Swami Achuthananda states that although varied like other legends, 'Vishnu's role in the Kurma avatar was limited compared to that in other avatars'. The role of Kurma in the Samudra manthan is essentially the same in all cited versions of the Ramayana, whereby after the mountain-churning-rod begins to sink into the ocean, Vishnu assumes the form of the gigantic tortoise, Kurma, as a pivot to hold it, while in another simultaneous incarnation also helps to turn the rod. Notably, the Adhyatma Ramayana (as quoted above) states Kurma to be an incarnation of Rama. Other details include: