Menaka
/ˈmeɪ.nə.kə/noun
In Hindu mythology, Menaka is a celebrated apsara, or celestial nymph, associated with beauty, seduction, and divine intrigue.
Did you know?In the Mahabharata, Indra sends Menaka to distract the ascetic Vishvamitra, whose intense meditation was believed to threaten the cosmic order.
Etymological Timeline
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Menakā (मेनका)
“A female celestial being or apsara; the name’s deeper root is uncertain.”
Epic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Menakā
“A renowned apsara appearing in Hindu epic mythology.”
Ancient India
Sanskrit
Menakā
“The celestial seductress associated with Vishvamitra and the birth of Śakuntalā.”
19th Century
English
Menaka
“An English transliteration of the Sanskrit mythological proper name.”
Modern English
English
Menaka
“A personal name and reference to the Hindu apsara.”