This is a tale about an asura or a demon called Bhasmasura who wanted to become the most powerful demon in the world. To get his wish granted, he performed numerous penance to Lord Shiva and at last, his perseverance borne fruit when Lord Shiva appeared before him in Kailash.

Bhasmasura opened his eyes when he felt a presence and saw Lord Shiva standing in front him. Lord Shiva asked for his wish and Bhasmasura said he wanted him to grant a power to turn everybody into ashes. Shiva was puzzled by this unique wish but still granted him the boon.

But the next minute, Bhasmasura wanted to test out his power by placing his hand on Shiva’s head and Shiva realized what mistake he had made but he could not take back his words. Shiva ran and Bhasmasura followed him.

Shiva prayed to Vishnu, the protector of Universe for help while running into the forest. On entering the forest, Bhasmasura was attracted to a beautiful woman and stopped in his tracks. He went ahead and tried to talk to her. The woman named Mohini, asked Bhasmasura his name and told him she lived in the mountains.

Bhasmasura was enchanted by Mohini and wanted to marry her. Mohini said she will only marry a man who could dance as her. Bhasmasura had never danced before but he agreed and mimicked her movements, trying to learn dancing. Both began dancing and Bhasmasura slowly became immersed in dancing along with her.

In the next step, Mohini raised her hand and touched her head, Bhasmasura followed without realizing what he was doing and as soon as he touched his head he turned into ashes. Mohini disappeared and Vishnu appeared in her place. Mohini was the female avatar of Vishnu, it was Vishnu who saved Shiva.