When Trishanku went to heaven, Indra refused to admit him as he had disobeyed his teacher, Vasishtha. He was returning when Vishwamitra held him up. That is why Trishanku was caught between earth and heaven for all time! Vishwamitra had used up all the merit of his austerities, so he began them all over again. This time the devas were worried, so they sent the apsara, Menaka, to disturb his meditation. His meditation was broken by Menaka with whom he spent some time. Then, remembering his wish to be a Brahma Rishi, he started his austerities again. His meditation was deep and firm this time and finally Brahma was so pleased that he hailed him as a Brahma Rishi. Vishwamitra had learnt a lot from his mistakes. He went to Vasishtha humbly to seek his agreement too. He was satisfied only when Vasishtha accepted him as a Brahma Rishi!
Trishanku
