In 'Devi and Her Avatars', Alka Pande explores forms of the goddess in Hindu mythology and her impact on art and culture.

W hen the demoness Mahishi was wreaking havoc on the earthly realm, a divine being was manifested by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in his Mohini form. This little boy grew up to become Lord Ayyappa ...

These places came to be known as Shakti Peeth. Illustration: Sanjay Valecha and Durgesh Velhal During the Samudra Manthan, Vishnu in his Mohini avatar used her discus to behead Rahu. The asura had ...

During the cosmic churning of the ocean, Vishnu took the form of Mohini to distribute divine nectar among the gods instead of the demons, thereby preserving cosmic order. The Ramayana epic ...

During the ritual, a Kumbh (pot) containing sacred nectar emerged. To protect it from the demons, Lord Vishnu, dressed as Mohini took the pot and fled. During his voyage, a few droplets of nectar ...