Bhasmasura
| Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R) |
Bhasmasura (भस्मासुर) is an asura, who was granted the power to burn up and immediately turn into ashes (bhasma) anyone whose head he touched with his hand. The asura was tricked by the Vishnu's only female avatar, the enchantress Mohini, to turn himself into ashes.[1]
Variants
- Bhasmāsura (भस्मासुर)
Legend
While Bhasmasura is a character who does not appear in the Puranas, his story is mentioned in regional literature. The asura is stated to have been born of the bhasma dust (ashes) on the body of Shiva. Pleased at the great devotion of the arusa towards him, Shiva agreed to grant a boon of his choice. Bhasmasura sought the power to burn to ashes anybody on whose head he placed his hand. Shiva granted this to him. Bhasmasura became arrogant with the boon, and is stated to have become a nightmare to the whole world. Vishnu assumed the form of the ravishing Mohini, an attractive dancer, who allured him with her charm, and initiated a dance called the Muktanṛtya. During the course of this dance, Bhasmasura was forced to place his hand on his own head. The moment his hand touched his head, he was burnt to ashes.[2]
In Thai version of the Ramayana
In Ramakien, The Thai version of the Ramayana, Bhasmasura is combined with Ravana (Thotsakan in Ramakien).
External links
References
- ↑ O'Flaherty, Wendy Doniger (1981-05-28). Siva: The Erotic Ascetic. Oxford University Press. p. 228. ISBN 978-0-19-972793-3.
- ↑ Mani, Vettam (2015-01-01). Puranic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Work with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 127. ISBN 978-81-208-0597-2.
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