Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 1
Lord Śiva Bewildered by Mohinī
Viṣṇu’s Yoga-māyā and the Limits of Ascetic Power
श्रीबादरायणिरुवाच वृषध्वजो निशम्येदं योषिद्रूपेण दानवान् । मोहयित्वा सुरगणान्हरि: सोममपाययत् ॥ १ ॥ वृषमारुह्य गिरिश: सर्वभूतगणैर्वृत: । सह देव्या ययौ द्रष्टुं यत्रास्ते मधुसूदन: ॥ २ ॥
śrī-bādarāyaṇir uvāca vṛṣa-dhvajo niśamyedaṁ yoṣid-rūpeṇa dānavān mohayitvā sura-gaṇān hariḥ somam apāyayat
Dijo Śukadeva Gosvāmī: Hari, la Suprema Personalidad de Dios, adoptó forma de mujer, hechizó a los asuras y permitió que los devas bebieran el néctar. Al oír estas lilas, el Señor Śiva, Vṛṣadhvaja, montado en su toro y rodeado de sus bhūtas, fue con la diosa Umā al lugar donde mora Madhusūdana, para contemplar aquella forma femenina.
FAQs
This verse states that Hari took a woman’s form, bewildered the Dānavas, and ensured the demigods drank the nectar.
Because it sets the narrative cause: upon hearing of Viṣṇu’s Mohinī pastime, Śiva becomes eager to witness that extraordinary form.
The verse highlights how even powerful beings can be deluded by appearances, encouraging vigilance, humility, and reliance on dharma and devotion over sensory attraction.