Introduction to Goddess Mohini
In Hinduism, Goddess Mohini is considered to be the most divine and unique incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu has protected the universe by assuming many incarnations, but the Mohini avatar is considered to be his only female incarnation. The word “Mohini” means – the divine power that captivates the mind. Through this form, Lord Vishnu protected the gods by captivating the demons.
The description of the Mohini avatar is found in many Puranas, especially in the story of the churning of the ocean and the demon Bhasmasura. Goddess Mohini is considered to be the symbol of beauty, intelligence, ingenuity and divine maya. Devotees believe that with the grace of Goddess Mohini, negativity, fear and delusion are destroyed in life.
Origin of Goddess Mohini
According to the Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran, once upon a time, the demon guru Shukracharya, after performing severe penance, received the boon of the knowledge of Sanjeevani from Lord Shiva. With the help of this knowledge, dead or injured demons could be brought back to life. As soon as he got this power, the demon king Bali started a war against the gods and as the demons kept coming back to life, the gods started getting defeated.
When the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu, he advised them to churn the ocean to obtain nectar. The gods and demons got together and prepared to churn the ocean of milk. The churning started with the Mandrachala mountain as the churner and the Vasuki serpent as the rope. From the churning of the ocean, many divine gems, Goddess Lakshmi and finally Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the nectar pot.
As soon as the nectar was obtained, the demons snatched the pot. Then Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a very beautiful woman, who was called Mohini. The demons were mesmerized by Mohini's amazing beauty and they handed over the right to distribute the nectar to Mohini. After that, Goddess Mohini made the gods drink nectar and made them immortal.
Origin of Rahu and Ketu
Among the demons, there was a clever demon named Swarbhanu, who became suspicious of Mohini. He secretly went to the row of gods and sat down and tried to drink the nectar. But the sun god and the moon god recognized him and instructed Mohini.
Lord Vishnu immediately appeared in his original form and separated Swarbhanu's head from his body with the Sudarshana Chakra. But since the nectar had entered his throat, his head became immortal as "Rahu" and his torso as "Ketu". Rahu and Ketu are considered important planets in astrology.
The story of Goddess Mohini and Bhasmasura
Another famous story in religious texts is associated with Bhasmasura. A demon named Bhasmasura, after performing severe penance from Lord Shiva, obtained such a boon that whoever he placed his hand on would immediately turn into ashes. As soon as he got this power, Bhasmasura became arrogant.
At one time, he tried to burn Lord Shiva himself to ashes. Shivaji started running to save himself and finally remembered Lord Vishnu. Then Lord Vishnu again assumed the form of Mohini. Fascinated by Mohini's form and dance, Bhasmasura started copying her every gesture.
During the dance, Mohini placed her hand on her head and Bhasmasura did the same. Bhasmasura immediately turned into ashes due to the blessing of Lord Shiva. In this way, Goddess Mohini protected Lord Shiva with her intelligence and love.
Family of Goddess Mohini
Since Goddess Mohini is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, no specific description is available about her parents. But according to some mythological stories, Lord Ayyappa was born due to the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Mohini.
In South India, Lord Ayyappa is worshipped with special devotion and is known as Hariharaputra, as he is considered to be the symbol of the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Description of Goddess Mohini
Goddess Mohini is depicted in a very beautiful and attractive female form. Her eyes are as beautiful as lotuses and her face has a divine radiance. She is adorned with precious ornaments, bracelets, kundalis and flowers.
In many paintings, Goddess Mohini is depicted holding an amrit kalash or dancing. It is believed that she got the name “Mohini” because her divine image captivates the mind.
Mantras of Goddess Mohini
॥ Om Mohinirajaya Namah ॥
॥ Om Shrim Hrim Kleen Mohinya Namah ॥
॥ Om Mohini Devyai Vidmahe Vishnu Rupinyai Dhimahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat ॥
Festivals associated with Goddess Mohini
Mohini Ekadashi is considered the main festival dedicated to Goddess Mohini. In the Vaishnava tradition, this Ekadashi has special significance and devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mohini through fasting, worship and chanting.
It is believed that observing the fast on Mohini Ekadashi destroys sins and brings happiness and prosperity in life.
Famous Temples of Goddess Mohini
There are several ancient temples associated with Goddess Mohini in India. The Mohini form is specially worshipped in temples in Kerala and Goa.
The Shri Krishna Mahavishnu Temple in Chemmanadu, the Mahalasa Narayani Temple and the Vishwamohini Temple in Uttarakhand are particularly popular among devotees.
Spiritual Significance of Goddess Mohini
Devi Mohini is not only a symbol of beauty but also of divine intelligence, ingenuity and protection of religion. She showed that not only with strength but also with intelligence and patience, one can overcome unrighteousness.
It is believed that worshipping Goddess Mohini removes negativity from the mind and develops positivity and self-confidence in life.