The second avatar, Kurma, was
taken in the Satyuga (last age) to help the Devas and to obtain the
amrut (nectar) of immortality which was also sought after by the
Asuras (demons). Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a tortoise and
took the newly created earth on his back in order to render
stability to the trembling globe. It is believed that even to this
day the earth is supported on the back of this tortoise.