The story of Sage Vishwamitra and Apsara Menaka is found in Mahabharata and the Puranas. Menaka was born during the churning of the ocean by the Devas and Asuras and was one of the most beautiful apsaras (celestial nymph) in the world with quick intelligence and innate talent. Vishwamitra is outraged and though he loves her too, curses her to be forever separated from him and their child. The Mahabharata adds that Vishvamitra's relationship with Menaka resulted in a daughter, Shakuntala whose story is narrated in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata. And the Rishi, Sthulakesa discovered the infant lying forsaken in a lonely part of the river-side. He was a valiant warrior and the great-grandson of a great king named Kusha. Having said that, Menaka, the most beautiful Apsara, was sent to earth by Indra to seduce VIshwamitra. *Menaka‘s choice is beautifully woven story of love and separation.

She sang, danced, made garlands of fragrant flowers and put them around Vishwamitra's neck to attract his attention. As sakuntas (birds) were petting the child, Kanva raised the child and caller her Shakuntala.

Menaka died giving birth to a daughter. It is mentioned in few mythological stories that, Rishi Vishwamitra had conquered the “shadripus” and was never married.

Menaka successfully incited Vishwamitra's lust and passion when he sa…

Birds gathered around the orphaned child when sage Kanva came that way. Own this classic masterpiece reproduction from the collection of some of his award winning paintings..

Vishwamitra becomes angry as Menaka had destroyed his years of meditation and thus he cursed her that she won’t possess her beauty, of which she was proud, in next birth. She, being destitute of pity and shame, went away.

Vishvamitra was a king in ancient India, also called Kaushika \"descendant of Kusha\".

Menaka successfully incited Vishwamitra’s lust and passion when he saw her beauty. And the lovely child grew up in his holy habitation. Menaka was born during the churning of the ocean by the devas and asuras and was one of the most beautiful apsaras (celestial fairy) in the world with quick intelligence and innate talent but desired a family. The story of Vishvamitra is narrated in the Balakanda of Valmiki Ramayana. The story of Vishvamitra is narrated in the Balakanda of Valmiki Ramayana. Sthulakesa, filled with compassion, took it up and reared it. Menaka dropped the newborn infant on the banks of the river.

Vishwamitra, one of the most respected and revered sages in ancient India, frightened the gods 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. She succeeded in breaking the meditation of Vishwamitra and the two had sex for many years. All this disturbed Vishwamitra and he opened his eyes. The girl came to be called Sakuntala. When Vishwamitra realized that he had been tricked by Indra, he was enraged. According to legend the child was reared by a pair of sakuntas. However, he was well aware of Menaka's genuine love for him and therefore, he merely cursed her that she would be separated from him forever. And the Rishi, Sthulakesa discovered the infant lying forsaken in a lonely part of the river-side. Vishwamitra could not resist falling in love with Menaka.They led a family life for sometime.Menaka gave birth to a female child who is Shakuntala.Menaka returned to heaven.Vishwamitra left to resume penance and the child became an orphan. Menaka is a celestial woman or apsara and she is one of the most beautiful dancers in the palace of Indra, the king of Devas. Sthulakesa, filled with compassion, took it up and reared it. She agreed and they lived as husband and wife. However, Menaka desired a family. He sent charming Menaka to entice him. Buy Light Brown oil Painting by artist Raja Ravi Varma Reproduction on Canvas, Figurative based on theme Raja Ravi Verma Art Prints.