Menaka biography

For other uses, see Menaka (disambiguation).

For the town in Mali, see Ménaka.

Apsara in Hinduism

Menaka (Sanskrit: मेनका, lit.&#;'incomparable', IAST: Menakā)^[2] is a apsara (heavenly nymph) in Hindu literature.^[3]

Legends

Menaka was born during the churning of the ocean by the devas and asuras.

She is one of the most mesmerising apsaras (celestial nymphs) in the three worlds, with quick intelligence and innate talent, but desired a family.

Vishvamitra, a prominent Hindu sage, frightened the devas and even tried to create another heaven - Indra, frightened by his powers, sent Menaka from heaven to earth to lure him and break his meditation.

Menaka successfully incited Vishvamitra's lust and passion when he saw her beauty.

Menaka biography

She succeeded in breaking the meditation of Vishvamitra. However, she fell in love with him and a baby was born to them, who later grew in Sage Kanva's ashram and came to be called Shakuntala. Later, Shakuntal