Wednesday, April 15, 2015

A-Z April Challenge 2015: M for MOHINI, VISHNU AVATAR

M for MOHINI
Google Images
The sea of milk boiled over as both the Devas and Asuras worked hard to churn it. It was not just these two groups at work. Lord Vishnu had taken the form of a tortoise (Kurmavatar) and settled in the ocean bed. Over the huge tortoise was placed Mount Mandara, used as a churn. Vasuki, the serpent was used as rope. All working in tandem, churned the ocean.

Out came Mahalakshmi, then the Kalpataru and more. Still there was no sign of the Amrut that the Devas and Asuras were seeking. Just as everyone was getting tired, a golden Kalash rose from the depths of the ocean. The two contingents jumped with joy. Finally, the Amrut was there – the potion that would ensure that they became immortal.

Lord Vishnu watched from the depths of the sea. Unless he did something in a hurry, the three lokas would soon be populated with evil Asuras who would never die. Rising from the river bed and changing his form quickly from a tortoise to that of a beautiful apsara, Lord Vishnu transformed into the beautiful Mohini in a second.

Holding the golden Amrut Kalash on her hips, Mohini walked slowly, her hips swinging deliciously, towards the eager Asuras. Giving them an alluring smile, she turned to the Devas and distributed the Amrut amongst them. While her hands were busy serving the Amrut to the Devas, her eyes were turned invitingly to the Asuras who were too absorbed by her beauty to notice what was actually happening.

Finally, Mohini reached the end of the line of the Devas to check the Kalash. Her face held pretended surprise to find the golden pot empty. She threw the Kalash back into the ocean of milk and walked away with swinging hips.

The enraged Asuras turned on the Devas. Alas, the Devas were invincible as Lord Vishnu had accomplished what he had set out to do – making them all immortal.

Glossary:
Devas – Heavenly beings
Asuras – Demons
Amrut – Potion of immortality
Kalash – Pot
Lokas – worlds



Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal
I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

46 comments:

  1. That is a very interesting. I had to read it twice- there is a lot of information there and I wanted to make sure I got the gist of all of it.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by Elizabeth! Yeah, it's a fairly well known story from Indian mythology. I just elaborated on the scene :)

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  2. Mohini is a controversial avatar...loved your writing...would love to hear about the incidents involving Ayappa and Sabrimala.

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  3. That's a brilliant narration and a story I was never aware of. Good one Sundari. Loved reading it :)

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  4. enchanting read! I knew this story in bits and pieces so it was nice to read it up all in one go here!

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  5. Woaahhh this was so interesting. I had faintly heard about this tale and now I know it well, all thanks to you :)

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  6. Finally a story I knew! :D Love this one. Ah, Mohini... men still fall for forms of you. ;-)

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    1. Not just men, even Lord Shiva ;) resulting in the birth of Ayyappa

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  7. This was a story I knew but I didn't know that Ayyappa was born from Lord Shiva and Mohini!!!!

    My Soul to Steal

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    1. That's the most fascinating thing about Indian mythology - stories within stories within stories. Even I am discovering a lot of things I never knew as I am doing research for A-Z. I am so loving it :D

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  8. Thats interesting. Didn't know about this. I feel sad for the asuras, poor dears!

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    1. #jawdrop
      You feel sad for the asuras? LOL They were a destructive lot. Can you imagine living side by side with those, especially if they are immortal? Its like the dinosaurs. If they hadn't become extinct, man won't be on earth. ;)

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  9. This one was one of my favourites. I had an issue of Amar Chitra Katha on Amrit Manthan. Well written!!

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  10. I still remember this scene from the serials that was telecast in TV. Enjoyed reading :)

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  11. Ah, it's best not to take your eyes off from your goal or mission. Your narration is superb. I have very less knowledge of Indian mythological stories but your posts make me want to read more :)

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    1. Thank you so much Prasanna! I simply adore these tales. I have heard so many from my grandparents, parents and a few uncles and aunts. It's a never ending joy to delve into these :)

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  12. Mohini is one of my favorites! I loved to hear this story and the other one 'Bhasmasur & Mohini' over and over again as a child.
    *Shantala @ ShanayaTales*

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  13. Didn't know that story, but very excited to read it - greatly told. Just remember I heard the word Mohini from some songs in India:-)

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  14. Went to an exhibit recently, all about Vishnu. Cool to tie this into what I saw there. :)

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    1. Thank you for stopping by David! Glad you are able to make a connection :)

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  15. Mohini has always been the most desirable of creations... this story just goes to prove how easily a woman can twist men around her little finger! :) Well written, Sundari!

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  16. Enjoyed reading this tale, Sundari! :)

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  17. I came across and Western woman who called herself Mohini - now I know where she got the inspiration

    zannierose A-Z visitor

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    1. Possibly! Mohini means 'a desirable woman'. Thank you for stopping by Zannie :)

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  18. Visualised the whole thing from your writing, beautiful!

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  19. Lord Vishnu comes in so many forms to help all. Jai Hari Bol.

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  20. I was fascinated when I first heard this story. And even how Lord Shiva fell in love with her. Amazingly described Sundari.

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  21. I had not heard about mohini but I liked her spunk!

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    1. Thank you Inderpreet :) Mohini is an avatar of Lord Vishnu but is not one of the Dashavatar

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  22. I love mythology ... I am delighted you chose this theme for A to Z :-)

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