The story of Sage Vishwamitra and Apsara Menaka is found in
Mahabharata and the Puranas. 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. Sage Vishwamitra was a king who abdicated the throne when he
realized that the powers of a sage are far more superior to that of a king.
Indra, the king of Devas, who is constantly scared of being
disposed by more pious living being, takes the help of Menaka to keep his
throne intact. When saints perform intense penance to achieve greater spiritual
powers, Indra deputes Menaka to distract the saints.
As per Mahabharata, Shakuntala is the daughter of Menaka and
Sage Vishwamitra.
Sage Vishwamitra was performing intense austerities on the banks
of Godavari River to achieve greater spiritual powers. Indra felt his position
as king of celestial beings would be threatened if the Sage acquired great spiritual
powers by virtue of the penance.
So he deputed Menaka to distract the sage. The heavenly
damsel was scared because the Sage was famous for his short temper. If she
failed in her attempt to arouse sexual passion, she would be cursed.
But Menaka was left with no option. So she reached the banks
of the Godavari river and created an environment for sexual union with music, scented
oil and fragrant flowers. She then performed a sensuous dance with amorous
glances and moves.
The Sage was forced to break his meditation and open his
eyes. Senses overpowered the sage and he married her as per the Gandharva
marriage.
He lived in the ashram with her. When the flames of sexual
passion got extinguished, the sage realized that he was tricked. He then
abandoned Menaka.
Later, Menaka gave birth to a girl child – Shakuntala.
As her mission was successfully completed, she abandoned the
little girl on the banks of Malini River near the ashram of Sage Kanva and left
for the palace of Indra.