From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
[edit] See also
[edit] Further reading
- Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley
[edit] External links
