Meenakshi

"What is something that never dies but lives a thousand lives at once?"

- Aru Shah and the Song of Death

Meenakshi (pronounced: "mee-NAHK-shee"), or Surpanakha ("SOOR-pah-nah-kuh"), is a character who appeared in Ramayana.

History
Meenakshi's name was given to her parents, Vishrava and Kaikesi, when she was born. She grew up, married a rakshasa named Vidyutjihva and was content. But Vidyutjihva was a greedy, and so her brother, Ravana, killed him. Meenakshi was devastated and she searched the world to find a cure for her sorrow, she was soon referred to as Surpanakha instead of her birth name.

One day in the forest, she found King Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Laxmana, and was attracted to the men. She thought she was too forthcoming in her affection, she was never shy about things she wanted and saw no reason to start. She wanted one of the men to marry her so they'd be safe, but Rama kindly didn't want another wife and Laxmana just outright refused. He ridiculed Surpanakha for even thinking that she would be one of their brides. Stricken Surpanakha got filled with wounded pride and grief, out of fury she tried to attack Sita but Laxmana cut her nose off. She ran to brother because of this, in response Ravana kidnapped Sita which made Rama start a war. Surpanakha regretted attacking Sita but not her boldness despite the outcome.

Overtime, Meenakshi's story was less told than often and eventually changed to the point where people only remember her for starting the war in Ramayana.

Appearance
Meenakshi had gleaming golden-brown skin, her hair a mass of dark ringlets studded with small jewels. Her eyes were almond-shaped and tapered to a point, her irises were red like warmed-up cherries drizzled in chocolate. Her canine teeth were a tad longer and sharper than most people's. Meenakshi's nails were long in a fashionable way. She wore a pair of dark jeans and a long-sleeved golden silk blouse.

Trivia

 * The name, Meenakshi, means the one with fish-shaped eyes. It is also another name for the goddess, Parvati.