A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1124

c5.1124

MANDA-KARNI. A sage who dwelt in the Dandaka forest, and is said in the Rāmāyana to have formed a lake which was known by his name. His austerities alarmed the gods, and Indra sent five Apsarases to beguile him from his penance of “standing in a pool and feeding on nothing but air for 10,000 years.” They succeeded, and became his wives, and inhabited a house concealed in the lake, which, from them, was called Pan-chāpsaras.