Apsara Adrika's artwork from the epic Mahabharata was inspired by mermaids. Story: Apsara Adrika, a celestial nymph was having fun with their friends in the waters of Yamuna. Apsaras were known to visit earth at night and return to heaven before dawn. Adrika had come a little early that day to swim in the river Yamuna. Around that time, a Sage visited the Yamuna to perform his Sandhya Vandana. Adrika thought of having some fun with the Sage, she playfully pulled his legs. The Sage was agitated and fumed with anger. He cursed Apsara Adrika to remain as a fish in the waters of the Yamuna. Adrika begged out for mercy, and Sage eased the curse, saying she may return to her original form once she delivered human babes from her womb.