# The Curse of the Apsara

- Link: https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/the-curse-of-the-apsara/
- Published: 2026-10-30T02:32:46+05:30
- Author: MAHENDRA MANCHIKALAPATI

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The Curse of the Apsara

✦Anjana’s story from the Ramayana

# The Curse of the Apsara

Anjana’s changed life becomes part of the story of her extraordinary son, Hanuman.

📖 2-minute read🍃 Ages 5–11✨ Reading carefully without inventing missing details

[Begin reading ](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/the-curse-of-the-apsara/#sf-story-text)
[More cultural & mythological tales](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/)

![Anjana in modest traditional forest clothing gently holds young monkey-faced Hanuman
in a leafy mountain grove.](https://thecuriosi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/anjana-
hanuman-illustration.png)

**Anjana and her extraordinary son**Read together · Retell · Imagine

Settle in and read at your pace

A story to read together

## The Curse of the Apsara

Take your time. Let the story unfold.

At the seashore, Jambavan reminds Hanuman of his strength. His account begins with
Hanuman’s mother, Anjana, and her earlier celestial life.

Chapter one

### An earlier name

Anjana was once the apsara Punjikasthala, a celestial maiden. A curse brought her
to earth in vanara form. The passage tells us that this happened, but does not explain
the offence behind it.

Chapter two

### A changed life

On earth she is known as Anjana and becomes Kesari’s wife. She can change her form
at will. Her life belongs now to the mountain and forest world in which Hanuman 
will be born.

Chapter three

### The wind god’s promise

Vayu, the wind god, promises that Anjana will have a courageous and intelligent 
son, gifted with extraordinary power. Hanuman is born. His connection with Vayu 
becomes an important part of how his strength is remembered.

Chapter four

### A story carried forward

Much later, Jambavan recalls this family story to encourage Hanuman before the great
leap across the sea. Remembering his origins helps him face the task ahead. Anjana’s
story remains part of her son’s larger journey.

The end

### Story path

[01An earlier name](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/the-curse-of-the-apsara/#sf-chapter-1)
[02A changed life](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/the-curse-of-the-apsara/#sf-chapter-2)
[03The wind god’s promise](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/the-curse-of-the-apsara/#sf-chapter-3)
[04A story carried forward](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/the-curse-of-the-apsara/#sf-chapter-4)

### Word basket

**apsara**a celestial maiden in Hindu sacred literature

**vanara**one of the monkey-like people in the Ramayana

**celestial**belonging to the heavens

**origins**where someone or something begins

**Tradition and retelling**

A condensed retelling from Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda 66, with adult details
omitted. This passage does not name the cause of Anjana’s curse or describe its 
removal.

Traditional account: [Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, sarga 66](https://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/kish/sarga66/kishkindha_66_prose.htm)

## After the final page

There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.

Remember

What earlier name does the story give Anjana?

Think

Why does Jambavan recall Hanuman’s origins?

Imagine

What question about the curse does this passage leave unanswered?

**Make something:** Make a three-picture story path: Anjana’s earlier life, Hanuman’s
birth, and Jambavan’s encouragement. Tell only what the story gives you; mark an
unanswered question with a question mark.

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