Menaka

In Hindu mythology, a beautiful celestial
maiden (apsara), who is a minion of
Indra, the king of the gods. Menaka’s
primary function is to seduce sages
threatening to replace Indra as the ruler
of heaven. In traditional Indian culture,
semen is seen as the concentrated
essence of a man’s vital energies; celibacy
is a means to conserve and retain these
energies. Menaka’s powers of attraction
are used to seduce these ascetics,
diminishing their accumulated spiritual
powers. Her most notable partner is the
sage Vishvamitra, who is twice smitten
by her charms. Their first liaison
results in the birth of the maiden
Shakuntala, celebrated in the drama
Abhijnanashakuntala, written by the
poet Kalidasa. During their second liaison, Vishvamitra lives with Menaka for
ten years, before leaving her for renunciant life in the forest.