Mohini's Dance: How Vishnu Outwitted the Ash-Demon

The Demon's Deadly Wish

A demon once underwent severe penance to please Lord Shiv. Shiv finally appeared before him and asked him to make a wish.

"I wish that whoever I place my right hand on is burned to ashes," said the demon.

"So be it," said Shiv.

The Reign of the Ash-Demon

The demon soon began to wreak havoc on Earth by placing his right hand on innocent people and burning them to ashes. He became known as the Ash-Demon. Indra and the other gods approached Lord Vishnu for help in annihilating Ash-Demon. Vishnu readily agreed.

Mohini's Fatal Dance

Vishnu transformed into Mohini, who enticed Ash-Demon with her ethereal beauty. Ash-Demon asked Mohini to marry him. Mohini agreed on one condition: that they dance together. When Ash-Demon admitted he didn't know how to dance, Mohini asked him to imitate her movements. After dancing together for a while, Mohini placed her right hand on her head. Ash-Demon also put his right hand on his head. And that was the end of Ash-Demon.