Mohini, the female incarnation of Sri Vishnu, the preserver lord in Hinduism is associated in mythology with the churning of the ocean. This, however, was not the only time when Vishnu’s female form enticed the demons and led them to their end. According to another tale from the Puranas, Bhasmasur, a demon king performed penance and pleased Shiva. The demon king asked Shiva to grant him the power to turn anyone he touches on the head to ash. As soon as Shiva granted him his wish, the devilish Bhasmasur turned to Shiva in order to test the potency of the boon. A worried Shiva, unable to take back the powers made possible by his divine words, went to Vishnu. The great god took the form of Mohini- the most beautiful and enchanting female in the universe and paid a visit to Bhasmasur.
Enchanted by the allure of Mohini, Bhasmasur proposed to her. Mohini came up with a condition. She would marry Bhasmasur only if he could match her in Nritya Kala (the art of dancing). In this gorgeous Swamimalai bronze, made by using the age-old lost-wax technique, the artist has recreated the charming moves of Mohini. Placed on a lotus pedestal, Mohini in this bronze idol has one of her anklet-decorated legs raised, in a lively dance pose. Her voluptuous physique is made even more mesmerizing by the girdle that is wrapped around her waist, the necklaces and armlets on her upper body, and her bejewelled chudamani (tiara-like head ornament). Mohini smiles with the knowledge of what happened just after she strikes the pose you see in this statue.
In the ecstasy of dancing with Mohini, an elated Bhasmasur imitated her moves and placed his hand on his head. Lo and behold the wit and beauty of Mohini! The demon was slain using his powers against him. The Indian classical dance- Mohiyattam celebrates the mastery and exquisiteness of Mohini through its emotive performance.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist