Mandalam Musings Day 21- Mohini & Amrut, the Elixir of Immortality

 

Mandalam Musings Day 21-

Mohini & Amrut, the Elixir of Immortality

Finally, forgetting all the enmities, and toiling for a long while,  a golden pot emerged from the middle of the ocean brimming with the elixir of immortality, Amrut.  Everyone was happy that their joint venture was a success as planned. Now, both parties wanted to drink the nectar and become invincible and immortal as they knew that they would ever be young and beautiful. They would never have to worry about old age or death anymore. However, the Devas did not want Asuras to drink it, and Asuras were determined that they are not going to share it with their foes.

At an opportune moment, the Asuras got hold of the golden pot and ran away with it to a remote place so that they could consume it without sharing it with the Devas. They could not wait for it, but by nature, they are not very good at sharing anything with anyone, even their own people. So a quarrel erupted as to who will get to drink it first and who will serve it to the fellow Asuras in an equitable manner. In fact, the main difference between Devas and Asuras is said to be their attitude on sharing. For Devas, sharing is the best way to enjoy the finer aspects of life, but Asuras are generally selfish.

There was a commotion among the Asuras, and they started to fight with each other. Seeing that the Devas are not going to get even a drop of the elixir they worked hard for, Lord Vishnu connived up a plan.  Suddenly, He appeared there amongst the Asuras, in the guise of a beautiful damsel. They had never seen such beauty anywhere within their folk or even among the Devas. 

She introduced herself as Mohini as if she is the enchanting lady of their dreams. She was so beautiful and attractive that the Asuras were captivated by her charm and even forgot about the Amrut for a while. She mingled with them freely and offered that she will serve the elixir to all only if they behave! Every one of them wanted to be noticed by the damsel and they lusted for her affection. Asuras were ready to follow her command and she asked them to sit down calmly in a row, closing their eyes; then only she would serve the nectar.

As the Asuras sat there with closed eyes, Mohini hurried away from the scene with the pot of nectar and reached the Devas. The Devas were ecstatic that Lord Vishnu came to their rescue and now they are safe. But Vishnu reminded them of the karmic consequences. “Yes, sage Durvasa had already warned them about it. Now, let us wait and see what is in store for us.”

Asuras waited to be served, thinking that, ‘she is still feeding others and my turn will come soon’. After a while, each of them started asking his neighbors on either side in the row, if they have been served yet, still with their closed eyes. Then they knew something was not right and one by one they opened their eyes. They realized that the beautiful lady has deceived them, and the nectar is gone. They knew it must have been the work of the Devas and they decided to avenge. They were tormented for being hoodwinked by the Devas. They sought counsel with their Guru, but the rivalry continued.