# Menaka

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Apsara in Hinduism

For the town in Mali, see [Ménaka](/source/M%C3%A9naka). For other uses, see [Menaka (disambiguation)](/source/Menaka_(disambiguation)).

Menaka Menaka seduces Vishvamitra, painting by Raja Ravi Varma Affiliation Apsara Abode Amaravati, Svarga Gender Female Genealogy Parents Brahma (creator) Children Shakuntala (daughter, from Vishvamitra) Pramadvara (daughter, from Vishvavasu)

**Menaka** ([Sanskrit](/source/Sanskrit_language): मेनका [IAST](/source/IAST): *Menakā*) is a prominent [apsara](/source/Apsara) (celestial nymph) in [Hindu mythology](/source/Hindu_mythology), celebrated as one of the most beautiful dancers in the court of [Indra](/source/Indra), the king of the [gods](/source/Deva_(Hinduism)). She is portrayed as an archetypal [seductress](/source/Seductress), best known for her role in the seduction of the sage [Vishvamitra](/source/Vishvamitra), a story recounted in various [Hindu texts](/source/Hindu_texts) and [classical Sanskrit literature](/source/Classical_Sanskrit_literature).

In the episode, the gods, fearing Vishvamitra's ascetic strength, send Menaka to tempt him and disrupt the penance whose growing spiritual power threatens the celestial order. With her beauty and charm, she succeeds in captivating him, temporarily deviating him from his spiritual path. From this union, Menaka becomes the mother of [Shakuntala](/source/Shakuntala), a celebrated heroine in classical literature.[1]

## Etymology

The name *Menakā* is derived with multiple interpretations. One explanation breaks the word as *me* (to measure or compare) and *ka* (a particle meaning “not”), rendering the sense of “incomparable” or “unequalled,” likely in reference to her exceptional beauty. Another interpretation derives it from *mi-naka.*[2]

An alternative interpretation breaks the name as *Menā* + *ka*. The term *Menā* (from *mena*) is a feminine noun that can simply mean “woman” or “female,” including the female of any animal, as attested in the *[Rigveda](/source/Rigveda)*.[3] It is sometimes considered as a pre-[Aryan](/source/Aryan) term.[4]

## Mythology and literary accounts

### Vedas

The name Menaka (or Mena) appears in the *[Rigveda](/source/Rigveda)*, one of the oldest texts of the [Vedic](/source/Vedas) corpus, as well as in the [Brahmanas](/source/Brahmana). However, in these contexts, Menaka is not identified as an apsara but is mentioned instead as the daughter of a king named Vrishanashva. Although apsaras are attested in Vedic literature, there is no mythological narrative involving Menaka in these early texts, nor is there any association with the sage [Vishvamitra](/source/Vishvamitra).[5] The earliest textual reference to an apsara named Menaka occurs in the *[Vajasaneyi Samhita](/source/Vajasaneyi_Samhita)* of the *[Yajurveda](/source/Yajurveda)*.[6]

### Ramayana

Folio from [Mughal](/source/Mughal_Empire) translation of *Ramayana* depicting Menaka with Vishvamitra, 16th century CE

The epic *[Ramayana](/source/Ramayana)* (c. 700 BC - 400 CE) contains the narrative of Menaka seducing Vishvamitra—one which, according to scholar Adheesh Sathaye, predates the far more elaborate and well-known version found in the other major epic, the *[Mahabharata](/source/Mahabharata)*.[7] Narrated in the *[Bala Kanda](/source/Bala_Kanda)* (1.62), Menaka appears during Vishvamitra's early quest for spiritual powers. Vishvamitra is granted the title of “[Rishi](/source/Rishi)", but he continues his penance in pursuit of greater spiritual status of "[Brahmarishi](/source/Brahmarshi)". During this time, Menaka descends from heaven to bathe in the waters of [Pushkara](/source/Pushkar) Lake. Vishvamitra sees her and falls in love at first sight. He invites her to stay, which Menaka accepts, and they live together in seclusion. Their companionship lasts for ten years, during which Vishvamitra abandons his penance. Eventually, he realizes that his spiritual progress has been disrupted, which he interprets as part of a divine conspiracy. Filled with shame and anger, he gently dismisses Menaka and resumes his ascetic path.[8][9]

In certain Northern and Eastern recensions of the *Valmiki Ramayana*, Menaka is associated with the birth of the epic's central heroine, [Sita](/source/Sita), in an alternate account. As King [Janaka](/source/Janaka) ploughs the field during a ritual, he looks up and sees Menaka passing through the sky. Struck by her beauty, he expresses a wish to have a daughter like her. In response, a divine voice proclaims that the infant he is about to find is his own child, mind-born of Menaka. Further variants of this version exist.[10][11][12]

### *Mahabharata*

Menaka seducing Vishvamitra, aided by love god [Kamadeva](/source/Kamadeva), print by Ravi Varma Studio

Menaka is more prominently attested in the *[Mahabharata](/source/Mahabharata)* (c. 400 BC - 400 AD) as an [apsara](/source/Apsara) (celestial nymphs) of extraordinary beauty. The *[Adi Parva](/source/Adi_Parva) (1.74.68)* of the *Mahabharata* describes Menaka as the [mind-born](/source/Manasaputra) daughter of the creator god [Brahma](/source/Brahma) and classifies her among the six greatest celestial maidens, alongside [Urvashi](/source/Urvashi), Purvachitti, Sahajanya, [Ghritachi](/source/Ghritachi), and Vishvachi.[13] She further appears in several celebratory and courtly contexts in the epic, such as attending the birth festival (*Janmotsava*) of the hero [Arjuna](/source/Arjuna) and singing on that occasion (*Adi Parva* 1.122.64). Additionally, Menaka performs as a dancer in the court of [Kubera](/source/Kubera) (*[Sabha Parva](/source/Sabha_Parva)* 2.10.10), and gives a musical performance in honour of Arjuna at Indra's court (*[Vana Parva](/source/Vana_Parva)* 3.43.29).[14][15]

*The Adi Parva* 1.71–72 of the epic narrates the most well-known version of her seduction of the sage [Vishvamitra](/source/Vishvamitra) in detail. Alarmed by the power of Vishvamitra's asceticism, Indra summons Menaka and praises her as the foremost among apsaras. He asks her to use her beauty and charm to seduce the sage, fearing that Vishvamitra's spiritual power may threaten the gods themselves. Menaka hesitates, expressing fear of Vishvamitra's formidable energy, wrath, and self-control. Still, she agrees to carry out Indra's request, provided she is assisted by the wind-god [Marut](/source/Vayu) and the god of love, [Kamadeva](/source/Kamadeva). With their help, Menaka enters Vishvamitra's forest retreat. As she performs before him, Marut suddenly blows away her garments, revealing her nude body. Pretending to be startled and modest, she tries to recover her attire. Vishvamitra sees her, is captivated by her youthful charm, and invites her to stay. Menaka accepts, and they live together for a long period, enjoying each other's company. Eventually, Menaka gives birth to a daughter, [Shakuntala](/source/Shakuntala). When the child is born, Menaka takes her to the banks of the river Malini, in the [Himalayas](/source/Himalayas), and leaves her there before returning to heaven. The infant is surrounded by vultures, who protect her from harm. She is later discovered by the sage [Kanva](/source/Kanva), who raises her as his own.[16][17][15][18]

In another episode from the *Mahabharata* (*Adi Parva*, 1.8–12), Menaka courts [Vishvavasu](/source/Vishvavasu), the king of [Gandharvas](/source/Gandharva) (celestial musicians) and becomes the mother of a daughter named Pramadvara. Like with Shakuntala, when the time comes to give birth, Menaka, without any maternal affection, leaves the newborn Pramadvara on the banks of a river near the hermitage of the sage Sthulakesha and returns to heaven.[15] The *[Udyoga Parva](/source/Udyoga_Parva)* mentions another Gandharva, namely Urnayu, deeply in love with Menaka.[15]

### Puranas

Menaka's role in the [Puranas](/source/Puranas) closely parallels her portrayal in the epics, though some texts offer unique variations. In the *[Skanda Purana](/source/Skanda_Purana)*, a notable version of her encounter with Vishvamitra appears with a reversal of motives. In this account, Menaka becomes infactuated with Vishvamitra, who is here emphasized being handsome and youthful, performing penance. She approaches him with sexual advances but he resists her. Angered by his rejection, she curses him. Vishvamitra, in turn, retaliates by cursing her with old age. Eventually, both are released from their afflictions after bathing in a sacred tirtha near which a shrine to Vishvamiteshvara is established.[19][7] In other Puranic accounts, Menaka is again depicted as a celestial temptress dispatched by Indra to disturb the penances of sages and even other gods, including the death god [Yama](/source/Yama).

Other than her role as a seductress, Menaka plays a minor but significant role in one version of the prelude to the [Samudra Manthana](/source/Samudra_Manthana) (Churning of the Ocean), a major episode. While sage [Durvasa](/source/Durvasa) is travelling through a forest, he encounters Menaka holding a garland of fragrant Kalpaka flowers and requests the garland, and Menaka, with humility and reverence, offers it to the sage.[15]

Menaka is also described in several Puranic texts, including the *[Bhagavata Purana](/source/Bhagavata_Purana)* (12.11.35), *[Brahmanda Purana](/source/Brahmanda_Purana)* (2.23.6; 3.7.14; 4.33.18), *[Vayu Purana](/source/Vayu_Purana)* (52.7; 69.49), and the *[Vishnu Purana](/source/Vishnu_Purana)* (2.10.7), as the apsara presiding over the [lunar months](/source/Lunar_month) of Shukra and Shuchi, paired with Sahajanya, and associated with the sun during the summer season.[20]

### Classical literature

Painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicting Menaka carrying Shakuntala, 1891

In *[Abhijnanashakuntalam](/source/Abhijnanashakuntalam)*, a classical Sanskrit drama by [Kalidasa](/source/Kalidasa) (f. 4th century CE), Menaka is adapted as a named character with a more nuanced portrayal. While she retains her role as the celestial seductress who interrupts Vishvamitra's penance, Kalidasa introduces a significant departure from earlier texts by emphasizing her maternal side—an aspect largely absent in the previous portrayals. When [Shakuntala](/source/Shakuntala) is abandoned by her husband, King [Dushyanta](/source/Dushyanta), due to a curse that causes him to forget her, Menaka descends from heaven to comfort her daughter and take her to a celestial abode, offering protection and care.[21][13] In Kalidasa's another play, *[Vikramorvashiyam](/source/Vikramorvashiyam)*, Menaka appears alongside [Rambha](/source/Rambha_(apsara)) and Sahanjaya as companions of [Urvashi](/source/Urvashi), the foremost apsara and heroine of the play. Together, the apsaras report Urvashi's abduction to the hero, King [Pururavas](/source/Pururavas).[22]

In the *[Kathasaritsagara](/source/Kathasaritsagara)*, a medieval Sanskrit compendium of stories by [Somadeva](/source/Somadeva) (f. 11th century CE), Menaka appears in the tale of the hermit Mankanaka. While he was performing penance, Menaka appeared before him, her garments floating in the breeze. Overcome by desire, Mankanaka's seed fell on a plantain flower, leading to the birth of a daughter named Kadaligarbha.[15]

## Symbolism

Menaka's appearance in [Hindu mythology](/source/Hindu_mythology) reflects a broader theme in which celestial women seduce sages or engage with mortal men to produce dynastic heirs.[7][18] Across both epic and Puranic traditions, her role serves as a test of ascetic discipline. The central motif remains consistent: [Vishvamitra](/source/Vishvamitra)'s succumbing to Menaka's beauty results in the loss of his accumulated ascetic power (*[tapas](/source/Tapas_(Indian_religions))*). This theme is emphasized by later commentators. For example, the medieval scholar Govindaraja, in his commentary on the *[Ramayana](/source/Ramayana)*, explains that the episode illustrates Vishvamitra's lack of sensual control. The narrative demonstrates how unregulated desire (*[kama](/source/Kama)*) undermines spiritual attainment.[7]

Writer and mythologist [Devdutt Pattanaik](/source/Devdutt_Pattanaik) interprets the confrontation between [apsaras](/source/Apsara) like Menaka and sages as symbolic of a deeper philosophical tension between fertility cults and monastic orders. He notes that monastic traditions, rooted in [*Vedantic*](/source/Vedanta) thought, seek to transcend *[maya](/source/Maya_(religion))* (illusion) and reject worldly desires such as sensuality and violence, which bind beings to the cycle of rebirth (*[samsara](/source/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra)*). In contrast, apsaras embody the forces of nature and material life. According to Pattanaik, their purpose is twofold: to test the sage's spiritual resolve and to obstruct the accumulation of occult power (*[siddhi](/source/Siddhi)*) through distraction. Menaka seduces; others, like [Rambha](/source/Rambha_(apsara)), provoke anger. In this view, apsaras are not mere temptresses but agents of cosmic balance, deployed by [Indra](/source/Indra) to protect the natural order from the destabilizing effects of extreme asceticism. Indra's use of apsaras reflects the threat that such austerities pose to the fertility-based worldview, where procreation is essential to prosperity and survival.[1]

Modern scholar [Arshia Sattar](/source/Arshia_Sattar) views the story of Menaka and Vishvamitra as paradigmatic—establishing the apsara-sage trope rather than merely sustaining it. In one version, Menaka is simply a tool of the gods, a woman with no attachments who abandons her child out of her own free will; in another, she becomes a sympathetic, even tragic figure, punished for falling in love and left with neither partner nor child. Sattar interprets Menaka as a powerful yet paradoxical symbol: “forever young, forever beautiful, never attached, always willing to seduce, even willing to bear children if she must.” In this reading, Menaka embodies the ultimate male fantasy—a sexually idealised lady whose promiscuity has no consequences.[18]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:4_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:4_1-1) Devdutt Pattanaik (2000). *The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine*. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 67.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Vidyasagar, Jibananda (1900). [*Shabda-sagara*](http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.195943). p. 578.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Monier-williams, Monier (1899). [*A Sanskrit English Dictionary*](http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.31959). p. 833.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Kosambi, Damodar Dharmanand (2005) [1962]. [*Myth and Reality: Studies in the Formation of Indian Culture*](https://books.google.com/books?id=1x3fbEC3KnsC&dq=menaka+name+woman+non+Aryan&pg=PA57). Popular Prakashan. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-7154-870-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7154-870-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Varadpande, Manohar Laxman (1987). [*History of Indian Theatre: Classical theatre*](https://books.google.com/books?id=fOZB7MbeMrAC&q=Menaka&pg=PA118). Abhinav Publications. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-7017-430-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7017-430-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Varadpande, Manohar Laxman (2007). [*Apsara in Indian Art and Literature*](https://books.google.com/books?id=AhbqAAAAMAAJ&q=Apsara+in+Indian+Art+and+Literature%0ABy+Manohar+Laxman+Varadpande). Shubhi Publications. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-8290-091-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-8290-091-2).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:2_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:2_7-3) Sathaye, Adheesh A. (2015). [*Crossing the Lines of Caste: Visvamitra and the Construction of Brahmin Power in Hindu Mythology*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LjsqDwAAQBAJ&q=Menak%C4%81&pg=PA162). Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-934110-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-934110-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Vālmīki (10 April 1990). [*Balakanda*](https://books.google.com/books?id=DWX43jnbOngC&q=Menak%C4%81&pg=PR14). Princeton University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-691-01485-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-691-01485-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [*The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: An Epic of Ancient India, Volume IV: Kiskindhakāṇḍa*](https://books.google.com/books?id=QXCYDwAAQBAJ&q=menak%C4%81+&pg=PA289). Princeton University Press. 6 September 2016. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-691-17349-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-691-17349-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Smith, William L. (1995). [*Rāmāyaṇa Traditions in Eastern India: Assam, Bengal, Orissa*](https://books.google.com/books?id=GlJ5AAAAMAAJ&q=menaka+janaka). Munshiram Manoharlal. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-215-0668-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-215-0668-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Raviṣeṇa; Nagar, Shanti Lal (2008). [*Padmacarita*](https://books.google.com/books?id=-WoLAQAAMAAJ&q=menaka+janaka). Eastern Book Linkers. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-7854-137-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7854-137-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Doniger, Wendy (30 September 2010). [*The Hindus: An Alternative History*](https://books.google.com/books?id=nNsXZkdHvXUC&dq=menaka+janaka&pg=PA229). OUP Oxford. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-959334-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-959334-7).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_13-1) Thapar, Romila (12 April 2011). [*Sakuntala: Texts, Readings, Histories*](https://books.google.com/books?id=sY2o_SE1MisC&dq=menak%C4%81&pg=PA31). Columbia University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-231-52702-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-231-52702-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** S. Sorensen (1904). [*An Index To The Names In The Mahabharata*](http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.98210). Motilal Banarsidass.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_15-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:0_15-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-:0_15-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-:0_15-5) Mani, Vettam (1 January 2015). [*Puranic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Work with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature*](https://books.google.com/books?id=mvXsDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1). Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 501 (Menaka), 811 (Urnayu). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-208-0597-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-208-0597-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Archive, Internet Sacred Text. ["The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Sambhava Parva: Secti... | Sacred Texts Archive"](https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01072.htm). *Internet Sacred Text Archive*. Retrieved 18 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Young, Serinity (2 January 2018). [*Women Who Fly: Goddesses, Witches, Mystics, and other Airborne Females*](https://books.google.com/books?id=XL9EDwAAQBAJ&dq=menak%C4%81&pg=PA123). Oxford University Press. pp. 121–3. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-065970-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-065970-7).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:3_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:3_18-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:3_18-2) Sattar, Arshia (22 June 2017). ["The ultimate male fantasy"](https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/analysing-the-episode-of-apsara-menaka-and-sage-vishwamitra/article19125560.ece). *The Hindu*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0971-751X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0971-751X). Retrieved 5 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** www.wisdomlib.org (10 January 2021). ["Menakā Meets Viśvāmitra \[Chapter 42\]"](https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-skanda-purana/d/doc493352.html). *www.wisdomlib.org*. Retrieved 18 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Dikshitar, V R Ramachandra (1952). [*The Purana Index (from T To M) Vol-II*](https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.142283/page/n696/mode/1up?q=).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Chaturvedi, Namrata (28 March 2020). [*Memory, Metaphor and Mysticism in Kalidasa's AbhijñānaŚākuntalam*](https://books.google.com/books?id=BZmaEAAAQBAJ&dq=menak%C4%81+k%C4%81l%C4%ABd%C4%81sa&pg=RA1-PT183). Anthem Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-78527-322-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-78527-322-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Kālidāsa (23 January 2003). [*Complete Works of Kalidasa: Plays*](https://books.google.com/books?id=eF1c_Zn_di0C&q=Menak%C4%81&pg=PA157). Sahitya Akademi. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-260-1484-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-260-1484-2).

## External links

- Quotations related to [Menaka](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Menaka) at Wikiquote

- Media related to [Menakā](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Menak%C4%81) at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Apsaras and Gandharvas in Hindu mythology Apsaras Urvashi Rambha Menaka Tilottama Ghritachi Pramlocha Tara Añjanā Gandharvas Vishvavasu Tumburu Chitrasena Chitraratha Narada Chitrangada Pururavas more Associated concepts Ap (water) Soma (drink) Gandharva marriage Kama Svarga Panchāpsaras

v t e Hindu deities and texts Gods Trimurti Brahma Vishnu Shiva Agni Ashvins Chandra Dattatreya Ganesha Hanuman Indra Kama Kartikeya Krishna Kubera Rama Shasta Surya Varuna Vayu Vishvakarma Yama more Goddesses Tridevi Saraswati Lakshmi Parvati Aditi Bhumi Chhaya Durga Ganga Gayatri Indrani Kali Mahadevi Mahavidya Matrikas Radha Rati Rohini Rukmini Sanjna Sati Shakti Shashthi Sita more Deity groups Adityas Apsaras Asuras Daitya Danavas Devatas Dikpalas Gandharvas Ganas Gramadevatas Kuladevatas Kinnaras Kimpurushas Maruts Navagraha Pitṛs Rakshasas Rudras Ribhus Sadhyas Vahanas Vasus Vidyadharas Yakshas / Yakshini Texts (list) Vedas Rig Sama Yajur Atharva Upanishads Puranas Ramayana Mahabharata Bhagavad Gita Yoga Sutras of Patanjali more Hinduism Hindu mythology

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Menaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menaka) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menaka?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.