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{{About|the only female avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu|other uses|Mohini (disambiguation)}}
{{Short description|Hindu goddess of enchantment, the only female avatar of Vishnu}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox deity<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Hindu sprituality scriptures-->
| type = Hindu
| image = File:Mohini on a swing.jpg
| caption = ''Mohini on a swing'' by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]
| alt =
| name = Mohini
| Devanagari = मोहिनी
| Sanskrit_transliteration = Mohinī
| affiliation = [[Avatar]] of [[Vishnu]]
| mantra =
| gender = Female
| consort = [[Shiva]]
| children = [[Shasta (deity)|Shasta]]
| weapons = Mohini-Astra (Seduction), [[Sudarshana Chakra]]
| deity_of = Goddess of Beauty, Seduction, Eroticism and Illusion
}}
'''Mohini''' ([[Sanskrit]]: मोहिनी, ''{{IAST|Mohinī}}'')<!--Do not remove, WP:INDICSCRIPT doesn't apply to WikiProject Hinduism--> is the [[Hindu goddess]] of enchantment. She is the only female [[avatar]] of the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] god [[Vishnu]]. She is portrayed as a ''[[femme fatale]]'', an enchantress, who maddens lovers and demons, sometimes leading them to their doom. Mohini is introduced into [[Hindu mythology|Hinduism]] in the narrative epic of the ''[[Mahabharata]]''. Here, she appears as a form of Vishnu following the [[Samudra-manthana|Churning of the Ocean]], a mesmerising beauty who distributes the [[amrita]] (the elixir of immortality) to the weakened [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] (gods) and depriving it to the dominant [[Asura|asuras]] (demons), allowing the former to defeat the latter with their newfound immortality.
Many different legends tell of her various exploits and marriages, including her union with the god [[Shiva]]. These tales relate, among other things, the birth of the god [[Shasta (deity)|Shasta]] and the destruction of [[Bhasmasura]], the ash-demon. Mohini's main ''[[modus operandi]]'' is to trick or beguile those she encounters. She is worshipped throughout Indian culture, but mainly in Western India, where temples are devoted to her depicted as [[Mahalasa]], the consort of [[Khandoba]], a regional avatar of Shiva.
==Etymology==
The name ''Mohini'' comes from the verb root ''moha'', meaning "to delude, enchant, perplex, or illusion,"<ref>Pattanaik (2001), p. 70</ref><ref>[[Monier Monier-Williams|Monier Williams]], [http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/cgi-bin/monier/serveimg.pl?file=/scans/MWScan/MWScanjpg/mw0836-morAkabhavana.jpg Sanskrit-English Dictionary]. (1899).</ref> and literally means "delusion personified." In the [[Baiga (tribe)|Baiga]] culture of Central [[India]], the word ''mohini'' means "erotic magic or spell."<ref name = "G44">Goudriaan p. 44</ref> The name also has an implied connotation of "the essence of female [[beauty]] and allurement."<ref name="mohiniattam"/>
==Legends and history==
===The Amrita===
[[File:Mohini Samudra manthan.jpg|thumb|left|Mohini distributing the Amrita to the Devas (left), while the Asuras look on]][[File:India, Calcutta, Kalighat painting, 19th century - Vishnu in Female Form of Mohini Carrying Amrita for the Gods - 2003.122 - Cleveland Museum of Art.tif|alt=Vishnu as Mohini in the Kalighat style of painting, Cleveland Museum of Art|thumb|[[Vishnu]] as Mohini carrying the amrita in the [[Kalighat painting|Kalighat]] style of painting, [[Cleveland Museum of Art]]]]
The earliest reference to a Mohini-type goddess appears in the ''[[Samudra manthan|Samudra Manthana]]'' episode of the 5th century BCE [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref>Goudriaan, p. 44, ''Adi Parva'' (chapter 17, stanzas 38–40)</ref> The Amrita, or nectar of immortality, is produced by the churning of the [[Ocean of Milk]]. The [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] and the [[Asuras]] fight over its possession.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01019.htm ''Mahabharata'', Adi Parva, Astika Parva, Section 18.]</ref> The Asuras contrive to keep the Amrita for themselves, angering the Devas. Vishnu, wise to their plan, assumes the form of an "enchanting damsel". She uses her allure to trick the Asuras into giving her the Amrita, and then distributes it amongst the Devas. [[Rahu]], an Asura, disguises himself as a god and tries to drink some Amrita himself. [[Surya]] (the sun-god) and [[Chandra]] (the moon-god) quickly inform Vishnu, and he uses the [[Sudarshana Chakra]] (the divine discus) to decapitate Rahu, leaving the head immortal.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01020.htm ''Mahabharata'', Adi Parva, Section 19.]</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Pandikattu |first1=Kuruvila |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cyLYAAAAMAAJ&q=Mohini+tricks+demons |title=Religion, Society, and Economics: Eastern and Western Perspectives in Dialogue |last2=Vonach |first2=Andreas |date=2003 |publisher=P. Lang |isbn=978-3-631-39955-2 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Pattanaik |first=Devdutt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8wKK7KNnMzAC&dq=Mohini+amrita+devas&pg=PT141 |title=Myth = Mithya: Decoding Hindu Mythology |date=2014-07-11 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-021-8 |language=en}}</ref> The other major Hindu epic, ''[[Ramayana]]'' (4th century BCE), narrates the Mohini story briefly in the ''[[Balakanda|Bala Kanda]]'' chapter.<ref>{{cite book|last= Robert P. Goldman|title=The Ramayana of Valmiki Balakanda 'An Epic of Ancient India|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|page=366|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kD84WlAtggkC&q=mohini+ramayana&pg=PA366|isbn= 978-81-208-3162-9|year= 2007}}</ref> This same tale is also recounted in the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'' four centuries later.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp044.htm#page_77 ''Vishnu Purana'', Book 1, Chap. 9.]</ref>
In the original text, Mohini is referred to as simply an enchanting, female form of Vishnu. In later versions, Mohini is described as the ''[[Maya (illusion)|maya]]'' (illusion) of Vishnu. Later still, the name of the avatar becomes Mohini from the original phrase describing his deliberate false appearance (''mayam ashito mohinim'').<ref name="G41">Goudriaan p. 41</ref> Once the Mohini legend became popular, it was retold, revised, and expanded in several texts. The tales of Mohini-Vishnu also increased among devotional circles in various regions.<ref name="G42">Goudriaan p. 42</ref><ref name="D263">Doniger (1999) p. 263</ref> The same expanded ''Mahabharata'' version of the story is also recounted in the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' in the 10th century CE.<ref name="jarow">{{cite book|last=Jarow|first=Rick |title=Tales for the dying: the death narrative of the Bhāgavata-Purāṇa|publisher=SUNY Press|pages=78–80|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8URUz0jhH3gC&q=mohini+visnu&pg=PA78|isbn=978-0-7914-5609-5|date=March 2003}}</ref><ref name="Pattanaik 2001, p. 65">Pattanaik (2001), p. 65</ref><ref>[http://www.bhagavata.org/canto8/chapter9.html Anand Aadhar translation of ''Bhagavata Purana'', Canto 8, chapter 9]</ref> Here, Mohini becomes a formal avatar of Vishnu.<ref name="Myths" />
This legend is also retold in the ''[[Padma Purana]]''.<ref name="Myths">{{cite book|last=Daniélou|first=Alain |title=The myths and gods of India|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Company|pages=[https://archive.org/details/mythsgodsofindia00dani/page/165 165], 186–87|url=https://archive.org/details/mythsgodsofindia00dani|url-access=registration|quote=mohini .|isbn=978-0-89281-354-4|date=1 December 1991}}</ref> and ''[[Brahmanda Purana]]''. In the ''Brahmanda Purana'', however, Vishnu-Mohini simply, after meditation upon the Great Goddess [[Mahadevi|Maheshvari]], acquires her form to trick the thieving asuras.<ref name = "D263"/>
===Slayer of demons===
[[File:Mohini bhasmasura.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Bhasmasura-Mohini by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]. Bhasmasura (left) is about to place his hand on his head following the dancing Mohini (centre), as Shiva (right) looks from behind the tree.]]
Mohini also has an active history in the destruction of demons throughout Hindu texts. In the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'', Mohini defeats [[Bhasmasura]], the "ash-demon".<ref name = "Shiva">{{cite book|last=Pattanaik|first=Devdutt |title=Shiva to Shankara: decoding the phallic symbol|publisher=Indus Source|pages=125, 129|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oka4ekgGDRoC&q=mohini+Vishnu&pg=PT31|isbn=978-81-88569-04-5|date=1 January 2006}}</ref> Bhasmasura invokes the god Shiva by performing severe penances. Shiva, pleased with Bhasmasura, grants him the power to turn anyone into ashes by touching their head. The demon decides to try the power on Shiva himself. [[Shiva]] prays to [[Vishnu]] for help and Vishnu transforms into Mohini and charms Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura is so taken by Mohini that he asks her to marry him. Mohini agrees, but only on the condition that Bhasmasura follows her move for move in a dance. In the course of the dance, she places her hand on her head. Bhasmasura mimics the action, and in turn, reduces himself to ashes.<ref name="Pattanaik_66">Pattanaik (2001), pp. 66–67</ref> The legend of Bhasmasura is retold in the Buddhist text ''Satara Dewala Devi Puvata'', with a slight variation. In this tale, Vishnu assumes his female form (the name "Mohini" is not used) and charms Bhasmasura. The female Vishnu asks Bhasmasura to promise never to leave her by placing his hand on his head as per the usual practice to swear on one's head. On doing so, Bhasmasura is reduced to ashes.<ref name="holt">{{cite book|last=John Clifford Holt|title=The Buddhist Visnu : 'Religious Transformation, Politics, and Culture|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|pages=146–48|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RvuDlhpvvHwC&q=mohini+visnu&pg=PA150|isbn=978-81-208-3269-5|date=1 January 2008}}</ref>
In a similar legend related to the birth of Ayyappa, the demon Surpanaka earns the power to turn anyone into ashes by his austerities. The tale mirrors all other aspects of the Buddhist version of the Bhasmasura tale, where he is forced by Mohini to severe fidelity by keeping his hand on his head and is burnt.<ref name="BLSmith5">Smith, B.L., p. 5, ''Religion and Legitimation of Power in South Asia'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=_LqB_NDF-l4C&q=Mohini]</ref>
The prelude of the ''[[Ramakien]]'', the Thai version of the ''Ramayana'', the demon Nontok is charmed and killed by Mohini-Vishnu. Nontok misuses a divine weapon given to him by Shiva. The four-armed Mohini-Vishnu enchants Nontok and then attacks him. In his last moments, the demon accuses Vishnu of foul play saying that Vishnu first seduced him and then attacked him. Vishnu decrees that in his next birth, Nontok will be born as the ten-headed demon [[Ravana]] and Vishnu will be a mortal man called [[Rama]]. He will then fight him and defeat him.<ref name = "P67"/>
In a lesser-known tale in the ''[[Ganesha Purana]]'' (900–1400 CE) the wise asura king Virochana is rewarded a magical crown by the sun-god [[Surya]]. The crown shields him against all harm. Vishnu as Mohini then enchants Virochana and steals his crown. The demon, thus unprotected, is killed by Vishnu.<ref name="Pattanaik_70-1">Pattanaik (2001), pp. 70–71</ref>
===Relationship with Shiva===
[[File:Mattancherry palace murals.jpg|thumb|left|280px|A [[Mattancherry palace]] mural shows Shiva and Mohini in an embrace while Parvati seated on Nandi, the white bull, looks at them in distaste.<ref name="Pattanaik_73">Pattanaik (2001), p. 73</ref>]]
Stories about Mohini and Shiva are popular in South Indian texts.<ref name="Goudriaan pp. 42–43">Goudriaan pp. 42–43</ref> In the southern version of the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'', after Vishnu deceives the demons by his female form, Shiva sees Mohini.<ref name="Goudriaan pp. 42–43"/> He becomes "bereft of shame and robbed by her of good sense," runs crazily behind the enchanting form, while his wife [[Parvati]] (Uma) looks on. Shiva is overcome by [[Kāma]] (love and desire) in this version of mythology. Shiva's seed falls on the ground creating ores of silver and gold. Vishnu then states that emotions are difficult to overcome, and that Maya will become a half of Shiva's Ardhanarisvara aspect. Shiva then extols Vishnu's power.<ref name="jarow"/><ref name="Goudriaan pp. 42–43"/>
The ''[[Tripura Rahasya|Tripurarahasya]]'', a south Indian [[Shakta]] text, retells the story, giving more importance to the Goddess. When Shiva wishes to see Vishnu's Mohini form again, Vishnu fears that he may be burned to ashes like Kamadeva by the supreme ascetic Shiva. So, Vishnu prays to goddess [[Tripura Sundari|Tripura]], who grants half of her beauty to Vishnu, begetting the Mohini-form. As Shiva touches Mohini, his seed spills, indicating a loss of the merit gained through of all his austerities.<ref name = "G43">Goudriaan p. 43</ref>
In the ''[[Brahmanda Purana]]'' when the wandering sage [[Narada]] tells Shiva about Vishnu's Mohini form that deluded the demons, Shiva dismisses him. Shiva and his wife Parvati go to Vishnu's home. Shiva asks him to take on the Mohini form again so he can see the actual transformation for himself. Vishnu smiles, again meditates on the Goddess and transforms himself into Mohini. Overcome by desire, Shiva chases Mohini as Parvati hangs her head in shame and envy. Shiva grabs Mohini's hand and embraces her, but Mohini frees herself and runs further. Finally, Shiva grabs her and their coupling leads to the discharge of Shiva's seed which falls on the ground and the god [[Shasta (deity)|Maha-Shasta]] ("The Great Chastiser") is born. Mohini disappears, while Shiva returns home with Parvati.<ref>Doniger (1999) pp. 263–65</ref><ref name=Vanita69>Vanita & Kidwai (2001), p. 69</ref>
Shasta is identified primarily with two regional deities: [[Ayyappan|Ayyappa]] from [[Kerala]] and the Tamil [[Aiyanar]]. He is also identified with the classical Hindu gods [[Murugan|Skanda]] and [[Hanuman]].<ref name = "D64">Doniger (1999) p. 264</ref> In the later story of the origin of Ayyappa, Shiva impregnates Mohini, who gives birth to Ayyappa. They abandon Ayyappa, who is born to kill [[Mahishi (demoness)|Mahishi]], and the child was found by a king who raised him. The legend highlights Vishnu's protests to be Mohini again and also notes that Ayyappa is born of Vishnu's thigh as Mohini does not have a real womb.<ref>{{cite book|last=Caroline Osella, Filippo Osella|title=Men and masculinities in south India|publisher=Anthem Press|year=2006|pages=145–6|isbn=9781843313991|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y53COylUxsgC&q=mohini+Vishnu&pg=PA145}}</ref> Another variant says that instead of a biological origin, Ayyappa sprang from Shiva's semen, which he ejaculated upon embracing Mohini.<ref>Pattanaik (2001), p. 76</ref> Ayyappa is referred to as ''Hariharaputra'', "the son of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara)", and grows up to be a great hero.<ref name=Vanita94>Vanita & Kidwai (2001), p. 94</ref> Another tale says after Surpanaka's destruction, Shiva wishes to see Mohini and mesmerized by her looks, has union with her resulting in the birth of Ayyapppa.<ref name=BLSmith5/>
[[File:Narayani Mohini.jpg|thumb|''Narayani-Mohini'' by [[M. V. Dhurandhar]]. The painting depicts Mohini as a goddess with iconographical attributes reminiscent of Vishnu.]]
The Tamil text ''Kanda Puranam'' narrates about the birth of Shasta identified with [[Aiyanar]]. The text tells just before the tale that Vishnu is Shiva's ''[[Shakti]]'' (wife and power) Parvati in a male form. The legend begins with Shiva's request and Vishnu's agreement to show his illusionary Mohini form, that he assumed for the distribution of amrita. Shiva falls in love with Mohini and proposes a union with her. Mohini-Vishnu declines saying that union of two men was unfruitful. Shiva informs Mohini-Vishnu that he was one of the forms of his Shakti ("female consort"). Thereafter, their union resulted in the birth of a dark boy with red locks, who was named Hariharaputra. Further, he was also known as Shasta and Aiyannar.<ref name="Daniélou"/><ref name="kandha"/>
In the ''[[Agni Purana]]'', as the enchanted Shiva follows Mohini, drops of his semen fall on the ground and become ''[[linga]]s'', Shiva's symbols. His seed also generates the monkey-god [[Hanuman]], who helps Vishnu's avatar Rama in his fight against Ravana in the Ramayana.<ref name="Pattanaik_74">Pattanaik (2001), p. 74</ref> The ''[[Shiva Purana]]'' says that by the mere glimpse of Mohini, Shiva spurts out his seed. The seed was collected and poured into the ear of [[Añjanā]], who gave birth to Hanuman, the incarnation of Shiva.<ref name="Daniélou"/> The latter is retold in the Thai and Malaysian version of the Ramayana.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kodaganallur Ramaswami Srinivasa Iyengar|title=Asian variations in Ramayana |year=2005 |publisher=[[Sahitya Akademi]]|pages=268|isbn=9788126018093 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CU92nFk5fU4C&q=mohini+ramayana&pg=PA268}}</ref> Though Hanuman springs from Shiva's seed, he is also considered as a combined son of Vishnu and Shiva.<ref name = "Shiva"/>
The Buddhist version of the Bhasmasura tale continues with Shiva (Ishvara) asking the female-Vishnu, who is seated on a swing, to marry him. She asks Shiva to get the permission of his wife Umayangana to take her home. Shiva returns with Umayangana's consent to find the female-Vishnu pregnant, who sends him back to get permission to bring a pregnant woman home. When he returns, a child is born and female-Vishnu is pregnant again. She requests Shiva to seek approval to bring a pregnant woman with a child home. This happens six more times. Finally, Shiva brings Umayangana with him to witness the miraculous woman. Vishnu then returns to his male form. Umayangana embraces the six youngest children merging them into the six-headed Skanda, while the eldest, named Aiyanayaka ("eldest brother") remains intact.<ref name="holt"/> Aiyanayaka is identified with Aiyanar.
[[File:Wood carving detail2 - Vishnu Mohini.jpg|thumb|left|Mohini seduces the sages. Mohini is depicted nude, adorned with garlands and ornaments, holding a lotus and a parrot, leaning on a stick. The sages pray to her, as their phalluses point to her.]]
Mohini plays a lesser role in a Shaiva legend in the ''[[Skanda Purana]]''. Here, Vishnu as Mohini joins Shiva to teach a lesson to arrogant sages. A group of sages are performing rituals in a forest, and start to consider themselves as gods. To humble them, Shiva takes the form of an attractive young beggar ([[Bhikshatana]]) and Vishnu becomes Mohini, his wife. While the sages fall for Mohini, their women wildly chase Shiva. When they regain their senses, they perform a black magic sacrifice, which produces a serpent, a lion, an elephant (or tiger) and a dwarf, all of which are overpowered by Shiva. Shiva then dances on the dwarf and takes the form of [[Nataraja]], the cosmic dancer.<ref name = "P71">Pattanaik (2001), p. 71</ref> The legend is retold in the Tamil ''Kovil Puranam'' and ''Kandha Puranam'' with some variation.<ref name = "G43">Goudriaan p. 43</ref><ref name="Daniélou">{{cite book|last=Daniélou|first=Alain |title=Gods of love and ecstasy: the traditions of Shiva and Dionysus|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Company|year=1992|pages=68–70|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDQK7l13WIIC&q=mohini+Vishnu&pg=PA68|isbn=978-0-89281-374-2}} (originally published in French in 1979 and first translated into English in 1984)</ref><ref name="kandha">{{cite book|last=Dr.akila sivaraman|title=sri kandha puranam (english)  |publisher=GIRI Trading Agency Private|pages=170–2, 366–7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SXwDdBdMJPwC&q=kandha+puranam|isbn=978-81-7950-397-3|year=2006}}</ref> This legend is also told in the ''Sthala Purana'' related to the [[Chidambaram Temple]] dedicated to Shiva-Nataraja.<ref>Swami Parmeshwaranand pp. 150–51</ref>
Another legend from the ''[[Linga Purana]]'' says that the embrace of enchanted Shiva with Mohini led to the merging of their bodies into one. In that moment, Mohini reverts to Vishnu resulting in the composite deity [[Harihara]], whose right side of the body is Shiva and left side is Vishnu.<ref>{{cite book|last=Patricia Turner, Charles Russell Coulter|title=Dictionary of ancient deities|publisher=Oxford University Press US.|pages=204, 327, 498|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jEcpkWjYOZQC&q=nepal+mohini&pg=PA204|isbn=978-0-19-514504-5|year=2001}}</ref><ref name = "swami">Swami P. Anand, Swami Parmeshwaranand p. 287</ref> The temple at Sankarnayinarkovil, near [[Kalugumalai]], has one of the rarest exceptions to iconography of Harihara (Sankara-Narayana). The deity is depicted similar to the [[Ardhanari]], the composite form of Shiva-Parvati, where right side of the body is the male Shiva and left side is female. Here, the image's female side represents Mohini and, together, it symbolizes the union of Shiva with Mohini.<ref>{{cite book|last=Monika Böck, Aparna Rao|title=Culture, creation, and procreation: concepts of kinship in South Asian practice|publisher=Berghahn Books. |pages=331–32|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xSImJbqr4yMC&q=mohini+visnu&pg=PA332|isbn=978-1-57181-912-3|year=2000}}</ref> In a Harihara image, the Shiva's half has an erect phallus (''urdhva linga'') and relates to Shiva's love to his left side Vishnu-Mohini.<ref>Swami Parmeshwaranand pp. 289-90</ref> The influence of Shakta traditions on Shaiva ones may have led to the development of Harihara, where Vishnu is identified as Shiva's consort, or Mohini.<ref>Swami Parmeshwaranand p. 295</ref> As it is in ''Kanda Puranam,'' the Shaiva saint [[Appar]] identifies Vishnu as Parvati (Uma), the female counterpart of Shiva.<ref>Swami Parmeshwaranand p. 46</ref>
== Other legends ==
In the ''[[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]]'', Shiva creates an ''[[apsara]]'' (nymph) named Mohini (distinct from Vishnu's avatara), who falls in love with the creator-god [[Brahma]]. While trying to seduce Brahma, she says, "A man who refuses to make love to a woman tortured by desire is a eunuch. Whether a man is ascetic or amorous, he must not spurn a woman who approaches him, or he will go to Hell. Come now and make love to me." In one breath, Brahma replies, "Go away, Mother". Later, he argues that he is like her father, and thus, too old for Mohini. Brahma then compares her with a young daughter visiting her father. An angered Mohini then reminds him of his carnal nature by mocking that Brahma had earlier desired his own daughter and leaves him.<ref>{{cite book|last=Doniger O'Flaherty|first= Wendy |title=Women, androgynes, and other mythical beasts|date= 15 November 1982 |publisher=University of Chicago Press|pages=278–9|isbn= 9780226618500 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DTwvtkqYrNgC&q=mohini+Vishnu&pg=PA321}}</ref> After sleeping with the love god [[Kamadeva|Kama]] to sate her arousal, Mohini regrets her actions and sobs. Meanwhile Vishnu explains to Brahma that the purpose of the event to break the latter's pride.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Santideva|first=Sadhu|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TUFZ9XzzHAcC&dq=Brahma+Mohini&pg=PA18|title=Ascetic Mysticism: Puranic Records of Siva and Shakti|date=2000|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=978-81-7020-998-0|language=en}}</ref>
==Cultural interpretations==
[[File:Mohini 01.JPG|thumb|A sculpture of Mohini at The [[National Museum, New Delhi]]]]
According to mythologist Pattanaik, Mohini is just a disguise to delude the demon Bhasmasura, rather than a sexual transformation in this legend. Mohini is a disillusion, Vishnu's ''[[Maya (illusion)|maya]]''.<ref name = "P67">Pattanaik (2001), p. 67</ref>
Another interpretation posits that the Mohini tale suggests that Vishnu's ''maya'' blinds even supernatural beings. Mohini is "the impersonation of the magically delusive nature of existence which fetters all beings to the rounds of births and deaths and vicissitudes of life."<ref name = "G44"/> Mohini also does not have an independent existence; she exists only as a temporary delusion, and is absorbed back into Vishnu after serving her purpose.<ref name = "D64">Doniger (1999) p. 264</ref>
The legend of the union of Mohini-Vishnu and Shiva may also be written as part of the desire to have a common child of the two cosmic patriarchs of Hinduism.<ref name = "D273">Dongier p. 273</ref>
==Worship==
[[File:Shri Mhalsa MohiniRaj.JPG|thumb|Vishnu (left) as Mohini with his consort Lakshmi, Nevasa.]]
On the fifth day of [[Srivari Brahmotsavam|Brahmotsavam]], [[Venkateshwara]] is dressed as Mohini and paraded in a grand procession.<ref name="Pattanaik65">Pattanaik (2001). p. 65.</ref>
In [[Goa]], Mohini is worshipped as [[Mahalasa]] or Mahalasa Narayani. She is the [[Kuladevata|kuladevi]] (family goddess) of many Hindus from western and southern India, including [[Goud Saraswat Brahmins]],<ref>Pattanaik (2001), p. 72</ref> [[Karhade Brahmin]]s, [[Daivajna]]s and [[Bhandari]]s. The chief [[Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mardol|temple of Mahalasa Narayani]] is at [[Mardol, Goa]], though her temples also exist in the states of [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Maharashtra]], and [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=k7WErOon9Ig&ar=1569585068010|title=Mohini Yakshini । मोहिनी साधना देगी धन रूप और यौवन|date=27 September 2019 |work=[[Navhind Times]]|access-date=12 March 2010}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Mahalasa has four hands, carrying a [[Trishula]], a sword, a severed head, and a drinking bowl. She stands on a prostrate man or demon, as a tiger or lion licks blood dripping from the severed head. Goud Saraswat Brahmins as well as [[Vaishnava]]s from Goa and [[South Canara]] identify her with Mohini and call her [[Bhagavati|Narayani]] and Rahu-matthani, the slayer of Rahu, as told in the ''[[Bhavishya Purana]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=V. P. Chavan|title=Vaishnavism of the Gowd Saraswat Brahmins and a few Konkani folklore tales|publisher=Asian Educational Services. |pages=26–7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SBWQIDwNWx4C&q=mahalsa&pg=PA26|isbn=978-81-206-0645-6|year=1991}}</ref>
Mahalasa is also called Mhalsa, the consort of [[Khandoba]], a local incarnation of Shiva. As the consort of Khandoba, her chief temple - the Mohiniraj temple - is located at [[Nevasa]], where she is worshiped as a four-armed goddess and identified with Mohini. Mhalsa is often depicted with two arms and accompanying Khandoba on his horse or standing besides him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdhere.com/RCD_Khandoba/khandoba_3.html|title=Chapter 2: MHAALSA|last=Dhere|first=R C|work=Summary of Book "FOLK GOD OF THE SOUTH: KHANDOBA"|publisher=R C Dhere|access-date=14 March 2010|archive-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017123905/http://www.rcdhere.com/RCD_Khandoba/khandoba_3.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The central icon of the Jaganmohini-Kesava Swany temple at [[Ryali]], discovered buried underground by the king in the 11th century, represents the male Vishnu in the front, while the back of the icon is the female Jagan-Mohini ("one who deludes the world") or Mohini, with a female hairstyle and figure. A ''[[Sthala Purana]]'' tells that the flower in Mohini's hair fell at Ryali ("fall" in Telugu) when Mohini was being chased by Shiva.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eastgodavari.nic.in/Ryali.html |work=Official Government site of East Godavari district |publisher=National Informatics Centre(East Godavari District Centre) |access-date=14 March 2010 |title=Ryali |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619073107/http://eastgodavari.nic.in/Ryali.html |archive-date=19 June 2009  }}</ref>
Ariyannur in Kerala's [[Thrissur district|Thrissur]] district is the site of the ancient Harikanyaka Temple. Here, Mohini is present as 'Hari Kanyaka', that is, the virgin form of the goddess. Religious iconography shows a [[Chaturbhuja|four-armed]] deity, holding the conch and discus in the upper arms, the pot of nectar ([[amrita]]) in her lower right hand, with the lower left arm placed on her waist. This temples is regarded to have been built by [[Perumthachan]], Kerala's legendary architect, and had authority over thirty two of the surrounding temples. Famed for its intricate sculptures, murals, and craftsmanship, it is currently a protected monument under the [[Archeological Survey of India]].
Chemmanadu Sri Krishna Garuda Mahavishnu Temple, situated in [[Thiruvaniyoor|Tiruvaniyoor]] in Kerala's [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]] district is another temple in the state where Mohini is worshiped. Lord Vishnu is present in his Mohini ''swaroopam'' in this temple, and it is also blessed with the presence of Lord [[Ayyappan|Ayappa]], the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in his Mohini avatar. In addition, Lord [[Shiva]], Devi [[Parvati]], Lord [[Kartikeya|Karthikeya]], and Lord [[Ganesha]] are also consecrated in the temple. Thus with Shiva, Parvati, Mohini, and their children in a single location, this temple is blessed with the divine presence of Lord Shiva's family. In addition, it is also one of the rare temples where [[Garuda]] is worshiped as a deity.
==Customs and ceremonies==
[[File:Yakshagana Bhasmasura-Mohini.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Bhasmasura and Mohini as depicted in [[Yakshagana]]]]
Mohini has an important, dramatic role in several mythical works of South Indian drama like ''[[Yakshagana]] and [[Kathakali]]''. In Kerala, however, where Mohini's son [[Ayyappan|Ayyappa]] is popular, the ''[[Mohiniattam]]'' ("the dance of Mohini") is honored as an independent dance form.<ref name="dance">{{cite book|last= Ragini Devi|title=Dance dialects of India|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|year=2002|pages=116–9, 96|chapter=The Dance of Mohini|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KRz5ykKRVAEC&q=mohini&pg=PA116|isbn= 978-81-208-0674-0}}</ref> Named after the goddess, it is a dance meant exclusively for women and "an ideal example of the erotic form." The origins of Mohiniattam form are unknown, though it was popularized in the 1850s, but later banned as it was used by "loose women" to attract customers. The ban was lifted in 1950, after which it has seen a renewal.<ref name="mohiniattam">{{cite book|last=Reginald Massey|title=India's dances: their history, technique, and repertoire|publisher=Abhinav Publications|pages=131–2, 152|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lif-Ct05aVgC&q=mohini+Vishnu&pg=PA132|isbn=978-81-7017-434-9|date=1 January 2004}}</ref><ref name="dance"/>
The legends of Mohini are also being depicted in other dances, including the modern ''[[Kathak]]''.<ref name="mohiniattam"/> The ''[[Sonal Nati]]'', performed in the Saho area of [[Chamba district]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], retells the Mohini-Bhasmasura tale, and hence is known as the Mohini-Bhasmasura dance. It is performed on festive occasions, especially in the Saho fair held in [[Vaishakha|Baisakh]] in the precincts of the Chandershekhar temple.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hpchamba.nic.in/Dances.htm |title=Folk Dances of Himachal Pradesh |work=Official Government site of Chamba district |publisher=NIC, Chamba district |access-date=14 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917191435/http://hpchamba.nic.in/Dances.htm |archive-date=17 September 2009 }}</ref>
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==References==
* {{Cite book|last=Goudriaan|first=Teun|title=Māyā divine and human|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ|year=1978|pages=41–49|chapter=The Māyā of the Gods: Mohini|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=15-heLWM3UcC&q=mohini&pg=PA41|isbn=978-81-208-2389-1}}
* {{Cite book|last=Doniger|first= Wendy |title=Splitting the difference: gender and myth in ancient Greece and India|publisher=University of Chicago Press|location=London|year=1999|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JZ8qfQbEJB4C&q=mohini+Vishnu&pg=PA263|isbn=978-0-226-15641-5}}
* {{cite book | last= Hiltebeitel | first= Alf |author-link=Alf Hiltebeitel | title= The Cult of Draupadi : Mythologies: from Gingee to Kuruksetra | chapter = Aravan's Sacrifice | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ui5gju8MwDUC&pg=PA317 | volume=1 | year = 1988 | publisher= University of Chicago Press | isbn = 978-0-226-34046-3}}
* {{Cite book|last= Swami Parmeshwaranand|title=Encyclopaedia of the Saivism|publisher=Sarup & Sons|volume=1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HQvbJDacNDMC&q=mohini+visnu&pg=PA150|isbn= 978-81-7625-427-4|year= 2004}}
==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Mohini}}
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{{HinduAvatars}}
{{HinduMythology}}
{{Good article}}
[[Category:Avatars of Vishnu]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Trickster goddesses]]
[[Category:Buddhist mythology]]
[[Category:Consorts of Shiva]]