Story of Shiva Bhasmasura and Mohini
Story of Bhasmasura and Shiva or Bhasmasur and Mohini in Hindu Mythology. Enmity between the Devas and Asuras is widely depicted in Indian mythology. The Devas are considered to be ideal heavenly persons while the Asuras are cruel and dangerous beings who always create problems. As described in the Puranas, it was the duty of the Devas to destroy such Asuras.
The story of Bhasmasur is very famous. Bhasmasura was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed great penance to obtain a boon from Shiva. As a result of his penance, Mahadev became pleased and told him to ask for a boon. Bhasmasura asked for immortality, but Shiva said that he did not have the power to grant him immortality. Bhasmasura then changed the mode of the boon he wanted. One whose head is touched by Bhasmasura with his forefinger, should immediately burn up and turn into ashes (bhasma). This was his demand. Siva granted him the same boon.
Bhasmasura was immensely happy and with overwhelming joy, he decided to test the boon on Mahadev himself. Soon, he attempted to touch the head of Shiva with his forefinger. He wanted to burn Siva and turn into ashes and then possess Goddess Parvati. Siva fled, but he was chased by Bhasmasura. Wherever Mahadeva went, there Bhasmasura also followed. At last, Siva managed to reach the abode of Vishnu and sought a solution to the predicament, for which he himself was responsible.
On hearing Shiva’s problem, Mahavishnu agreed to help him. Vishnu took the form of Mohini and appeared in front of the demon. Mohini was so exceedingly beautiful that Bhasmasur was immediately attracted by her. Bhasmasura requested Mohini to marry him. She replied that she was very much fond of dancing, and would marry him, only if he could match her moves in dance. Bhasmasura agreed and hence they started dancing. The event went on for days, as Bhasmasura matched Mohini’s move for move. While dancing, Mohini struck a pose where her hand, especially the forefinger was placed on top of her own head. As Bhasmasura imitated her, he touched his own head with his forefinger and was immediately burnt up and turned into ashes, in accordance with the boon he had gained.
There are slightly different versions also for this story. But there is no difference in the core of the story. There originated the proverb, “like the boon given to Bhasmasura based on this story. It denotes one’s own action turning against oneself and endangering oneself.
The story of Bhasmasur is very famous. Bhasmasura was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed great penance to obtain a boon from Shiva. As a result of his penance, Mahadev became pleased and told him to ask for a boon. Bhasmasura asked for immortality, but Shiva said that he did not have the power to grant him immortality. Bhasmasura then changed the mode of the boon he wanted. One whose head is touched by Bhasmasura with his forefinger, should immediately burn up and turn into ashes (bhasma). This was his demand. Siva granted him the same boon.
Bhasmasura was immensely happy and with overwhelming joy, he decided to test the boon on Mahadev himself. Soon, he attempted to touch the head of Shiva with his forefinger. He wanted to burn Siva and turn into ashes and then possess Goddess Parvati. Siva fled, but he was chased by Bhasmasura. Wherever Mahadeva went, there Bhasmasura also followed. At last, Siva managed to reach the abode of Vishnu and sought a solution to the predicament, for which he himself was responsible.
On hearing Shiva’s problem, Mahavishnu agreed to help him. Vishnu took the form of Mohini and appeared in front of the demon. Mohini was so exceedingly beautiful that Bhasmasur was immediately attracted by her. Bhasmasura requested Mohini to marry him. She replied that she was very much fond of dancing, and would marry him, only if he could match her moves in dance. Bhasmasura agreed and hence they started dancing. The event went on for days, as Bhasmasura matched Mohini’s move for move. While dancing, Mohini struck a pose where her hand, especially the forefinger was placed on top of her own head. As Bhasmasura imitated her, he touched his own head with his forefinger and was immediately burnt up and turned into ashes, in accordance with the boon he had gained.
There are slightly different versions also for this story. But there is no difference in the core of the story. There originated the proverb, “like the boon given to Bhasmasura based on this story. It denotes one’s own action turning against oneself and endangering oneself.
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