Why Did Lord Vishnu Become Mohini? 5 Lesser-Known Facts About His Female Avatar

5 Lesser-Known Facts About His Female Avatar

1. The Only Female Avatar of Lord Vishnu: Mohini is the sole instance where Lord Vishnu assumes a female form. This highlights the deity’s ability to transcend gender for the greater good.
2. A Form of Illusion: The name Mohini stems from the Sanskrit root “moha”, meaning delusion or enchantment. This avatar represents the power of illusion, showcasing Vishnu’s capability to manipulate reality for divine purposes.
3. Connection with Lord Shiva: In another story, Lord Shiva was mesmerised by Mohini’s beauty during the churning of the ocean. This episode is symbolic of the unity of masculine and feminine energies within the divine realm.
4. The Purpose of Deception: While deception is often seen as negative, Mohini’s actions were driven by the need to uphold dharma (cosmic order). Her clever strategy ensured the balance of power between the Devas and Asuras.
5. Mohini’s Role Beyond Samudra Manthan: Mohini’s enchantment was also pivotal in other stories, such as saving Lord Shiva’s devotee, Bhasmasura, from self-destruction, further emphasising her role as a preserver of order.

The Mohini avatar underscores Lord Vishnu’s versatility and his unwavering commitment to preserving balance in the universe. It also highlights the divine ability to use any form—be it male or female—to achieve noble objectives. The story of Mohini is a reminder that sometimes, wisdom and strategy are the most effective tools for maintaining harmony.

Lord Vishnu’s Mohini avatar is a testament to his divine adaptability and the importance of preserving dharma. This captivating tale, enriched with its lesser-known facts, continues to inspire devotees and scholars alike. Through the Mohini avatar, we learn that the divine can manifest in unexpected ways to ensure the triumph of good over evil.