Pramohinī

Pramohinī was the daughter of Śukasaṃgīti, a gandharva (a divine singer) in the realm of Kubera. She was the first-named of the five gandharva kanyakās (maidens) who went to the Acchoda sarovara (lake) in the spring season to worship Gaurī.

The Padma Purāṇa tells how these five maidens were struck with kāma (desire) when they saw a beautiful brahmacārī (a young student). They received a śāpa (a curse) and became piśācas. They were freed by bathing in the Revā (Narmadā) through the grace of Lomaśa Maharṣi. After that, Pramohinī married the brahmacārī and reached Viṣṇu-loka.

Character and role

Pramohinī was one of five inseparable companions who always moved together like sisters. All five had a golden complexion and wore golden ornaments. All were skilled in music, dance and the arts. The five kanyakās are Pramohinī, Suśīlā, Susvārā, Sutārā and Candrikā.

The śāpa

The brahmacārī refused to agree to their requests. In the end the five maidens embraced him. Pramohinī was the one who clasped his feet. This gesture came at the moment that led to the śāpa between them. After they became piśācas, they lived at the Acchoda sarovara until they were freed.

Freedom and marriage

The five were freed by the touch of the Revā and by the grace of Lomaśa Maharṣi. Pramohinī was among those who then married the brahmacārī in the gāndharva-vivāha manner (a marriage by mutual consent) on the bank of the Revā. All five then reached Viṣṇu-loka.

Sources

• Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Svarga Khaṇḍa, Chapters 22–23