Hindu Mythology..Menaka.

Devraj Indra was worried about the rigorous Tapasya of Rajarishi Vishwamitra.

“What is his intention? Is he aiming at my throne? It can be so. Then his Tapaya has to be disrupted.” Indra decided.

Indradev summoned Menaka. She was the most beautiful of the heavenly apsaras. Indra explained things to her. .” His intention is to capture my throne. We have to stop him. Only your celestial beauty can move him. You are the one to do it.”

Menaka was silent. Indra tried to give her all assurance. “Viswamitra’s wrath is enough to destroy the universe. But your alluring smile can charm him. His rage may shake the world. But your enticing gestures can be seductive.

‘His anger can bring the world upside down. But your movements can captivate him. His furious words may cut you apart. The fire in his eyes may incinerate you. But a touch from you will seduce him.”

The Apsara could do nothing but to obey Indradev.

“But I have a request, Lord” she said.

“When I try to charm the Maharishi, ask the wind to spread a heavenly fragrance all over the forest. The gentle wind should become a violent storm. Ask him to blow off my clothes for a moment. At the same time ask Kamdev to shower his flowery arrows on the Rishi’s heart.”

Menaka moved in confidence……. Her dazzling splendour shining through her flimsy dress….

She entered the thick forest where Vishwamitra was in Ugra Tapasya. When she saw the Rishi, she felt sad for a moment. She whispered, “Mercy, Mahamuni, I’m but just an instrument.”

Soon she became conscious. She is endowed with an important task. Her charming body moved in rhythm. The fragrance & the sound of her anklets spread the seduction. The wind blew off her clothes. She collected her clothes & looked around. Felt the gaze of the Rishi on her. He devoured her magnificent beauty. She stooped in shame.

Kamaban was working on the Rishi. He invited Menaka. He was under the spell of Kama. Viswamitra spent the night with her & lost all his power attained through Tapasya.

When he realized that, it was too late. He had already lost his Asceticism.

This is an attempt of translation of an excerpt from Puranamanjari…..