The Legend of Dewi Mohini: Stirring the Ocean of Milk

The legend of the appearance of Dewi Mohini in Hindu mythology begins with the epic story of the stirring of the ocean of milk or Manthan Ocean, which represents the eternal conflict between the gods (devas) and the giants (asuras). At one time, every time an asura died in battle against the devas, Sukracarya would come to revive them. The devas became vulnerable to the attacks of the asuras who were always looking for opportunities to seize power.

The devas asked Dewa Wisnu, the guardian of the universe, for advice, who advised them to stir the ocean of milk to obtain tirta amerta, the nectar of eternity that would restore their strength and protect them from the asuras. However, Dewa Wisnu warned that the devas would not be able to do it by themselves. Therefore, collaboration with the asuras was required to achieve the goal.

With his ingenuity, Dewa Wisnu proposed a plan to persuade the asuras to participate by promising them a portion of the tirta amerta. Agreeing to this offer, the asuras joined in, and preparations began.

Mount Mandara Wrapped Around the Basuki Dragon (Source: Personal Collection)

To stir the large ocean of milk, they used a mountain called Mount Mandara and Naga Basuki was used as a rope wrapped around the mountain. However, the stirring process was not easy as the mountain kept sinking to the bottom of the ocean. 

Seeing this difficulty, Dewa Wisnu reincarnated as Kurma, a giant tortoise, to hold Mount Mandara on his back, and ensuring the stirring could proceed without a hitch. The Devas held the tail of the dragon, while the asuras held the head. Simultaneously, they rotate the Mandara Mountain by pulling the Naga Basuki's body. From this stirring came various treasures from the ocean. All of them were taken by the devas. 

Kurma Hold Back Mount Mandara (Source: Personal Collection)

When the tirta amerta appeared, the asuras asked for it to be theirs because the devas had gotten too much treasure. To show fairness, the devas gave the tirta amerta to the asuras. This situation made the devas anxious because without tirta amerta, they would not regain their strength to fight the asuras. The devas then begged Dewa Wisnu to find a way to get the tirta amerta back into their hands.  

In order to help the devas, Dewa Wisnu transformed himself into Mohini, a woman of unparalleled beauty who could charm anyone. Mohini appeared in front of the asuras who were fighting over the tirta amerta. Mohini asked the asuras to have a bath before drinking the tirta amerta. Enchanted by her beauty, the asuras followed Mohini's command. 

Dewi Mohini (Source: Personal Collection)

While they were bathing, Mohini quickly picked up the jug of tirta amerta and brought it quickly to the devas. After the devas got the tirta amerta, they immediately drank it in turn. As the devas were dividing the tirta amerta, one of the asuras named Rahu realized Mohini's tricks. Rahu quickly disguised himself as one of the devas and successfully sneaked into the rows of the devas. He succeeded in taking a sip of the tirta amerta. However, Dewa Surya (sun) and Dewa Candra (moon) recognized Rahu's disguise and they immediately reported him to Dewa Wisnu in the disguise of Mohini. 

Quickly, Mohini, who was returning as Dewa Wisnu, drew Sudarsana's chakra and cut off Rahu's head before the tirta amerta could fully pass through his throat. Although his body was separated, Rahu's head remained alive because of the tirta amerta he had drunk, only his body stayed motionless. His head was called "Rahu" while his body was called "Ketu". Now both names are part of the Nawagraha in Hindu astrology. 

The Anger of The Asuras (Source: Personal Collection)

After distributing all the tirta amerta to the devas, Mohini disappeared, leaving the asuras angry and realizing that they had been tricked. This victory restored the power of the devas, who then defeated the asuras in the great battle that ensued. The devas, regaining their power, were able to maintain the balance of the universe and protect the world from the chaos caused by the ambitions of the asuras. 

Mohini's presence as a manifestation of illusion and ingenuity shows that strength lies not only in physicality, but also in intelligence and clever strategies. The figure of Mohini in this legend symbolizes attractiveness, intelligence and illusion that can be used to protect truth and uphold justice, even in the most dangerous situations.