The legend of Lord Vishnu and Bhasmasura states about the wicked demon being turned into ashes by the illusionary powers of Lord Vishnu.
Bhasmasura, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, once practised severe penances and austerities. The Lord pleased with his devotion granted him the boon of turning to ashes anyone on whose head he placed his hand. To test the effectiveness of this boon, Vrikasura in his arrogance tried to put his hands on the head of Lord Shiva. The Lord petrified ran away and hid himself. To save Shiva from Bhasmasura, Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful seductress Mohini and began dancing before him. Smitten by her beauty, Vrikasura tried to facsimile the pace along with her and copied all the mudras that Mohini attempted.
While dancing Mohini put her hands on her own head. Vrikasura followed her gestures forgot about his boon and put his hands on his own head. Immediately he was turned to ashes. Since then he came to be known as Bhasmasura, the demon of ashes.
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