Hindu mythology is filled with fascinating tales of lord Vishnu brass idol and their incarnations. Gods transforming into animals is a common thing in Hindu mythologies.

Similarly, Lord Vishnu has several Avatars, and one among the several is that of a tortoise. So yes, Kurma Avatar or tortoise form is the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Legend has it that he has to transform himself during the time of Samundra Manthan (The churning of the Sea). While the Samundra Manthan (churning) was happening, the mount Mandhara (used as a churning staff) got stuck and couldn’t move.

Hence, Vishnu brass idol transfigured as a tortoise and went inside the ocean to support Mount Mandara. Therefore, the Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu is unique, and there are very few temples where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of a tortoise.

According to Feng Shui, several animal figurines are considered lucky: the green dragon, red phoenix, white tiger, and black tortoise. The black tortoise, in Chinese mythology, is regarded as a spiritual creature that signifies longevity. It also helps in focusing the positive energy in the house.

To help you understand the benefits and proper placement of tortoise figurines at home, here is a guide to making the most of this Feng Shui element.

Where should a tortoise be placed at home?
• Critical in both Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, the material of the tortoise also has an impact on its placement. For example, a tortoise made of mud or terracotta should be placed in the north-east, centre or south-west direction. A figure which is made of crystal should be set in the north-west or south-west. For tortoise made of wood, east or south-east is the direction, and for tortoise made of metals, the direction to be placed is north and north-west.

• Tortoise figures can be placed in the backyard for stabilizing the positive energy at home.

• Lord Vishnu brass statue can also be placed at the entrance to protect your home from negative energies.

• Metal tortoises should always be kept with their feet immersed in water. Fill a small metal dish or bowl with water and then place the turtle in it. This brings happiness and prosperity to the house.

• Placing the tortoise figurine close to an artificial waterfall or fish tank is considered very lucky for the household.

• Place the tortoise in your ‘Tien Yi’ direction, as it can help you fight illness. To determine your Tien Yi direction, you need to know your Kua number, which can be calculated by adding your year of birth's digits until you get a single digit. To get the Kua number, females should add four to this number, while males should subtract 11.

• If you place the tortoise near the bed, it will help you deal with anxiety and insomnia. You can keep it beside your child’s bed if they are afraid of sleeping alone.

• Do not place the tortoise in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Never keep chipped, cracked or broken tortoise figurines at home.
• Keeping the brass Vishnu statue in the east, the north or the north-west is considered suitable for home and career.