Page "Ayyappan" Paragraph 8

Some versions give a slightly more detailed version of the union of Shiva with Vishnu.

One version tells that the asura Bhasmasura had so pleased Lord Shiva with his austerities that Shiva gave him a boon of anything he wished.

So Bhasmasura asked for the ability to burn to ashes anything which he placed his hand over.

No sooner had Shiva granted this, than Bhasmasura ran after the god, threatening to turn him to ashes.