Goddess as Kurma(Tortoise)-Kurma in the scriptures?

Namaste,

In the following shloka found in the 5th chapter of Sri Devi Mahatmyam,the Goddess is called 'Kurmo'(tortoise).

Translation from the net:

Quote:

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कल्याण्यै प्रणता वृद्धयै सिद्धयै कुर्मो नमो नमः ।
नैर्ऋत्यै भूभृतां लक्ष्म्यै शर्वाण्यै ते नमो नमः ॥३॥

Kalyaannyai Prannataa Vrddhayai Siddhayai Kurmo Namo Namah |
Nairrtyai Bhuubhrtaam Lakshmyai Sharvaannyai Te Namo Namah ||3||

3.1: We Bow to Her Who is the Source of Welfare, Who is Great, Fulfilled and Abides as the Universe,
3.2: Salutations to Her Who is the Destroyer as well as the Prosperity which Supports the Earth and Who is the Consort of Shiva (in the Divine Play of Creation, Sustenance and Destruction).

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Does the Goddess as Kurma here have any relation to Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu from the Samudra Manthan episode to obtain Amrita?

In the net one site says Kurma means the universe/the earth as a tortoise swimming in water(primordial waters?).I found an image that shows the world stands on elephants supported by a tortoise.Is there anything in our scriptures about any celestial tortoise that bears the creation?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw2qV0pLKz...le-Posters.jpg

Does anyone know the significance of calling Devi as Kurma(tortoise)?