 Bhasmasura was a wicked and greedy person. He wanted
to be a powerful king. But he was neither strong nor brave. He knew he could not wage wars or defeat other kings.
Bhasmasura, therefore, wished to obtain some magic powers. He decided to worship Lord Shiva and ask for such powers.
Bhasmasura went to a dense forest. There, he selected a quiet place under a huge tree and settled down to worship Shiva. His
prayer lasted a long time.
At last, Lord Shiva appeared before Bhasmasura and said: "I am greatly pleased with you. What can I do for you?"
"O Lord," said Bhasmasura, "I only want your blessings. There is no other purpose behind my devotion to you."
Shiva said: "You have my blessing. But you would surely like to receive something from me as a gift. It is yours for the
asking."
"Then, my lord," said Bhasmasura, "let me have the power that I ask for. By that power, anybody whose head I touch with my
right hand will die and be reduced to ashes."
" I hereby grant you that power," replied Shiva. "Anybody whom you touch with your right hand will die and he reduced to
ashes."
Bhasmasura laughed. He was happy with the magic power he had received from Shiva.
"My Lord," said Bhasmasura, "You must now allow me to test the power you have given me."
Bhasmasura jumped up to touch the head of Lord Shiva.
Shiva's life was in danger. He knew he would be reduced to ashes, if he allowed Bhasmasura to touch his head. So Shiva ran
for his life.
Bhasmasura ran after Shiva. Shiva ran quickly over hills and mountains, crossed rivers and passed through thick jungles. But
Bhasmasura was close behind him, with his right hand raised ready to touch Shiva and reduced him to ashes.
Shiva needed help. He knew that unless somebody came to his help, Bhasmasura would kill him. Shiva, therefore, prayed to
Lord Vishnu to save his life.
Lord Vishnu heard Shiva's prayer and appeared before him. "You just hide here for some time," Vishnu told Shiva. "I shall
deal with Bhasmasura."
In a second, Lord Vishnu changed his form. He became Mohini, the most beautiful of Women.
Bhasmasura, running after Shiva, stopped at the sight of Mohini. He asked Mohini: "Did you see Shiva running this way? He
was just in front of me. But then he somehow suddenly disappeared. Where did he go?"
Mohini fixed her lovely eyes on Bhasmasura and said: "My lord, you look very tired. Taken a little rest before you start
chasing Shiva again. Sit here in the cool shade. I shall fan you. Then you will feel better."
Bhasmasura looked at Mohini. She was so beautiful that he fell in love with her immediately.
"Who are you?" he asked. "How did you come here?"
She replied coyly: "I am Mohini. I live in this jungle with my parents. We always help those who pass this way. You look
hungry. Can I go and bring you some fruits?"
"No, don't go away from me," replied Bhasmasura. "Your presence is the best food for me."
Then he added: "I love you, Mohini. Will you marry me?"
"How can I marry you?" asked Mohini. "You may have a number of wives already."
"You are wrong, Mohini," said Bhasmasura. "I have no wife. You will be my only wife."
"Yes, I shall be your only wife now," said Mohini, "but you may have other wives later. How can I trust you?"
 "I give you my word," replied Bhasmasura. "I
will not look at any other woman if you marry me."
"Men always say so," laughed Mohini. "I have no faith in them. |
Bhasmasura said: "You mistake me, Mohini. I tell you that I will not take another wife, if you marry me."
"All right," said Mohini, "then please swear that you will not take another wife."
"I swear that I will not take another wife if you marry me," said Bhasmasura.
"That is not swearing," said Mohini. "Take the solemn oath, touching your head with your right hand. The I shall trust you."
"Of course I shall take the solemn oath," said Bhasmasura. "I want you to trust me."
Bhasmasura rose up and touched his head with right hand. The moment Bhasmasura touched his head he was reduced to ashes.
There was no more Bhasmasura.
Shiva came out of his hiding place and looked at Mohini. He was grateful to Mohini, and embraced her.
In flash, Mohini vanished, smiling at Shiva, and in her place stood Lord Vishnu. |
