Mohini

Bhasmasur was a great devotee of Siva. He did penance for many years till Siva came and appeared before him.

"I am impressed, O, Bhasmasur. What boon shall I give you ?"
"Give me a boon that would give me power to destroy any one I place my hand on."
"So be it," said Siva and gave him the boon.

During their conversation, Bhasmasur wanted to test the boon by placing his hands on the head of Siva. A distraught Siva, the lord of destruction, escaped destruction and reached Vishnu (the maintainer).

On hearing of the imbroglio Siva was in, Vishnu put on the form of Mohini and went to Bhasmasur. Vishnu suggested that he try his boon on himself. Then Bhasmasur placed his hands on his own head and became ash. By this trick, he saved Siva of great embrassment and dilemma.