Bhasmasur

Bhasmasur is a demon who hails from Hindu mythology. It is not entirely clear as to which age or period did he live in. But he draws reference from the story relating to Lord Vishnu's avatar, Mohini.

Bhasmasur and Lord Shiva

Bhasmasur was a devotee of Lord Shiva, and he performed great penance to obtain a boon from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva became pleased and asked him to ask for a "vardaan". Bhasmasur asked for immortality but Lord Shiva said that he did not have the power to grant him immortality. Bhasmasur asked for the ability that whenever he would put his hands on somebody's head, the person should get burned off and turned into ashes. Lord Shiva granted his wish.

Lord Shiva did not realize the consequences and granted him the wish. As soon as he got the power, Bhasmasur started off to test it on Lord Shiva himself. Lord Shiva ran away from him, but Bhasmasur would not give up.

Bhasmasur and Mohini

While running, Lord Shiva also appealed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu realized the disaster that was facing the universe. Lord Vishnu thereafter took the form of a very beautiful woman, called Mohini and went to Bhasmasur. Bhasmasur immediately fell in love with Mohini, and would do anything Mohini would do or say. She started dancing and Bhasmasur followed. In the course of dancing Mohini made a posture in which she put her hand on her head. Bhasmasur followed and turned himself into ashes due to the power he had recently gained.

Mohini-Bhasmasur dance in folklore

In the Saho area of Chamba district in the State of Himachal Pradesh, the Sohal Nati dance is very popular. It is generally performed on all festive occasions, but the main importance of this dance is in Baisakh during the days of Saho fair. The dance is based on the story of Lord Vishnu killing Bhasmasur, and hence, it is also known as Mohini-Bhasmasur dance.

Based on the popular story, the dancers take different postures leading to them ultimately revolving both their hands on their heads. The dancer enacting Bhasmasur is placed at the end of row and he is the last dancer to revolve his hands over his head. [http://hpchamba.nic.in/Dances.htm]

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