The sages listening wanted to know if apart from the Devas, did the Asuras also get something from the Ocean.
Sauti continued.
When Dhanvantari came out of the ocean with nectar, the asuras snatched that from the Devas and ran away. They said everything that came up, the devas kept. Even they had been part of the churning and deserved something.
A quarrel started between the Devas and the asuras. All wanted the nectar that would give immortality.
Shiva who was there said instead of fighting they should get someone who would be able to divide the nectar amongst them evenly.
They began thinking of such a person.
Suddenly there appeared a beautiful woman. This was Vishnu in the form of a woman, Mohini. This form of Mohini was amazing to look at. Her beauty lit up the heavens. Everyone wanted Mohini.
Shiva could not control himself either. Spreding his arms he went to grab Mohini. Amazed Mohini said, Was this fit for a Yogi like Shiva? Shiva said O deer eyed one, who are you? Where have you come from?
Mohini started making fun of Shiva. You have ashes on your body, you wear animal skins, why should I introduce myself to you?
Shiva said I do not know you, so why do you make fun of me. I am yogi among all yogis. Mahamaya worships me. I am easy to please. Ganga resides on my head. With my eyes I have destroyed Kama.
Convinced, Mohini came towards Shiva with her hands outstretched. And a wonderful thing happened. The bodies got joined into one. What the other devas saw was a wonderful sight. A half man, half woman form.
One half had matted hair, one had flowing hair.
Half a garland of bones, half a garland of flowers.
One half clad in ashes, one half with sandal paste.
Everyone watched spellbound, this ArdhaNarishwar form of Shiva and Vishnu.
Sauti continued.
When Dhanvantari came out of the ocean with nectar, the asuras snatched that from the Devas and ran away. They said everything that came up, the devas kept. Even they had been part of the churning and deserved something.
A quarrel started between the Devas and the asuras. All wanted the nectar that would give immortality.
Shiva who was there said instead of fighting they should get someone who would be able to divide the nectar amongst them evenly.
They began thinking of such a person.
Suddenly there appeared a beautiful woman. This was Vishnu in the form of a woman, Mohini. This form of Mohini was amazing to look at. Her beauty lit up the heavens. Everyone wanted Mohini.
Shiva could not control himself either. Spreding his arms he went to grab Mohini. Amazed Mohini said, Was this fit for a Yogi like Shiva? Shiva said O deer eyed one, who are you? Where have you come from?
Mohini started making fun of Shiva. You have ashes on your body, you wear animal skins, why should I introduce myself to you?
Shiva said I do not know you, so why do you make fun of me. I am yogi among all yogis. Mahamaya worships me. I am easy to please. Ganga resides on my head. With my eyes I have destroyed Kama.
Convinced, Mohini came towards Shiva with her hands outstretched. And a wonderful thing happened. The bodies got joined into one. What the other devas saw was a wonderful sight. A half man, half woman form.
One half had matted hair, one had flowing hair.
Half a garland of bones, half a garland of flowers.
One half clad in ashes, one half with sandal paste.
Everyone watched spellbound, this ArdhaNarishwar form of Shiva and Vishnu.
This is Ardhanarishvar!!Right!!
ReplyDeleteYes. This is the story behind ArdhaNarishwar here. As per Skanda Purana, this is Parvati and Shiva joined.
ReplyDeleteHere in South, this form of Ardhanarishwar is that deity who goes on to give birth to HariHara Kumar or Ayappa, who is worshipped a lot in Kerala.