| When Menaka was
once on her way to the river Amaravati after holy bath in the Vedavana, she happened to
see Vishwamitra, fell in love with him and approached him. The Sage grew wild and ordered
her to get away as he had then taken up the vow of Brahmacharya and as such should not
even behold the face of a woman. Menaka felt disappointed, grew angry and cursed him to
become old. Vishwamitra also cursed her to the same effect. Menaka bathed in the
Vedateertha. Again and got back her original form. Vishwamitra
also did so and attained handsomeness, equal to that of Kamadeva and, further,
reciprocated Menaka's love. They loved each other, enjoyed life and brought forth the
famous Shakuntala. They visited many places. During this period Menaka narrated the
stories of so many kings and sages who bathed in the Vedanadi and attained salvation.
After having lived long with the sage, she left for Amaravati. Thereupon, Vishwamitra
returned to Vedavana and resumed his austerities. |
