Kachhap means tortoise, this festival celebrates lord Vishnu Avatar in tortoise form, it falls on Vaisakh Vadi Parva. This day Kachhap (thinking it is Vishnu) is worshiped by snana, dhoop, deep, argya, aachman, flowers and sattvik eatables; it ends by an Aarti. People may opt for a Vrat (fasting) also, if their health permits.
Who worship Kachhap on Vaisakh Vadi Parva is supposed to get Vishnu Loka after their natural death. And in this life, get their wishes fulfilled. There is also a ritual to put an artificial tortoise made of brass, silver or gold to attract prosperity. Sometimes you may also see, Sri Yantra on the top of a tortoise — tortoise is a sign of good fortune, you may use it (artificial) in any way.
Kachhap Avatar Vrat Katha
Story goes like, tormented by Asuras, Devatas came to lord Vishnu for a solution. Lord Vishnu said, “मेरे क्षीर सागर का मंथन करो, समुन्द्र मंथन से जो अमृत निकलेगा उसे अगर देवता गण पी लें तो असुर उन्हें कभी भी पराजित नहीं कर
पायेंगे.” Devatas agreed ‘coz they knew they will get not only Amrit (Nectar of Immortality) but lots of things including Elephant, Kamdhenu Gaay, Apsara, Shankhs and lots of precious gemstones. They convinced Asuras by saying that this Samundra Manthan would be profitable to both the parties. Asuras got agreed.Both parties came to Vishnu for the planning, ‘coz task was not an easy one. Lord Vishnu said, “turn Mandarachal Parvat into Mathani, Nagraj Vasuki into Rassi, and I will take the form of Kachhap on which Mathani will rotate.” This task was executed on Vaisakh Vadi Parva (Pratipada), that’s why people worship Kachhap Avatar this day. Out of Manthan, Chaudah Ratna came, which were distributed according to lord Vishnu’s plan. And the terrible poison that came out, lord Shiva took it to his throat — that’s why he was called Neelkantha since that day.
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