This story not only introduces the mysterious events of Tretayuga but also highlights the deep message of curse and salvation.

Who was Madhura?

Madhura was an Apsara of heaven, who was famous for her unmatched beauty. Her appearance was so enchanting that the gods and demons were all crazy about her beauty. In mythology she is considered the wife of Ravana. It is said that Madhura had a pure heart, but her attraction towards Lord Shiva landed her in difficulties. Madhura was actually the previous birth of Mandodari, in her new birth Mandodari was the daughter of the demons Maydanava and Hema.

Story of being fascinated by Lord Shiva

An Apsara named Madhura, once while wandering, reached Mount Kailash. There he saw Lord Shiva absorbed in penance. Seeing Lord Shiva, she tried many times to break his penance but she failed in her task. Actually Madhura was fascinated by Lord Shiva after seeing him. That's why she wanted to wake him up from penance and talk to him. Meanwhile, Mother Parvati reaches there and seeing her husband's penance being broken, she gets angry at Madhura.

result of curse

Mother Parvati cursed Madhura that she would become a frog and live in a well. Seeing the anger of Mother Parvati, Madhura starts apologizing to her. When the sad Madhura appeals to Mother Parvati, then Mother Parvati tells her that you can return to your form by doing penance. Madhura did penance and was freed from the curse. After this she calls out to come out of the well. At the same place, Mysur and Hema, who are doing penance to have a child, take Madhura out and adopt her. They name Madhura as Mandodari and later she gets married to Ravana.