vishnu, who created a stream of water, separating the couple. Swetha Chakravarthi was carried away in the ensuing flood and Vishnu Priya followed him to the hilly terrains of Swetha Giri.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> The sage [[Narada]] initiated an ''[[upadesa]]m'' of the Kurma Narayana mantra and asked the king to pray to Vishnu using it. By the time Vishnu appeared in the form of the [[Kurma]] (tortoise) avatar, the king's health had deteriorated. Vishnu then made his [[Sudarshana Chakra]] make an impression in the nearby land, forming a lake.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> Swetha Chakravarthi bathed in the lake and regained his health, after which it was referred to as Swetha Pushkarani.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> Upon the king's request, Vishnu manifested as the deity of Kurmanatha. According to the ''[[Padma Purana]]'', [[Brahma]] officiated the celestial rituals and consecrated the deity with Gopala Yantra.<ref name="etv srikurmam">{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJEvLIfx0_U | title=Teerthayatra Archival – Sri Kurmam (Sri Kurmam Temple) | publisher=[[E TV (India)|ETV Andhra Pradesh]] | date=2 May 2013 | access-date=4 January 2017}}</ref> Vishnu is worshipped as Kurmanatha Swamy or Kurma Narayana,<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> along with his consort [[Lakshmi]], who is referred to as Kurmanayaki.<ref name="Srikurmam TH">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/07/04/stories/2003070401190600.htm |title=Divinity in unique forms |date=4 July 2003 |access-date=3 January 2017 |last=Narasimhan |first=Maya |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165811/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/07/04/stories/2003070401190600.htm |archive-date= 3 January 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Later, a tribal king visited the Swetha Pushkarani and was impressed with it. After learning about the story of its origin from Swetha Chakravarthi, the tribal king constructed a tank around the lake and began worshipping the deity regularly. The tribal king used to stay in Sage Sampangi's monastery, which was situated in the Western side of the temple. Upon the king's request, the deity started facing west.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> The sage [[Durvasa]] visited the temple later with his disciples; the event of his arrival was considered significant. [[Rama]]{{'s}} sons [[Lava (Ramayana)|Lava]] and [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kusha]] were said to have worshipped Vishnu as Kurmanatha in Srikurmam.<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> In [[Dvapara Yuga]], [[Balarama]] visited the temple and was denied entry by [[Bhairava]], who was serving as the temple's ''[[Kshetrapala]]'' (guardian deity). Infuriated, Balarama threw Bhairava away from the temple premises. Kurmanatha came to know this and gave Balarama permission to enter the temple. Balarama, in resentment, cursed that Srikurmam would be the only temple where Vishnu would be worshipped in the form of Kurma Narayana.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> Legends also say that upon Vishnu's request, [[Hanuman|Anjaneya]] agreed to guard the temple.<ref name="etv srikurmam" />

== Architecture ==
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Srikurmam temple is known for its distinctive architectural style. The design of the [[gopuram]] is different from the regular style seen at other Vaishnavite temples.<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> It also has two [[dhvaja]]sthambas, one on the west and the other on the east, which is another rare element in a Vaishnavite temple. The upper part of the [[sanctum sanctorum]] is built in the form of an ''ashtadala padmam'' (eight-petaled lotus).<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> The devotees can directly enter the sanctum sanctorum to offer prayers, unlike the method specified by the traditional rules of Vaishnavism.<ref name="etv srikurmam" />

The utsava deities of Govindaraja Swamy and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi were found in the Swetha Pushkarani in the 12th{{nbsp}}century AD. The utsava deities of Rama, Sita, and Laksmana were presented by Naraharitirtha. All these deities are located in a small room near the sanctum sanctorum and are worshipped daily.<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> The deity of Kurmanathaswamy is made of black stone, but due to regular applications of sandalwood paste, it appears yellow.<ref name="star tortoise" /> It sits on a platform made of stone with a length of 5{{nbsp}}feet, a height of 1{{nbsp}}foot, and a width of 4{{nbsp}}feet. The deity is {{convert|2.5|ft}} long and consists of three stone structures.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> The stone representing the head faces the west; the middle stone represents the body of the tortoise;<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> the small stone at the rear end, covered with swirling circles, represents either the tail of the tortoise or the Sudarshana Chakra.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /><ref name="Srikurmam TH" />

Beside the sanctum sanctorum of Kurmanatha, there is a temple dedicated to Kurmanayaki in which a deity of [[Andal]] is found.<ref name="Srikurmam TH" /> Hatakeswara, Karpureswara, Koteswara, Sundareswara, and Pathalasiddheswara are among the temple's guardian deities.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> The temple's tank Swetha Pushkarani is also known by the name Sudha Kundam. In the middle of the temple tank, there is a small construction named Narasimha mandapam.<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> The sand below the waters of the temple tank is white in colour, and is known as Gopi Chandanam. Legends say that [[Krishna]] played with [[gopi]]kas in these waters, after which the sand turned white when a sage saw them.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> The temple contains 108 ''ekasila'' (single-stone) pillars, with none resembling each other. They bear few inscriptions related to the royal lineages that existed in this area in the past.<ref name="Suryaa legend" />

In the temple's premises, a tortoise park has been built to conserve the adult and young star tortoises, which are found in the foothills and fields of Srikakulam.<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> Srikurmam is the only conservation centre for this species. Devotees offer these tortoises from the nearby fields. They also feed [[gongura]] leaves to these tortoises as a token of respect for the deity.<ref name="star tortoise" /> The Endowment Board of the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]] and NGO Green Mercy took on the responsibility for the conservation of these star tortoises.<ref name="star tortoise" /> As of September 2015, the temple hosted a total of 255 tortoises.<ref name="star tortoise" /> The temple also contains 42 [[Pattachitra|mural paintings]] of Krishna on its walls.<ref name="tortoise festival">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/stamps-on-arasavilli-srikurmam-temples-released/article4609144.ece |title=Stamps on Arasavilli, Srikurmam temples released |work=The Hindu |date=30 December 2014 |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106030912/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/stamps-on-arasavilli-srikurmam-temples-released/article4609144.ece |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Festivals and religious practices ==
[[File:Sculptures at Srikurmam Temple (2).jpg|thumb|right|A statue of Vishnu being worshiped in the temple]]
Srikurmam is one of the rare Indian temples that follow both [[Shaivism|Shaivite]] and Vaishnavite traditions.<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> [[Abhisheka]] is performed daily to the deity, and devotees are allowed to participate in person; this is a feature seen more often in Shaivite temples than in Vaishnavite temples.<ref name="wordpress">{{cite web|url=https://srikurmamtemple.wordpress.com/darshan-sewas-etc/ |title=Darshan, Pujas etc. |publisher=srikurmamtemple.wordpress.com |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106140111/https://srikurmamtemple.wordpress.com/darshan-sewas-etc/ |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Akhanda Deeparadhana'' (Lamp worship), ''Nitya Bhogam'' (Daily offering) and ''Kalyanam'' (Marriage) are regularly performed to the deities.<ref name="wordpress" /> Devotees visit the Pathalasiddheswara temple before entering the sanctum sanctorum of Kurmanathaswamy.<ref name="Suryaa legend" />

Ancestor worship is famous in Srikurmam, because of which it is known as ''pitrukshetra''. People believe that their ancestors' souls shall gain salvation if offered prayers here. Because of this, hundreds of devotees perform ancestor worship.<ref name="etv srikurmam" /> Devotees use the Gopi Chandanam while applying [[thirunamam]] on their forehead.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> The three-day Dolotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the temple. [[Holi|Kamadahanam]] is celebrated on the first day, followed by Padiya and Dolotsavam.<ref name="Suryaa legend" /> The annual Kalyanotsavam is celebrated on Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/kalyanotsavam-performed-in-sri-kurmam-temple/article3379202.ece |title=Kalyanotsavam performed in Sri Kurmam temple |work=The Hindu |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106151202/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/kalyanotsavam-performed-in-sri-kurmam-temple/article3379202.ece |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other festive activities include Kurma Jayanthi on Jyeshta Bahula Dwadasi and Mukkoti Ekadasi.<ref name="wordpress" />

== In the media ==
[[File:Paintings at srikurmam Temple walls 03.jpg|thumb|left|One of the mural paintings in the temple, featuring Vishnu as [[Ranganatha]]]]
In May 2011 the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeology Department extended its technical and financial support in modernising the temple and preserving the mural paintings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2011/may/16/sri-kurmam-temple-to-get-a-facelift-253560.html |title=Sri Kurmam temple to get a facelift |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=16 May 2011 |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106150342/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2011/may/16/sri-kurmam-temple-to-get-a-facelift-253560.html |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Indian postal department issued a stamp featuring the temple on 11{{nbsp}}April 2013,<ref name="stamp">{{cite web|last=Singh|first=Gurwinder|date=11 April 2013|title=Stamps on ancient temples released|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130412/ldh1.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165055/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130412/ldh1.htm|archive-date=3 January 2017|access-date=3 January 2017|work=[[Tribune India]]}}</ref> at a price of five rupees.<ref name="tortoise festival" /> Days later, the temple's head priest Murali Krishna was attacked by the devotees for allegedly making a wax replica of Kurmanatha's deity. He claimed that a [[Bangalore]]-based businessman had offered to provide silver ornaments to the deity, and that he took the measurements for the same using wax. The temple's executive officer Prasad Patnaik was criticised for being unavailable, and devotees demanded his immediate arrest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/srikurmam-temple-priests-attacked/article4621863.ece |title=Srikurmam temple priests attacked |work=The Hindu |date=16 April 2013 |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106152504/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/srikurmam-temple-priests-attacked/article4621863.ece |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2013/apr/16/devotees-attack-sri-kurmam-temple-priests-staff-468356.html |title=Devotees attack Sri Kurmam temple priests, staff |work=The New Indian Express |date=16 April 2013 |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106153114/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2013/apr/16/devotees-attack-sri-kurmam-temple-priests-staff-468356.html |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The North Andhra Priests' Association supported the priests of Srikurmam, and stated that the temple officials had made them "scapegoats".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/priests-made-scapegoats-says-archakas-association/article4626649.ece |title=Priests made scapegoats, says archakas' association |work=The Hindu |date=17 April 2013 |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106153505/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/priests-made-scapegoats-says-archakas-association/article4626649.ece |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

From 7–20 July 2014, 55 tortoise hatchlings were bred in the temple, which Green Mercy claimed to be a world record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140720/nation-current-affairs/article/record-number-star-tortoise-bred |title=Record number of star tortoise bred |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=20 July 2014 |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106030016/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140720/nation-current-affairs/article/record-number-star-tortoise-bred |archive-date= 6 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Srikurmam-village-star-tortoise-endangered-wild-species/articleshow/38793211.cms |title=Srikurmam village temple in Andhra Pradesh breeds 55 baby star tortoises |work=The Times of India |date=21 July 2014 |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822185159/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Srikurmam-village-star-tortoise-endangered-wild-species/articleshow/38793211.cms |archive-date=22 August 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In September 2015 ''[[The Times of India]]'' reported about an incident of mass mortality among those 55 tortoises due to infections and poor maintenance, said to be caused by a number of environmental and man-made factors. The number was reduced to 24, and the park's curator K.{{nbsp}}V. Ramana Murthy pointed out that the forest department agreed to conserve them, but the offer was put on hold by the high court after a petition filed by devotees and a few religious organisations.<ref name="star tortoise" /> Apart from lack of manpower and proper funds, the [[Cyclone Hudhud|Hudhud cyclone]] caused severe damage to the tortoise park.<ref name="star tortoise" />

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Bibliography ==
{{colbegin}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B5SaAGpGNbAC&q=srikurmam&pg=PA48|title=Social and Cultural Life in Medieval Andhra|last=Krishna Kumari|first=M.|publisher=Discovery Publishing House|year=1990|isbn=81-7141-102-9|location=New Delhi}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&q=srikurmam+temple+attack&pg=PA577|title=South Indian Shrines: Illustrated|last=Ayyar|first=P. V. Jagadisa|publisher=Asian Educational Services|year=1982|isbn=81-206-0151-3|location=New Delhi}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wKtWAAAAMAAJ&q=srikurmam+temple+muslim+attack|title=The cult of Jagannātha|last=Mishra|first=Kanhu Charan|publisher=The University of Michigan|year=1971}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYDXAAAAMAAJ&q=ramanuja+srikurmam|title=Hinduism in India: A Study of Viṣṇu Worship|last=Patel|first=Sushil Kumar|publisher=Amar Prakashan|year=1992|isbn=81-854-2035-1}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f6seAAAAMAAJ&q=ramanuja+srikurmam+shiva|title=History of the Minor Chāḷukya Families in Medieval Āndhradēśa|last=Suryanarayana|first=Kolluru|publisher=B.R. Publishing Corporation|year=1986|isbn=81-701-8330-8}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZObVAAAAMAAJ&q=ramanuja+srikurmam+shiva|title=Rāmāyaṇa in Indian Art and Epigraphy|last1=Choudary|first1=D. Kiran Kranth|last2=Udayalakshmi|first2=C.|publisher=Harman Publishing House|year=2006|isbn=81-866-2276-4}}
{{colend}}

{{Commons category|Kurmanathaswamy Temple, Srikurmam}}

{{coord missing|Andhra Pradesh}}

[[Category:Hindu temples in Srikakulam district]]
[[Category:Vishnu temples]]
[[Category:Uttarandhra]]