by Callisto Radiant
Mohini - Lord Vishnu in female form
by Callisto Radiant
(T. Roberti)
Mohini is a female incarnation of the great preserver-god Vishnu. Vishnu's role in the cosmos is as the preserver of form and of balance. To meet his goals he frequently takes on fleshly form, often (but not always) human. While incarnate he retains his divine powers, but cannot be recognized by mortal eyes. His more prominent incarnations include Krishna, a central figure of Hindu belief, featured in
Mohini is special, though, in that she is a male god in female flesh. It is clear that the Hindu storytellers meant to portray her as "transgendered" in a very modern way. In Hindu philosophy, divinity is considered above gender; the gods and their female consorts are, beneath the surface, outer reflections of the same divine spark. Thus Vishnu, who is male, and Shri, his female consort, are, beneath it all, reflections of the same deity.
However, Mohini, "male-Visnhu-in-female-flesh," is of a different nature. It is quite clear from the way her stories are told that her alluring female form is an illusion drawn over the masculine form within. This illusion runs quite deep, because Mohini bears a child to the transformation-god Shiva. The interplay of gender within Mohini is of a different nature from that of Ardhanarisvara, the bi-gendered deity that results from the union of Shiva and his consort Parvati, as well as from that of Ayyappan, the hermaphroditic offspring of Mohini and Shiva. This "active" interplay of gender, as well as Mohini's highly erotic nature, allow us to conclude that Mohini is transgendered.
Mohini in Hindu Mythology
Brahma tells the devas (gods) that they can obtain the amrit by churning the ocean. To do this they decide to stir it with a mountain -- but to do so, they have to enlist the help of the asuras. The asuras, hoping to get all of it so they can pursue their evil agendas, agree to help churn the ocean. After great difficulty (and several adventures) the ocean finally surrenders the amrit they seek.
At once the scene becomes chaotic. Vishnu, the preserver of order, assumes the guise of Mohini. Mohini is described as an enchantress, the most alluring female imaginable. It takes her little effort to grab the hearts and libidos of the asuras. They agree to let her distribute the amrit, and promise to abide by her decision. Mohini promptly distributes the amrit among the devas and keeps the asuras from getting any. Finally a battle erupts, but the asuras cannot hope to match the newly-invigorated devas.
The Mohini-Attam is a traditional dance form that celebrates the story of how Mohini uses her charm to save Shiva from Bhasmasura, a terrible demon. Bhasmasura, by performing admirable ascetic sacrifices, wins the favor of Shiva, who is the god of ascetism. Shiva grants him a boon, and Bhasmasura asks for the ability to turn anyone he touches on the head into ash. Shiva agrees, whereupon the demon attacks him and attempts to reduce him to ash! Shiva convinces Vishnu to intervene, and Vishnu assumes the form of Mohini. Bhasmasura is taken with Mohini, who convinces him to mimic every move she makes during an alluring dance. Bhasmasura is so distracted by her beauty and grace that she tricks him into patting himself on the head -- thus saving Shiva.
The final tale about Mohini involves her coupling with Shiva. Shiva sees Mohini frolicing in a garden, and despite himself, is drawn to her. By succumbing to her charms and allowing her to seduce him, Shiva admits the power of Vishnu's magic. Mohini bears Shiva a child, known as Ayyappan (or Hariharaputra, a name derived from the titles of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara). Ayyappan is a dual-gendered god who brings serenity to those who honor him. (Full article available here .)
Resources:
Wikipedia includes articles on Mohini and on Mahalasa (another name for Mohini).