Mohini

Mohini

Chalukya Dynasty,8th Century AD, National Museum, New Delhi

           In order to steal nectar from the demons, Lord Vishnu turned himself into a beautiful damsel. She entices the demons with her radiant beauty. And at the appropriate moment runs away with the pitcher of nectar. A few drops fall on earth on "Saradpurnima". The rest of the nectar is given to the gods so they can become immortals. 

           Having adorned herself, Mohini puts on the last ornament on her head, the "bendi". The mirror is the symbol of introspection.  When we introspect, we see the real self. We begin to remove our bad habits and adorn ourselves with good deeds, and with goodness. Immortality is reached when we gain higher consciousness. The nectar is within us. We merely need to snatch it away from our demons. We are all Mohinis.

          Although Mohini is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, but it is not counted as one of his ten incarnations. Is it that we don't wish to give an important role to woman in our mythology.  Is it that woman was seen as merely enticing? Or women are seen as holder of elixir of life? Why a minor role to Mohini amongst the incarnations of Lord Vishnu? These are puzzling issues to ponder.