Who were Menaka and Vishwamitra
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, one of the most respected and revered sages in ancient India, 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.
The Relationship of Vishwamitra and Menaka
The love story of Vishwamitra and Menaka is a famous one. According to the story, Vishwamitra was a powerful king and warrior who was on a journey to attain spiritual enlightenment. However, during his journey, he encountered a beautiful apsara named Menaka who was sent by the gods to distract him from his path. Despite his resolve, Vishwamitra was drawn to Menaka and the two of them fell in love. However, she fell in genuine love with him and a baby was born to them, who later grew in Sage Kanva’s ashram and came to be called Shakuntala.
Their relationship was frowned upon by the gods and eventually, Menaka was ordered to return to the heavens. Vishwamitra was devastated by the loss of his love and continued on his spiritual journey, eventually becoming one of the most revered rishis or sages and one of the Saptarishis.
Birth of Shakuntala and Bharat Dynasty
Menaka eventually gave birth to a daughter named Shakuntala, who was abandoned by her mother and raised in a hermitage by the sage Kanva. When Shakuntala grew up, she met and fell in love with King Dushyanta, but was eventually separated from him due to a curse.
Eventually, King Dushyanta remembered Shakuntala and the two of them were reunited. Shakuntala was acknowledged as the queen of the kingdom and the couple had a son together named Bharata, who went on to become the founder of the great Indian dynasty known as the Bharata dynasty.