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Celestial Being · Apsara / Mother of Shakuntala

Menaka

मेनका
Also known as: Menakā, Apsara, Shakuntala's Mother

About

Renowned Apsara sent by Indra to break the penance of sage Vishvamitra. Successfully seduced him, giving birth to Shakuntala. Later returned to heaven. Represents the power of beauty and the testing of ascetics.

Attributes

BeautySeductionDanceCompassionMotherhood

Symbols

LotusDanceShakuntala
Consort
Vishvamitra (temporary)

Scriptures

MahabharataPuranasKalidasa's Shakuntala

Regions Worshipped

Pan-India (mythological recognition)

Iconography

Depicted as a supremely beautiful celestial dancer.