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
Sinabi ni Śukadeva Gosvāmī: Si Hari, ang Kataas-taasang Panginoon, ay nag-anyong babae, inakit ang mga asura at pinainom ang mga deva ng amṛta. Nang marinig ito, si Śiva na may sagisag na toro, sakay ng toro at napalilibutan ng mga bhūta, ay nagtungo kasama si Devī Umā sa kinaroroonan ni Madhusūdana upang masilayan ang anyong babae na iyon.
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.