ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Goddess Mohini Avatar & Shiva
Let’s explore the tatva behind Mohini Avataram of Śrī Mahā Viṣṇu leading to Śiva following Mohini. Lets start with Śrī Śankara’s sloka from Soundarya Lahari, Sloka 6, wherein He says:
“धनुः पौष्पं मौर्वी मधुकरमयी पंच विशिखाः
वसंतः सामंतो मलयमरु-दायोधन-रथः ।
तथाप्येकः सर्वं हिमगिरिसुते कामपि कृपां
अपांगात्ते लब्ध्वा जगदिद-मनंगो विजयते”
“Dhanun paushpam maurvi madhu-kara-mayi pancha visikha Vasantaha samanto Malaya-marud ayodhana-rathah;
Tatha’py ekah sarvam Himagiri-suthe kam api kripaam Apangat te labdhva jagadidam Anango vijayate”
From above the words ‘Apangat te labdhva’ meaning the eyes of the Divine Mother when fell on Manamadha give him the power to win and cast his spell on us. If that’s the case, then will the spell of Manmadha corrupting us? So here lays the secret to one of the most important questions, is Kama(m) (Desire) corrupting us? And the answer is no, provided kama (desire) is assimilated with Ḍharma. As long as the Kama is entwined in the wheel of Ḍharma then the Kama will not corrupt us. For example, the Kama or a desire towards reaching and understanding Iśvara is a good desire, and so helps uplift us. When one realizes that, one can explore Iśvara’s essence, learn a good stotram, read a good book, perform a Pooja (pūjā) with devotion, and so on, then such a desire towards Iśvara will help us towards reaching higher plains of conscience. Śrī Śankara’s sloka from Soundarya Lahari, Sloka 5, wherein He says:
“हरिस्त्वामारध्य प्रणत-जन-सौभाग्य-जननीं
पुरा नारी भूत्वा पुररिपुमपि क्षोभ मनयत् ।
स्मरोஉपि त्वां नत्वा रतिनयन-लेह्येन वपुषा
मुनीनामप्यंतः प्रभवति हि मोहाय महताम्”
“Haris tvam aradhya pranata-jana-saubhagya-jananim
Pura nari bhutva Pura-ripum api ksobham anayat;
Smaro’pi tvam natva rati-nayana-lehyena vapusha
Muninam apyantah prabhavati hi mohaya mahatam.”
Meaning Śrī Viṣṇu once through Upāsanā (worship) of the Divine Mother (Devi Pārvatī) attained Her beauty during the event of Kṣīra:sagara Madanam, for this Śiva, curiously (knowingly) asked Śrī Viṣṇu to show that form at a later time. The story as follows, Śiva upon hearing Śrī Viṣṇu’s achievement of attaining the beauty of His wife, curious to see (knowingly), reached Vikuntam (residence of Śrī Viṣṇu and Śrī Lakṣmī) and asked Śrī Viṣṇu to show His female form (the form of Mohini). Śiva who burnt the cities of Tripurasura, a sage (Adi Yogi) whose mind cannot be moved or disturbed by any desire, a sage who burnt Manmadha (the God of kama) whose arrows of love failed to flaw Him, however on that day His mind fluctuated by looking at His wife’s form in Śrī Viṣṇu. Now the Divine Mother, in this case, Devi Pārvatī, who is Śiva’s Ḍharma:patni, by granting Her beauty to Śrī Viṣṇu, but technically She (Devi Pārvatī) cloned herself. for Śiva to drift in desire and in return blemished His character? Then why did Śrī Śankara compose such a sloka in Soundarya Lahari? Because of Devi Pārvatī, who is the Mother of all worlds, created desire and love to fabricate Creation itself (which includes us) causing it to flourish by making a being to strive for self preservation and progression of one’s body and mind to continue in this creation as a son or daughter. Therefore, She is the only one who can pull Śiva (the Cit:Ananda Swarupa) into the notion of Desire. She is the only one who directed Śiva (Sat:cit:anada Murti) to move towards Śrī Viṣṇu by cloning Him into Herself. Its only Pāraśakti that can play with creation (Sristi) and this Jagath (reality). She is the only Witness (Sakshi) to creation, hence the title Maha:pralaya:sakshini. She as per the Tantra is non other than Śrī Mahā Viṣṇu in a feminen representation. Readers should not apply human based relation and biological gender classification to the divine paly (Keli/lila) of Pāraśakti. Since Śiva can only desire Devi Pārvatī (Iśvara and śakti), desired Mohini a clone of Devi Parvati, which resulted in the remarkable birth of Ayyapa (Manikanta). Who is none other than the unified form of Śiva and Śrī Hari (Technically Devi Pārvatī posing as Śrī Viṣṇu)? In this unified form, Ayyapa then abolished the evil Maheshe who was threatening the worlds with Her power. Maheshe took a boon from Brahmā Deva, that only a unified form of Śiva and Śrī Hari can diminish her, which she assumed would never be possible, hence proclaimed immortal. Maheshe assumed that the concepts of Preservation and Dissolution are two separate and failed to recognize that its one Iśvara who operates in two modes, for creation to progress towards dissolution in a slower phase, hence with pride and ego failed to evolve in conscience. We can now understand how Devi Pārvatī did such unique and flavorful fabrication to save the worlds and safeguarding creation from various calamities that we and other beings of this creation bring upon ourselves through our own ignorance.
Readers should note that this universe, technically many universes as explained in Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram has innumerable flavors of life, desire, forms and fabrications that are not necessarily convincing to us with our limited comprehension. At the same time, Sanātana Ḍharma does not filter such content and abstract us from the truth. Hence one needs to understand that there are multitudes of untold flavors in the fabric of creation, which are not limited to our understanding, hence not to be considered flawed or nonexistent. Many theorists today believe in not just one universe but in the existence of multiverse or parallel universes. One lifetime is not necessarily sufficient to experience them all, and again a Jīva, which has no death, hops through so many lives in so many upaadi (forms) across so many lokas.
Hence, desire when in line with Ḍharma, uplift us and gives this world many great things. For example, the Great Rśi Vyāsa (Maharśi Vyāsa) who compartmentalized the Vedā, composed various Puráńa(m), and Upanishad, who bestowed the world with such truth through His literature, one day drifted by a desire for Gruthachi, which resulted in the birth of Shuka:Brahmā (Sage/Maharśi who narrated Srimad Bhagavata(m) or Śrī Bhagavata Puráńa(m)). One while chanting about Iśvara, visualizing Iśvara’s beauty and greatness, and in that trans of devotion loses touch with the world outside, and blooms in joy is Sage Shuka:Brahmā and so was eligible to narrate Srimad Bhagavata(m) (Śrī Bhagavata Puráńa(m)). If such great personality was not born in this world, who else can take up the legacy of (born to) such a great Maharśi like Vyāsa, otherwise we wouldn’t be fortunate to learn and listen to Bhagavata Puráńa(m). Sage Shuka is the one who narrated and explained Bhagavata Puráńa(m) in seven days to King Parikskhit. Iśvara invokes māyā (illusion) of desire within great Maharśi time and again, so that the world can be fortunate to receive extraordinary personalities, because Rśis by themselves have crossed the state of worldly desire and evolved into higher plains of conscience, if not for Iśvara’s (Devi’s) māyā, how else can they be brought back to the simpletons of material and bodily desires. A good example of an uplifting desire would be to be anger towards the inability to control one’s own anger, making such anger a better emotion to uplift us. So, it’s through the same desires and emotions we can channel them and uplift ourselves, because desires and emotions are an inherent nature of human, hence are called vāsanā. One should properly channel the desires and never suppress them. In Devi Bhagavata(m) (Devi Bhagavata Puráńa(m)), King Janaka explains about Desires and the greatness of Gruhastu Ashram to Sage Shuka:Brahmā:
“इंड्रीयनी भलिस्तानी ननियुक्तानी मानधहा”
“Indreyani Bhalistani Naniyuktani Maanadha”
Mohini – The Enchanting Goddess
Hindu mythology is a treasure trove of fascinating characters and stories, each with their unique attributes and significance. Among them, Goddess Mohini stands out for her enchanting beauty and deceptive nature. She is believed to be the only female Avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, who took on this form to deceive the demons and ensure that the gods received the nectar of immortality. In this essay, we will delve deeper into the legend of Goddess Mohini, exploring her appearance, character, and role in Hindu mythology.
Goddess Mohini is often depicted as a stunningly beautiful woman with long hair, expressive eyes, and a charming smile. She is adorned with jewels, a flowing garment, and sometimes, peacock feathers. The goddess’s beauty is so captivating that even the most powerful demons are said to have been completely mesmerized by her. However, despite her feminine appearance, Goddess Mohini is also depicted as a warrior, wielding a sword and shield.
Character of Goddess Mohini
While Goddess Mohini’s appearance is undoubtedly striking, her character is perhaps even more fascinating. She is known for her deceptive nature, which she used to great effect during the Samudra Manthan or the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk. According to Hindu mythology, the gods and demons were engaged in a fierce battle, and the only way to end it was to obtain the nectar of immortality. However, the nectar was hidden in the depths of the ocean, and both sides were unable to retrieve it. It was then that Lord Vishnu took on the form of Goddess Mohini, and her beauty was so powerful that the demons immediately fell under her spell.
Goddess Mohini’s Deception
Goddess Mohini’s deception was so effective that she managed to trick the demons into agreeing to her plan. She instructed them to sit on one side of the ocean while the gods sat on the other, and she would distribute the nectar of immortality between them. However, as she began to pour the nectar into the mouths of the gods, she made sure that only they received it, and the demons were left with nothing but a bitter taste in their mouths. In this way, the gods were able to achieve immortality, while the demons were left to suffer the consequences of their foolishness.
Significance of Goddess Mohini
The legend of Goddess Mohini has several significant meanings and teachings. Firstly, it shows that appearances can be deceiving, and one should be wary of falling for beauty without understanding its true nature. It also highlights the importance of strategic thinking and planning, as Goddess Mohini’s plan was able to achieve the desired outcome despite the odds being stacked against the gods. Lastly, it demonstrates the power of Lord Vishnu and his ability to take on any form to ensure the welfare of his devotees.
Mohini – The female incarnation of Lord Vishnu
Goddess Mohini
Mohini is the only female avatar (incarnation) of Hindu God Vishnu – the preserver. When Devas (demi-gods) and Asuras (demons) churn the ocean of milk (Kshir sagar) and obtained amrit (elixir of life) a fight errupted between them to take possession of amrit. God Vishnu assumes the form of an enchanting damsel, tricks the Asuras into giving her the pot of Amrit, and distributes it amongst the Devas.
Mohini means ‘erotic magic or spell’. The name has its origin in the word ‘moha,’ which means ‘delusion personified’ or enchant, perplex, or delude. Therefore, moha is the quality of desire after which the Mohini has been named. In Sanskrit, Mohini simply means Enchantress. The name also has an implied connotation of “the essence of female beauty and allurement.”
According to Bhagvata Mahapurana, Lord Vishnu incarnated twenty-four times. Out of those 24 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Mohini is the only female incarnation.
Mohini is widely renowned as an enchantress as she is mystically gorgeous and supremely feminine by nature. Lord Vishnu appears as Mohini during the Samudra Manthan. She helps in obtaining the pot of Amrita from the Asuras(demons) and passes it to the Devas(gods) and aids them in retaining their immortality. There are numerous talks where she is cited, including the union with Lord Shiva. These stories, among others, talk about the birth of Lord Shasta and annihilation of the demon Bhasmasura.
Devas and Asuras performed Samudra Manthan (churning of ocean) to get Amrit, the nectar of immortality. But when Amrita was received from the ocean both Devas and Asuras fought over it. When there was no end to the fight, Vishnu appeared in the enchanting female form of Mohini. Both Devas and Asuras were smitten by the beauty of Mohini and agreed to her idea of distributing the Amrita. Vishnu did not want Asuras to consume Amrita as this will make them immortal and then they will create havoc in the universe. So Mohini first poured Amrita into the mouth of Devas.
One Asura named Swarbhanu got suspicious about the whole event and went and sat among the Devas. When Mohini poured Amrita into the mouth of the Asura, Surya (Sun God) and Chandra (Moon God) who were sitting nearby recognized the intruder and alerted Mohini. Mohini then took the form of Vishnu and cut the neck of Asura with Sudarshana Chakra. As per some accounts, the sudarshana chakra appeared on the hand Mohini and she did not appear as Vishnu. The head of the demon became Rahu and the body became Ketu. To avenge, Rahu promised that he will eclipse sun and moon periodically and this results in eclipse.
There was an asura named Bhasmasura, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed great penance to obtain a boon from Shiva. As a result of his penance, Mahadev became pleased and told him to ask for a boon. Bhasmasura asked for immortality, but Shiva said that he did not have the power to grant him immortality. Bhasmasura then changed the mode of the boon he wanted. One whose head is touched by Bhasmasura with his forefinger, should immediately burn up and turn into ashes (bhasma). This was his demand. Siva granted him the same boon.
Bhasmasura was immensely happy and with overwhelming joy, he decided to test the boon on Mahadev himself. Soon, he attempted to touch the head of Shiva with his forefinger. He wanted to burn Siva and turn into ashes and then possess Goddess Parvati. Siva fled, but he was chased by Bhasmasura. Wherever Mahadeva went, there Bhasmasura also followed. At last, Siva managed to reach the abode of Vishnu and sought a solution to the predicament, for which he himself was responsible.
On hearing Shiva’s problem, Mahavishnu agreed to help him. Vishnu took the form of Mohini and appeared in front of the demon. Mohini was so exceedingly beautiful that Bhasmasur was immediately attracted by her. Bhasmasura requested Mohini to marry him. She replied that she was very much fond of dancing, and would marry him, only if he could match her moves in dance. Bhasmasura agreed and hence they started dancing. The event went on for days, as Bhasmasura matched Mohini’s move for move. While dancing, Mohini struck a pose where her hand, especially the forefinger was placed on top of her own head. As Bhasmasura imitated her, he touched his own head with his forefinger and was immediately burnt up and turned into ashes, in accordance with the boon he had gained.
According to various texts and Puranas, Shiva and Mohini have a union which led to the birth of their son Ayyappa. He is known by different names in different parts of the country. Ayyappa is also called as Mahashasta, Sastava, Manikandan who is believed to be an incarnation of Dharma Sasta, the offspring of Shiva and Vishnu
Mohini is also one of the Dasavtar of Vishnu.
Long long ago Indra The king of Devtas was ridding on his Elephant. Rishi Durvasa ( a sage) saw Indra and he offered him a garland.Indra accepted the garland with a smile and placed it on the trunk of his elephant. The elephant got irritated by the scent of the garland and he threw it on the ground, seeing this the enraged sage Durvasa Cursed Indra and all Devatas to forget their Divya Shakties( Divya means Devine ans Shakties means Powers). In such a condition the Daanavas ( rivals of Devtas ) attacked the Havens and conquered the whole universe . The helpless Devatas went to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu advised them for Sagar Manthan .(click here to know the full story of Sagar Manthan)
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Sagar Manthan was suppose to be done by both Devtaas and Daanavas. So Devtaas came into alliance with Asuraas (danavaas) for Sagarmanthan and share Amrit (the nectar of immortality ) . Vishnu promised to do justice for Devtaas.
while Samundar Manthan Dhanvantri (the havenly Physician ) emerged out of the ocean with the pot full of Amrit . seening the Nector Pot Devtaas and Danvaas started fighting . Garuda took the devine pot and flew to Vishnu.
Vishnu took the Avatar of Mohini .
Mohini was a lady with divine beauty . Mohini came with the Amrit pot to the battle place and she suggested devtaas and danavaas to sit in different row, so that she can distribute Amrit among them all the Devtaas and Daanavas agreed. Mohini started to distributed The Amrit from Devtaas . One Danav Rahuketu sat in the row of devtaar and Drank the Amrit. The Sun God and the Moon God noticed him and they informed Mohini by that time Rahuketu already drank the Amrita mohini Cutt off his head with Sudarshan Chakra . Rahuketu could not die but his head was seprated from his body , his head came to be called as Rahu and his body Ketu.
Mohini – The Only Female Avatar of Lord Vishnu
Mohini is introduced in the Hindu legends of the narrative epic of Mahabharata. She appears as a form of Vishnu, who acquires the pot of Amrita from Asuras(demons) and gives it back to the devas (gods), helping them retain their immortality.
Mohini is the only female avatar of Lord Vishnu. She is also known as an enchantress because she is supernaturally beautiful and feminine by nature.
Etymology of the Name
Mohini means ‘erotic magic or spell’. The name has its origin in the word ‘moha,’ which means ‘delusion personified’ or enchant, perplex, or delude. Therefore, moha is the quality of desire after which the Mohini has been named. In Sanskrit, Mohini simply means Enchantress. The name also has an implied connotation of “the essence of female beauty and allurement.”
Historical Background
She was first introduced in the Mahabharata. Mohini, the only female Avatar of Vishnu, became an important part of the ‘Samudra Manthan.’ She acquires ‘Amrita’ from Asuras (demons) and gives the Devas to make them immortal.
In original texts, Mohini is referred to simply as an enchanting, female form of Vishnu. But in the later versions, Mohini is described as Maya (illusion) of Vishnu. Once the Mohini legend became popular, it was expanded, retold, and re-written in several texts. The tales of Mohini-Vishnu gradually increased among various other religions.
A similar Mahabharata version of the story is expanded in the Bhagwat Purana in the 10th century CE, where Mohini becomes the formal Avatar of Vishnu.
Relationship with Shiva
The most famous and prominent tale of her life is her union with Shiva. The connection of Shiva with Mohini became popular everywhere. According to Bhagavata Purana, after Vishnu deceives the Asuras by his Maya, the female form, Shiva wants to meet her again. Every god started praising Lord Vishnu and the beauty of Mohini. This incident overwhelmed Lord Shiva so much that he immediately visited Vishnu along with his wife, Parvati.
In the Bhramanda Purana, when sage Narada tells Shiva about Vishnu’s Mohini form that deluded the demons, Shiva dismisses him. Shiva, along with Parvati, goes to Vishnu’s home and asks him to retake Mohini’s form. Vishnu started to meditate on the Goddess, and in place of Vishnu stands the gorgeous Mohini.
Lord Vishnu turned himself into a beautiful and seductive lady, and Lord Shiva fell for her. Overcome by lust, Lord Shiva ran behind the gorgeous Mohini, grabbed her arms, and embraced her, but she escaped. During her violent coupling, Shiva’s seed fell on the ground, leading to the birth of another God known as Ayyappa.
Son of Shiva and Vishnu
According to various texts and Puranas, Shiva and Mohini have a union that led to the birth of their son Ayyappa. He is known by different names in different parts of the country. Ayyappa is also called Mahashasta, Sastava, Manikandan who is believed to be an incarnation of Dharma Sasta, the offspring of Shiva and Vishnu.
Lord Ayyappa is generally depicted in a yoga posture, wearing a jewel around his neck, hence named Manikandan, which means “with a bell around the neck.”
Appearance of Mohini
According to mythologist Puttanaik, the appearance of Mohini is just a disguise to delude the Asura named Bhasmasura rather than a sexual transformation. Mohini was reincarnated or transferred from Vishnu’s physical body to a beautiful ‘apsara.’ Mohini does not have an independent existence; she exists only as a temporary form and is merged back into Vishnu after serving her purpose.
Temples of Devi Mohini
Among various temples of Mohini,
Jagan Mohini Keshava Swami Temple of Mohini Devi in Andhra Pradesh East Godavari district of Rayali, India.
There is also one of Mahasala, which is located in Nevasa, Maharashtra, India.
Harikanyaka Temple is also one of the ancient Hindu temples named after Mohini, situated near Guruvayur.
Ryali Jagan Mohini Temple is another holy temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Among various temples of Mohini,
Story Of Mohini Avatar Of Vishnu We all know about the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, the Protector of the Universe, is hailed in stories passed down through generations. Lord Vishnu’s idol depicts four arms holding symbols of divinity, power, and protection. But, little has been said about Mohini. The only female avatar that Lord Vishnu had taken.
Everyone has heard of the name Mohini, but little is known about the occurrence and the story behind the Mohini avatar of Vishnu. Being the only female avatar Lord Vishnu has taken, the Mohini Avatar is one of the fascinating incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector in Hindu mythology.
The story of Mohini Avatar of lord Vishnu revolves around the divine enchantress, Mohini, who was an embodiment of grace, beauty, and unparalleled charm.
Mohini The Female Avatar of Vishnu Story
Origin of Mohini Avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism
The Mohini Avatar of lord Vishnu is portrayed as a captivating form of Lord Vishnu, who appears in Hindu mythology to protect the universe. In the beginning, Mohini was usually depicted as a beautiful woman who held the powers of captivation through her charm. Alas, the true story was changed, expanded, and re-interpreted in several different scriptures.
With the passage of time, Mohini was depicted as an illusion or a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and his divine powers. During the tenth century, an extended depiction of Mohini Vishnu was seen in the pages of Shrumad Bhagavatam, the sacred text, where Mohini was officially portrayed as the avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The word Mohini is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word that is used to refer to personified delusion, which served as fitting considering the absurd beauty and allure that Mohini is believed to have possessed. The word is used to captivate, confuse, or delude any being.
And in a few regions of our country, Mohini is considered Goddess Mahalasa Narayani. This version of her is portrayed holding various symbols and weapons in her four arms.
The story of the Mohini avatar serves as a lesson in the allure and mystical fantasy that this divine being embodied. And as a caution against it.
Known Legends Of Goddess Mohini
1. Samudra Manthan Story
The Hindu classic Mahabharata talks about the Samudra Manthan in the 5th century BCE. This is the first time Mohini is mentioned. The Ocean of Milk is churned to make the pot of Amrita, which as we believe is the source of life.
The demi-gods and devils fight over who gets to own it. The Asuras set up the situation so that they can keep the Amrita for themselves. This makes the Devas very angry. Lord Vishnu takes the form of the most beautiful woman in the world, Mohini, to stop the demons’ evil plans.
She uses the power of seduction and her alluring charm to trick the Asuras into giving her the nectar, which she then gives to the Devas. An Asura named Rahu dresses up as a Deva and tries to drink some nectar.
Surya, the Sun God, and Chandra, the Moon God, told Lord Vishnu right away. Lord Vishnu then used the Sudarshana Chakra to cut Rahu’s head off, leaving the head alive forever.
2. Slayers Of Asuras
Bhasmasura was an evil demon who wanted to be the most powerful and strongest Asura ever. He started a penance to make Lord Shiva happy and attain what he sought. Bhasmasura spent an extraordinarily long time praying. Greatly pleased with how devoted he was, Lord Shiva told him he could ask for any boon he wanted.
Bhasmasura asked to be given the power to live forever. But Lord Shiva told him that he could not make him live forever. Bhasmasura then asked him to give him the power to turn someone’s head into ashes if he touched it.
Lord Shiva gave him this gift, but he knew right away he had made a big mistake when Bhasmasura wanted to test his skills on the god himself. Lord Shiva ran away from the place while Bhasmasura chased after him.
This is when Mohini, Lord Vishnu’s female form. She showed up as a beautiful woman, and the Bhasmasural was too taken with her to keep going. Mohini tried to get him to join her in a dance competition.
She put her hand on her head as a dance move, which Bhasmasura copied. The demon turned to ash right away because of the boon.
Another story says that Mohini is thought to have helped kill Virochana. Virchona was blessed with a crown that would keep him safe from all harm. Virochana was then tricked into falling in love with Mohini, and she steals his crown. Lord Vishnu was able to kill the monster because it had no way to defend itself.
In another story, Araka, an Asura, is talked about. Mohini is linked to Lord Krishna in the story, not to Lord Vishnu. Since Araka had taken a vow of chastity and never even looked at a woman, he had become too strong. Then, Lord Krishna takes the form of the beautiful Mohini and gets married to him. Three days after the wedding, Araka’s promise to stay pure is broken, and Lord Krishna is able to kill him in battle.
3. Mohini And Lord Shiva Bonding
According to many Hindu books and Puranas, Lord Shiva and Mohini, who was Lord Vishnu in a female form, got married and had a son named Lord Ayyappa. People call him by different names in different places in India, such as Mahashasta.
People think that Sastava, Manikandan, etc. are reincarnations of Dharma Shasta, who is thought to be the child of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Most of the time, Lord Ayyappa is shown in a yoga pose with a jewel around his neck. So, people call him Manikandan, which means “with a bell around the neck.”
Mohini – The Unforgettable Affair Of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is said to be the epitome of true love. He is known for his dedication and selflessness towards Parvati. His tales of Goddess Sati and then the formation of the Shakti peeths is also known to all as the unique story of love.
Can you imagine him having an external affair? But, let me tell you that beauty has no boundation and can melt any being. Similarly, the God of the Gods also fell for the very beautiful “MOHINI”.
Now, who this Mohini is and from where did she come?
You must have heard about Bhasmasura who had the boon of vanishing anybody whom he touched. It was getting impossible to defend him. He was so destructive that he also ran behind Lord Shiva and tried to destroy him. Hence Vishnu took the form of this beautiful lady Mohini and seduced Bhasmasura towards her. She made him indulge in a dance in such a way that he touched his own head and vanished. Every God started praising Lord Vishnu and the beauty of Mohini. This incident overwhelmed Lord Shiva so much that he immediately visited Vishnu along with his wife Parvati.He asked him to take the form of Mohini again. When Vishnu turned himself to a beautiful and seductive lady, Lord Shiva fell for her. What happened next was unexpected!
Mohini – The Unforgettable Affair Of Lord Shiva
Every God started praising Lord Vishnu and the beauty of Mohini. This incident overwhelmed Lord Shiva so much that he immediately visited Vishnu along with his wife Parvati. He asked him to take the form of Mohini again. When Vishnu turned himself to a beautiful and seductive lady, Lord Shiva fell for her. What happened next was unexpected! Overcome by unintentional lust Lord Shiva ran behind the gorgeous Mohini. He grabbed her by her arms and embraced her but she escaped. Finally, he grabs Mohini and violent coupling happens. This violent coupling led to the birth of another God known as Maha-Shasta.
Mohini – The Unforgettable Affair Of Lord Shiva
In this entire incident, the most astonishing or you can say the unforgettable part was that Goddess Parvati witnessed the happenings. She was ashamed for sure but not because of envy, rather because she had unconsciously drawn a boundary around her beloved.
What do we learn from this incident? A very nice takeaway from this short mythological story is here “Love cannot have boundaries. It is eternal, infinite and unconquerable.”