Menaka was the wife of Himavan, the king of mountains. The
story as to how Menaka became the mother of Goddess Parvati is mentioned in the
Puranas.
In her previous birth, Menaka was the mind-born daughter of Swadha
and Vairajas, a pitr.
Once, during a visit to Vaikunta she did not show respect to
Brahma’s manasaputras – Sanaka, Sanadana, Sanatana and Sanat Kumara.
Sanaka cursed Menaka that she would be born as human being
on earth.
A devastated Menaka begged for mercy.
Sanadana told Menaka that the curse could not be taken back.
However, on earth she will marry Himavan, the lord of mountains, and she will
be the mother of Goddess Shakti, when she incarnates as Goddess Parvati on
earth.
As a result, she would earn untold merits and will get back
her position in heaven.