Mohini is one of the 25 avatars of Vishnu found in the Puranas. The main story, or lila, concerning Mohini is the Sagar or Samudra manthan, a lila that includes: Indra, Lakshmi, Kurma, Dhanvantari, and numerous other Hindu divinities. This lila details the conflict between the Daitya (demons) and the Adityas (gods), as well as their quest for amrita. In this lila, there is a time when the demons overpowered the gods and take possession of the amrita. In order to rescue the gods, Vishnu takes the form of a beautiful woman, Mohini, and approached the demons. When the demons saw the enchanting beauty of Mohini, they lost all composure. While the demons were enchanted by Her beauty, Mohini seized the nectar and distributed it amongst the gods, who drank it immediately. During this lila, the asura Rahu suspected foul play and joined the gods in disguise to receive nectar. Mohini realised this as he drank the nectar, and she decapitated the asura with the Sudarshana Chakra. However, as Rahu had drunk nectar, he did not die but continued to live on as Rahu (the head) and Ketu (the headless body), who are today part of the navagrahas (nine planets) in Hindu astrology system. Legends indicate that Shasta, a South Indian deity is the son of a union between Shiva and Mohini.[1] According to Tamil legends, Krishna took the form of Mohini and married Aravan - the son of the Mahabharata-hero Arjuna. Mohini later moaned her widowhood when Aravan was sacrificed the next day to ensure the victory of Arjuna and her siblings in the Mahabharata war.
It is also been said that Hanuman (the Monkey God) is son of Shiva and Mohini who was born when Shiva got desperate due to Halahala stuck in his throat and had to get a relief which he got by getting Mohini's embrace. Another story indicates that Shiva masturbated after watching Mohini's sensuality and then the semen fell on the ground which the earth was incapable to handle. So Vayu (the wind god) carried the semen to Anjana's (The Ape Queen's) womb and thus Hanuman was born. Hence he bears the name 'Anjaneya'.
See also
- The Mysterious Pastimes of Mohini-murti
References
- ^ Smith, B.L., Legitimation of Power in South Asia,p.5
Further reading
- Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley
External links
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Avatars of Vishnu |
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| Other avatars |
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| *Buddha or Balarama is considered the ninth avatar of Vishnu, depending the tradition. In North India, Buddha is included and in south India, Balarama. |
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