Kurma in Lapis Lazuli

Kurma is carved in Lapis Lazuli stone. Lapis Lazuli is believed to have existed since "before time was born". It is a stone of wisdom, awareness and perfection. 

Kurma was the second avatar of Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took the form of a half-man half-tortoise, the lower half being a tortoise. He is normally shown as having four arms. He sat on the bottom of the ocean after the Great Flood. A mountain was placed on his back by the other gods so that they could churn the sea and find the ancient treasures of the Vedic peoples. He was granted boon by Lord Shani, that anyone who worships this form will not be affected by Saturn malefic effects. 

Direction: Place the mouth of the tortoise facing West direction.