Bhasmasura Vadh Katha – Chapter 3: Seeking Help from Vishnu

Plea for Help from Vishnu

Tormented by the atrocities of Bhasmasur, a great outcry arose in the heavens. The gods were hiding here and there to save their lives. Due to the fear of Bhasmasur, darkness spread across the three worlds. Indra, the king of heaven, was also forced to flee his throne. Now only one hope remained: Lord Vishnu.

Arrival of the Gods in Vaikuntha

The gods, terrified, reached Vaikuntha Dham, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Even the golden aura of Vaikuntha could not bring peace to the minds of the gods at that time. Deep lines of worry had appeared on their faces. They had come after a long journey, but they had no thought of rest; they were simply eager to see Narayan and narrate their plight. Their hearts trembled with fear, and their eyes held only one question: "Will Narayan protect us?"

Indra, with folded hands, humbly said, "O Narayan, O Sustainer! Bhasmasur, through his penance, pleased Lord Shiva and obtained such a boon that he can turn anyone he wishes to ash by touching them with his finger. Now he wants to rule the three worlds and is bent on destroying all the gods. Please protect us!"

Vishnu Describes the Solution

Lord Vishnu listened carefully to the words of the gods. His calm and serious face offered some solace to the gods. He assured the gods that he would surely protect them. Then he smiled gently and said, "O gods, do not worry. Bhasmasur's boon is indeed powerful, but no power in creation is indestructible. His end is also certain. I know how he can be defeated."

Vishnu further said, "Bhasmasur can only be killed by deceit, as he cannot be defeated in direct combat. I will take the form of a beautiful Apsara who will enchant him. Then I will ask him to perform a dance in which he will burn himself to ashes." Hope dawned in the hearts of the gods with his words. They became convinced that they would now surely be protected. The gods felt that if Bhasmasur gained power through Shiva's grace, he would lose that power through Vishnu's illusion.

Decision to Assume the Form of Mohini

Lord Vishnu decided to take the form of Mohini through his divine illusion. Mohini was so beautiful that even the gods were mesmerized. Her form was full of grace, and her gait was enchanting. In the form of Mohini, Vishnu assured the gods that he would surely trap Bhasmasur in his snare and slay him. The gods had complete faith in Mohini's beauty and intelligence.

After taking the form of Mohini, Vishnu prepared to depart towards the earth. He had only one goal in his mind – to slay Bhasmasur and free the three worlds from his terror. The story that follows is of Mohini's dance and deceit, in which Bhasmasur will become a victim of his own boon.