A significant aspect of Mohiniyattam (besides the adoration and love for God) is the creature “Mohini”. She is the divine temptress in Hindu mythology, embodiment of feminine beauty and allure. Many legends exist regarding Mohini. One of the most famous which introduced Mohini into the Hindu mythos, is the narrative epic the Mahabharata:
When the world was created, the Gods and the demons (Asuras) were equal. Brahma, the creator of the universe, told the Gods (Devas) to form “Amrita”, the elixir of immortality,by the foaming of the primeval oceans. The Devas were too weak to churn the ocean by themselves and needed the help of the demons (Asuras). They offered them an equal share of the Amrita, which would have made them even stronger than the gods.
To churn the ocean they used the Serpent King, Vasuki, for their churning-string. For a churning pole they used Mount Mandara placed on the back of a Great Tortoise – the Kurma Avatar of Vishnu. After many difficulties and adventurous efforts the elixir of immortality was taken from the primeval ocean in a vessel. A fight between the Devas and Asuras started. Suddenly Vishnu appeared as an “enchanting damsel – Mohini”, adorned with jewellery and delicate sounding feet bells. The Demons got carried away by her dance and forgot the fight for the “Amrita”. After her performance Mohini charmed the demons, took the pot of nectar from them and gave it to the Devas.