Mohini is the Vishnu avatar depicted as a beautiful woman who distracted the demons from the amrita.
In the churning of the Ocean of Milk, devas and asuras obtained the nectar of immortality, but the asuras seized control of it. Vishnu then appeared as Mohini, an enchanting female form. Her beauty and charm persuaded the demons to hand over the nectar so that she could distribute it fairly. Instead, she gave the amrita to the devas, enabling them to regain their strength and defeat their rivals.
Mohini’s name is linked to the Sanskrit root moha, meaning enchantment, delusion, or bewilderment. Her role is not limited to the amrita episode: later traditions also describe her using her powers of illusion to defeat the ash-demon Bhasmasura and in stories involving Shiva.
Mohini is often called Vishnu’s only female avatar, though descriptions vary across Hindu texts and regional traditions. She should not be confused with Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, or with Parvati and Durga, who are forms associated with Shaiva and Shakta traditions.