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Menaka

The apsara sent by Indra to disturb Vishwamitra's penance.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.

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Relationships

Spouse
Vishwamitra
Children
Shakuntala

Introduction

Menaka is an apsara, a celestial nymph, of Indra's court. She is the mother of Shakuntala in the Mahabharata.

This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.

Family

Vishwamitra

When Vishwamitra's austerities frightened Indra, Indra sent Menaka to distract him. Vishwamitra fell in love and lived with her for ten years before realising that he had lost time. He sent her away and returned to his penance.

Shakuntala

According to the Mahabharata, Menaka bore a daughter, Shakuntala, and left her in the forest.

Sources

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
  2. Mahabharata, Adi Parva (primary text)
  3. The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (scholarly) — https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206868/the-ramayana-of-valmiki

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.