We have thousands of Devas and Devis in the Hindu dharma. But do you know, that Vishnu once took the avatar of a devi? Today we will read about Mohini, the only feminine avatar of Shri Vishnu.
It all started after the landmark event of Samudra Manthan had concluded. As we all know, ‘Amrit’ was one of the outcomes of the Samudra Manthan. As soon as the ‘Amrit’ appeared, both the Devas and the Asuras rushed to grab it. A tussle began between both and the Asuras managed to get hold of the pot which contained ‘Amrit’.
Now, the Devas needed the ‘Amrit’ to regain their strength. When Vishnu saw the Asuras running away with the pot of ‘Amrit’ he took the avatar of the most enchanting beauty the Universe had ever seen. She was an embodiment of grace, beauty and unparalleled charm. The Asuras were mesmerised by her beauty and halted in their tracks! Mohini used seduction and her magnetic charm to snatch the ‘Amrit’ from the Asuras. She then gave it to the Devas, while the Asuras were still captivated by her supernatural beauty.
While the Devas were drinking the Amrit, an Asura called Rahu disguised himself as a ‘Deva’ and tried to drink the Amrit. Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chandra Dev (Moon) quickly informed Vishnu about it. Vishnu used his Sudarshan chakra to cut off Rahu’s head. So Rahu’s head became immortal. The remainder of his body became Ketu (one of the planets in Vedic astrology).
In Sanskrit, Mohini means ‘Enchantress’. Vishnu took the ‘Mohini’ avatar on a few more occasions. The most famous stories of Mohini’s life are the slaying of Bhasmasura and her union with Shiva.
Bhasmasura was an Asura with very crooked intentions. He wanted to become the most powerful Asura ever. He performed severe penance and pleased Shiva. Shiva granted him a boon, whereby Bhasmasur could turn any person into ashes by touching that person’s head. As soon as Bhasmasur received the boon, he decided to use it on Shiva himself!
Realizing Bhasmasura wanted to turn him to ashes, Shiva ran from the spot. Bhasmasura kept chasing him. Shiva finally managed to hide behind a waterfall and prayed to Vishnu for help. Vishnu took the avatar of Mohini once again and appeared before Bhasmasura. Mohini’s magnetic charm, captivated Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura said to Mohini ‘O Beautiful Damsel! I am so enchanted by your beauty. Will you marry me?’ To this Mohini replied ‘Yes! But I have one condition. You have to follow my steps and dance with me.’ Transfixed by her beauty, Bhasmasur readily agreed. They both started dancing with Bhasmasur following Mohini’s dance steps. During the dance, Mohini kept her hand over her head. Bhasmasur mimicked her action and turned himself into ashes!
In this way, Vishnu very cleverly slayed the crooked Bhasmasur.
Soon after this incident, it is said the Lord Shiva united with Mohini. A son was born from this union called Lord Ayyappa.
So to conclude, Mohini is the female Avatar of Lord Vishnu. She does not have an independent existence. She merges into Vishnu after the purpose for which she came into being is served.
