Menaka (Sanskrit ) - character in Hindu mythology, one of the most beautiful celestial nymphs apsar who became famous for the drama of Kalidasa "Abhidzhnyana-Sakuntala. " King of gods Indra sent Menaka to seduce her sage Viswamitra and distracted him from performing austerities. When Viswamitra saw a naked Menaka took a bath in the lake, his heart is awakened lust. Sage interrupted his meditation, and for several years worked with a beautiful love apsars denomination. Menaka truly fell in love with Viswamitra, but he realized that was the victim of intrigues Indra, came into a great rage and cursed Menaka. As a result of a curse, and Menaka Viswamitra were forever separated. Later, Menaka was her mother Shakuntala, who grew up in the ashram of sage canvas and gave birth to her son Bharata king Dushyante.