Origin of Mohini Avataram: Story of Mohini incarnation’s birth. Why Mohini Avatara of Lord Vishnu was originated? What is the story of Mohini Avataram?
According to the Hindu religious scholars and pundits, the only female avatar of Lord Vishnu is named as Mohini. This name is derived from the verb root known as moha which largely means “to enchant, disillusion or perplex”. The name also means literally as “delusion personified. It is to be highly noted that the word mohini as per the Baiga culture of Central India means “erotic magic or spell” and it is an implied connotation of “the essence of female allurement and beauty.”
According to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, in the Samudra manthan episode dating around 5th century, the initial reference to a Mohini-type goddess largely appears. She is largely related to nectar or amrita of immortality. It is to be remembered that amrita is produced successfully by the churning of the Ocean of Milk.
It is to be noted that the Asuras (demons) and the Devas (demi-gods) vigorously fought over its possession. In this fight the Devas was angered because the Asuras tried to keep the Amrita for themselves. In order to help with their plans of Devas, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini or an “enchanting damsel” to deal wit the matter. She successfully allured the Asuras with Her tricks and they gave the pot of Amrita to her. Later this pot of Amrita was distributed by Mohini to the Devas.
It is to be noted that an Asura named Rahu disguises himself as a deva and tried his level best to drink it but Chandra (the moon-god) and Surya (the sun-god) informed Lord Vishnu. Then the Lord used the Sudarshana Chakra (the divine discus) to make the Rahu’s head immortal.