Mohini and Bhasmasura

A powerful asura once performed severe penance to propitiate Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva appeared before him and asked him to make a wish.

"I wish that anyone upon whom I place my right hand is instantly reduced to ashes," the asura declared.

"So be it," said Shiva, unaware of the destruction this boon would soon bring.

The asura, now known as Bhasmasura (in Sanskrit, bhasma means "ashes"), began using his boon to wreak havoc. With a mere touch of his right hand, he reduced countless innocent people to ashes, while a few lucky ones managed to escape. He even attempted to use his boon against Shiva—the very Lord who had granted him the power. As a result, Shiva was also forced to flee from Bhasmasura.

Terrified by the chaos, Indra and the other gods sought Lord Vishnu’s help. "O Lord," they pleaded, "Bhasmasura is unstoppable. Only you can save the world from his wrath!"

Vishnu, ever wise, smiled. "Leave it to me," he assured them.

He transformed into a ravishing woman called Mohini (Sanskrit for "enchantress") and approached Bhasmasura. The moment he laid eyes on her, he was captivated. "Who are you, O celestial maiden?" he asked.

Mohini smiled playfully. "I am Mohini. And who might you be, O mighty one?"

Bhasmasura puffed up with pride. "I am the most powerful being on Earth! None can stand against me!"

"Powerful, yes. But can you dance?" Mohini teased.

"Dance?" Bhasmasura scoffed. "What use is dancing to someone as strong as me?"

Mohini laughed melodiously. "Then I shall teach you. But only if you agree to dance exactly as I do."

Eager to impress her, Bhasmasura agreed. As they danced together, Mohini moved gracefully, and he mimicked her every step. Then, at the perfect moment, she placed her right hand on her own head.

Without thinking, Bhasmasura did the same.

In an instant, his terrible boon took effect. He was reduced to ashes, destroyed by his own arrogance.

The gods rejoiced, and Vishnu, having rid the world of yet another menace, smiled before vanishing into the heavens.