Mandakarni is a sage of the Dandaka forest whose penance created the lake Panchapsara. The gods sent five apsaras to break his austerity, and their music still sounds from the lake.
RoleSage
Appears inRamayana
GroupRishis and sages
KingdomRishi ashrams
First appearsAranya Kanda, Sarga 11
Sargas1 in the Valmiki Ramayana
Frequently asked questions
What is the Panchapsara lake?
A lake in the Dandaka forest created by the sage Mandakarni's penance.
Why are there sounds from the lake?
Mandakarni lives beneath it with five apsaras whose music can be heard.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda (sargas 3.11)
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